In Dynasty Warriors 9, players will explore China as it existed when feudal warlords vied for dominance over the land – the waning days of the Han dynasty and emergence of the Three Kingdoms era. Setting out to complete various objectives, players will utilize an unprecedented world map to navigate and traverse a variety of different landscapes ranging from vast plains to snow-covered peaks presented with dynamic day/night and weather cycles. Exploring these impressive environments is made more engaging through the ability to adapt to surroundings to gain an upper hand in battle, with players able to use equipment to circumvent obstacles or blend in to avoid conflict.

The sweeping new narrative of Dynasty Warriors 9 is portrayed across the game’s Critical Missions and Regular Missions which intertwine to allow players to experience history across a multitude of perspectives and battles throughout the whole of China. 83 characters from the Dynasty Warriors series make their return in addition to new faces such as Cheng Pu, a long-term retainer who supported three generations of the Sun family and contributed to the expansion and stability of the Wu kingdom.

In addition to introducing the game’s story, characters, and locations, the trailer highlights the brand-new State Combo system, which allows players to use a wide selection of options during attacks.

• Flow Attacks create move-set combos that differ depending on the enemy’s position and seamlessly continue when enemies become prone, are in mid-air, or stunned.
• Reactive Attacks are extremely versatile and can range from counterattacks, dash attacks, assaults, to guard breaks and finish moves.
• Trigger Attacks are powerful moves that change an enemy's state.

Attacks will change depending on the combination of buttons pressed.

Whether players choose to follow the main storyline quests or spend time exploring the vast natural wonders of China – from the lush cedar woods and bamboo forests of Chengdu to the legendary Great Wall - the ongoing war will continue to rage along their journey. Skirmishes, clashes, special side missions, and larger scale conflicts can be engaged at the player’s will as they venture through far –reaching lands, allowing for a sense of freedom of choice for the player previously unfelt in previous DYNASTY WARRIORS titles. These battles range from scouting missions to discover powerful enemy officers, to guerilla actions to subdue messengers and scouts, to outright sabotage on enemy supply troops; success in these combat engagements offer great rewards and have an effect on future battles’ difficulty.

KOEI TECMO confirmed that Omega Force’s latest entry in the action franchise, Dynasty Warriors 9, will be released on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam) in early 2018.