Dynasty Warriors 9 details Xu Sheng, Cao Pi, Zhenji, Xingcai, Zhang Bao, Wang Yuanji, and Sima Zhao, new actions
Introducing Flow, Reactive, and Trigger attacks.
Koei Tecmo has updated the official website for Dynasty Warriors 9 with information and screenshots of new playable officer Xu Sheng, returning officers Cao Pi, Zhenji, Xingcai, Zhang Bao, Wang Yuanji, and Sima Zhao, and the game’s new actions.
Get the details below.
■ Characters
◆ Wei
Zhenji (voiced by Yuuko Sumitomo)
A true Femme Fatale, Zhenji was known to have skin as smooth as a gem and a face as lovely as a flower. Although she had a passion for music and song, she was often difficult to approach due to her cold, distant personality and her majestic and dignified mannerism. After Cao Cao’s subjugation of the Ji Province, his son, Cao Pi, took in Zhenji as his wife.
Cao Pi (voiced by Nobutoshi Canna)
As the son of Cao Cao, the King of Wei, he was destined to inherit his father’s ambition. Although he had the capability and the potential to unify the next generation, he became cold and condescending due to his upbringing and high level of intelligence. However, this allowed him to become skilled in calmly evaluating any situation and responding appropriately.
◆ Wu
Xu Sheng (voiced by Tarusuke Shingaki)
Serving as a military general of Sun Quan, he played a key role in the battles at Chibi, Hefei, and the in the invasion of Jing. He was known for his “fake towers” ruse which caused Cao Pi to retreat believing Sun Quan knew of his attack and had the city heavily fortified beforehand.
◆ Shu
Xingcai (voiced by Junko Noda)
As the daughter of Zhang Fei, she was born in chaotic times and grew up surrounded by the mighty warriors that followed Liu Bei. After her decision to stand on the battlefield, she made it her calling to protect Liu Bei’s son, Liu Shan, from any that would harm him. Unlike her father, she was a calm warrior who never let her emotions run rampant.
Zhang Bao (voiced by Daisuke Sakaguchi)
As the son of Zhang Fei, he grew to be as skilled in battle as his father. Along with his brother-in-law, Guan Xing, his skills were proven to be a valuable asset in the many battles in the Northern Campaign. With a strong sense of responsibility, he often enjoyed taking care of others.
◆ Jin
Wang Yuanji (voiced by Kanae Itou)
As the daughter of the Wei minister, Wang Su, she showed both intelligence and courage from a young age. Although extremely polite and kind to those weaker than her, she openly spoke her mind to those she considered family.
Sima Zhao (voiced by Daisuke Kishio)
As the second son of Sima Yi, he was often viewed as lacking when compared to his perfect brother, Sima Shi, due to his playful and happy-go-lucky personality. Despite this, he always remained focused on what was important during vital situations.
The base Warriors action system has been renewed with the State Combo System, where attacks change depending on the enemy’s state, and Interactive Action, allowing players to take advantage of the surrounding terrain and environment.
State Combo System
Building upon the base Warriors action system, the new State Combo System allows for a variety of attack combinations: “Flow Attacks” are combo attacks that change depending on an enemy’s state; “Reactive Attacks” create optimal attacks for the situation at hand; and “Trigger Attacks” which can trigger combos.
For example, the following sequence [Guard Break (Reactive Attack)] → [Combo Attack (Flow Attack)] → [Aerial Launch (Trigger Attack)] → [Final Blows (Flow Attack)] → [Slam into the Ground (Reactive Attack)] is a sample of switching between the three types of attacks. Players can switch through the attack types to create their own endless and flexible sequences of attacks.
—Flow Attacks (Square Button)
Attacks that change depending on an enemy’s state, whether they’re downed, mid-air or in a normal state. Quick combo attacks can inflict a lot of damage to the enemy.
—Reactive Attacks (Triangle Button)
Attacks that change according to the situation between the player and enemy, and allow players to create favorable situations.
Reactive Attacks include:
Counter Attack – An attack that occurs when an enemy is about to attack.
Separating Attack – An attack that creates distance between the player and a nearby enemy.
Dash Attack – An attack that allows you to suddenly close in on a distant enemy.
Smash Attack – An attack that smashes a mid-air enemy into the ground.
Guard Break – An attack that occurs when an enemy is guarding. The enemy’s guard is cancelled.
Assault Attack – An attack that allows you to suddenly close in on an enemy that has not seen you, and deals heavy damage.
Finish Attack – An attack that occurs after repeatedly attacking and dealing a certain amount of damage. With a Finish Attack, you can defeat an enemy regardless of their Health.
—Trigger Attack
Powerful attacks that change an enemy’s state. After landing attacks, aim Flow Attacks at the enemy to perform desired multiple action sequences.
Trigger Attacks include:
R1 + Square – Stun enemies for a period of time.
R1 + Triangle – Launch enemies into the air.
R1 + X – Knock down enemies.
—Special Technique (R1 + Circle)
Powerful attacks unique to each officer.
Interactive Actions
Players can take advantage of objects that appear on the field as well natural fixtures such as rivers that exist on the surrounding terrain and environment.
In addition to actions that can occur while on the move such as using grappling hooks to climb walls and swimming across grand rivers, players can launch flaming arrows into oil barrels to induce explosions, perform wall jumps, and fish at the water’s edge for broader strategic gameplay.
Interactive Actions further increase the level of freedom offered to players on the field.
Dynasty Warriors 9 will launch for PlayStation 4 in Japan, and for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in North America and Europe. A release window has yet to be announced for any region.
