'Dynasty Warriors 9' release date, news: New game to feature an open-world setting

"Dynasty Warriors 8" screenshot. Koei

"Dynasty Warriors" will be reborn into an open-world game for its ninth incarnation

Famitsu has unveiled the details about "Dynasty Warriors 9." According to the Japanese publication, the upcoming game will be the first time that the series will feature an open-world setting. Unlike in the past version in which players will need to beat levels in the game to proceed to the next part of the story, missions in the new game will instead be given to them depending on what "era" they are in. Completing main quests will allow them to move on to the next chapter. These challenges will be difficult, but these can be made easier by taking on ancillary tasks.

The open-world system will give players the liberty to explore the map, primarily by horseback. This will also allow them to attack castles, either by frontal attack or infiltration. Players can now also use a combination of attacks, which will end with a strong finishing move, when fighting an enemy.

Unlike before in which only certain units can use bows, all characters will now be able to use this weapon to make long-range attacks. The game will also feature a dynamic weather system that will affect gameplay. For instance, rain or night time can lessen enemies' line of sight, allowing players to sneak up on them to take them out. Context-sensitive actions will also be integrated in the title. For example, approaching a mountain while carrying a grappling hook will trigger a game prompt that will enable players to climb it.

The game has also added a new warlord. Cheng Pu has been revealed as carrying a dual spear as a weapon, although no other details have been shared about the character.

The date of release has not been given yet. According to Gematsu, the game is already 40 percent complete. It will be playable on PlayStation 4.

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