Dynasty Warriors 9 - New Gameplay Demonstration and Information

[ChupathingyX]

So just recently and in the past few weeks some rather major reveals and information has been shown regarding Dynasty Warriors 9. To start off we've got some juicy new character designs:

Cao Cao [http://i.imgur.com/jlnV3cE.jpg]
Liu Bei [http://i.imgur.com/VIadvcC.jpg]
Sun Jian [http://i.imgur.com/MTiOklx.jpg]
Sun Quan [http://i.imgur.com/4FmBGZl.jpg]
Yuan Shao [http://i.imgur.com/4q3H8rG.jpg]
Diaochan [http://i.imgur.com/5jcU4Ay.jpg]

Also, Koei revealed an image of Liu Bei without facial hair [http://i.imgur.com/dbZba7j.jpg], to show an ever slightly growing advance towards an ageing system.

And just recently, Koei demonstrated some gameplay at a Hong Kong video game and anime expo.

Some things of note.
-The game will receive an official Chinese dub. Whether or not this will be available in the Japanese or Western versions however is unknown.
-The AI in this video was purposely simplified for demonstration purposes and does not represent the final product (not that I'm expecting anything great...)
-There will be fast travel
-Guan Yu's moveset is almost completely different to the previous one he had, which may bode well for the rest of the cast.
-Cao Cao and Yuan Shao both have different hairstyles in that video, suggesting they too may have a slight ageing system to their models.
-The musou system seems to be a mixture of DW5+SW4.
-They have brought back dodging from DW6
-The way the new combat system works is as you're attacking you can press two other buttons (e.g. R1 and square, or X and square) at the same time to change the attack string. There is also a reaction system where you press a certain button when prompted to perform a counterattack.

Finally, Koei are considering demonstrating the game further at Tokyo Game Show this year.

 

[Saelune]

Wow, they are pushing the DW5 throwback HARD. I actually prefer Yuan Shao in 6-8 more. And this Liu Bei...looks weird, like an actor playing Liu Bei.

I do prefer DW5's version of many characters, but some were improved by DW6's revamp, like Sun Jian.

Anyways, to add, Cheng Pu and Man Chong are other confirmed new characters so far. I wish they would focus on filling in the gap of Cao Pi's reign, as well as the fall of Wu though. But who knows how many new characters will be added? Atleast 2 per kingdom most likely, but beyond that, dunno. Plus I still want Yuan Shu, he is too involved in the early period to have taken so long.

Also still unsure of this "open world" business. I love Open World, but not when it is just alot of nothing between areas.

 

[Saelune]

Thinking about it now, alot of costumes from 8 look like what they would have looked like in 9 if not for already being made. Xu Huang, Xiahou Yuan and Huang Zhong for example, all had costumes that were seemingly based off of 5.

 

[ChupathingyX]

Wow, they are pushing the DW5 throwback HARD. I actually prefer Yuan Shao in 6-8 more. And this Liu Bei...looks weird, like an actor playing Liu Bei.

I do prefer DW5's version of many characters, but some were improved by DW6's revamp, like Sun Jian.

I prefer DW4/5's Yuan Shao design, voice and personality wise, but personally I think this new design, sans the helmet, is more reminiscent of his more recent designs (particularly 8), especially in regards to his face.

As for Sun Jian, I love his 8 design, and it would be my favourite if only he had a nice looking helmet on (his 5 design is still my fav). His new design feels like a slightly sub par fusion of his 5 and 8 design - it's not bad, but it's not great.

+1 to Yuan Shu being added, he's well overdue. I also wouldn't mind seeing Yuan Shao's yandere wife added to the roster. She'd make a fun character, and she has more longevity than most Yuan Shao/Shu characters.

 

[ChupathingyX]

Another interview in Chinese [https://tieba.baidu.com/p/5244893555] has basically confirmed the game will receive an English dub.
Translation here. [http://s13.zetaboards.com/koeiwarriors/single/?p=30137701&t=9061893]

In the video shown during the panel there was a Chinese dub. What do you think of it?
S: I think it's pretty satisfactory. While in production we recorded the Japanese voices first, then recorded in order the voices in Chinese, English and other languages, selecting voice actors based on the unique traits of each character. However the recording process isn't finished yet, we still aren't sure (about the foreign voices) for some characters.

 

[BrawlMan]

I have to say that this does look interesting. I'm usually not into open world games, but I don't mind this shift. Koei Tecmo wants to try something new and not stagnate so I'm all for it. With the addition of fast travel it makes getting from place to place easier, so I'm glad they kept that in mind. I am surprised that they are using the countering system from Samurai Warriors 4.

My my experience with the series as limited as I've only completed three of the games in the series: Samurai Warriors 4, Dynasty Warriors 8, and Hyrule Warriors. I will add this on my possibly get later notice.

 

[TrulyBritish]

Got to admit, pretty excited except for the fact I recently tried playing Dynasty Warriors 8 XL on PC and absolutely hated the port. Please don't fuck that up Koei, i really don't want to have to save up for a console just to play one of my favourite series.

 

[Saelune]

I have to say that this does look interesting. I'm usually not into open world games, but I don't mind this shift. Koei Tecmo wants to try something new and not stagnate so I'm all for it. With the addition of fast travel it makes getting from place to place easier, so I'm glad they kept that in mind. I am surprised that they are using the countering system from Samurai Warriors 4.

My my experience with the series as limited as I've only completed three of the games in the series: Samurai Warriors 4, Dynasty Warriors 8, and Hyrule Warriors. I will add this on my possibly get later notice.

Dynasty Warriors actually tries alot of different stuff that anti-fans will never appreciate. Dynasty Warriors 6 itself tried to be a "reboot" of the game, 7 fixed alot of what people felt were bad changes while adding Jin, and thus a ton more to the story, and 8 finished fixing all the faults 6 left us with while polishing what 7 gave us, and honing the side game mode that Im sure was a big influence on 9.

Dont believe what the haters say. "Its just the same game" is a massive overstatement.

Another interview in Chinese [https://tieba.baidu.com/p/5244893555] has basically confirmed the game will receive an English dub.
Translation here. [http://s13.zetaboards.com/koeiwarriors/single/?p=30137701&t=9061893]

In the video shown during the panel there was a Chinese dub. What do you think of it?
S: I think it's pretty satisfactory. While in production we recorded the Japanese voices first, then recorded in order the voices in Chinese, English and other languages, selecting voice actors based on the unique traits of each character. However the recording process isn't finished yet, we still aren't sure (about the foreign voices) for some characters.

I hope we dont get too many voice changes from 8. Maybe give Vic Mignogna fewer roles though, and bring back Zhang Liao, since I just hear Liu Bei in 8XL.

I wonder if some DW5 voices might return. I do like 8 Yuan Shao more than 5, but 5's voice might suit him better for this look.

 

[BrawlMan]

I have to say that this does look interesting. I'm usually not into open world games, but I don't mind this shift. Koei Tecmo wants to try something new and not stagnate so I'm all for it. With the addition of fast travel it makes getting from place to place easier, so I'm glad they kept that in mind. I am surprised that they are using the countering system from Samurai Warriors 4.

My my experience with the series as limited as I've only completed three of the games in the series: Samurai Warriors 4, Dynasty Warriors 8, and Hyrule Warriors. I will add this on my possibly get later notice.

Dynasty Warriors actually tries alot of different stuff that anti-fans will never appreciate. Dynasty Warriors 6 itself tried to be a "reboot" of the game, 7 fixed alot of what people felt were bad changes while adding Jin, and thus a ton more to the story, and 8 finished fixing all the faults 6 left us with while polishing what 7 gave us, and honing the side game mode that Im sure was a big influence on 9.

Dont believe what the haters say. "Its just the same game" is a massive overstatement.

Another interview in Chinese [https://tieba.baidu.com/p/5244893555] has basically confirmed the game will receive an English dub.
Translation here. [http://s13.zetaboards.com/koeiwarriors/single/?p=30137701&t=9061893]

In the video shown during the panel there was a Chinese dub. What do you think of it?
S: I think it's pretty satisfactory. While in production we recorded the Japanese voices first, then recorded in order the voices in Chinese, English and other languages, selecting voice actors based on the unique traits of each character. However the recording process isn't finished yet, we still aren't sure (about the foreign voices) for some characters.

I hope we dont get too many voice changes from 8. Maybe give Vic Mignogna fewer roles though, and bring back Zhang Liao, since I just hear Liu Bei in 8XL.

I wonder if some DW5 voices might return. I do like 8 Yuan Shao more than 5, but 5's voice might suit him better for this look.

I never believed most of the people saying all Dynasty Warrior games are the same; especially X-Play or ScrewAttack. I meant that back then I didn't have much interest in the series though. It didn't help that games like Devil May Cry and its ilk spoiled me. I think a part of the other reason was it was some spite on my part, because Streets of Rage or final fight never got a good 3D games. God Hand later filled that void.

It was Jim Sterling that convinced me to give them a shot. I bought Hyrule Warriors at full price, I bought sw4 and dw8 used. I don't approve some of their practice s (SW4-II), yet not as bad as a lot of other developers.

 

[ChupathingyX]

We got three new designs: Ling Tong, Gan Ning and Xu Zhu.

Also there have been more gameplay demonstrations. Due to a combination of work and other engagements I haven't actually had the chance to watch them, but here they are.

I wonder if some DW5 voices might return. I do like 8 Yuan Shao more than 5, but 5's voice might suit him better for this look.

I do know that some VAs from DW5 went union afterwards (such as Steve Blum), so they definitely won't be returning unless Koei pulls out some big bucks.

 

[Saelune]

I never believed most of the people saying all times Warrior games are the same; especially X-Play or ScrewAttack. I meant that back then I didn't have much interest in the series though. It didn't help that games like Devil May Cry and its ilk spoiled me. I think a part of the other reason was it was some spite on my part, because Streets of Rage or final fight never got a good 3D games. God Hand latered filled that void.

It was Jim Sterling that convinced me to give them a shot. I bought Hyrule Warriors at full price, I bought sw4 and dw8 used. I don't approve some of their practice s (SW4-II), yet not as bad as a lot of other developers.

SW4-II was...weird. It wasnt labeled well, and peopl ehave enough trouble understanding what the difference between the main series and Empires series is. They should have just made a proper Xtreme Legends expansion, which is unclear if one will come out, cause they -said- 4II was NOT Xtreme Legends.

And atleast with DW8, they made it so costume DLC works across games, ie costumes for DW8 works for 8Xl and for Empires. And though they do go overload with DLC, its never anything big that you need. I LOVE DW, but I -never- buy costume DLC.

 

[Saelune]

We got three new designs: Ling Tong, Gan Ning and Xu Zhu.

I wonder if some DW5 voices might return. I do like 8 Yuan Shao more than 5, but 5's voice might suit him better for this look.

I do know that some VAs from DW5 went union afterwards (such as Steve Blum), so they definitely won't be returning unless Koei pulls out some big bucks.

Those arent "new" designs ;P

I like Sun Jian's current voice actor just fine. Their current cast is mostly fine, just bring back Zhang Liao mainly.

I hope Yueying's design doesnt bring back her hair and weird helmet. I like the long red hair.

 

[ChupathingyX]

I hope Yueying's design doesnt bring back her hair and weird helmet. I like the long red hair.

Considering recent DW5+8 design trends, she'll probably get the long red hair with a more military styled uniform I'm assuming.

The real question is what weapon will she get.

 

[Saelune]

I hope Yueying's design doesnt bring back her hair and weird helmet. I like the long red hair.

Considering recent DW5+8 design trends, she'll probably get the long red hair with a more military styled uniform I'm assuming.

The real question is what weapon will she get.

I hope Wang Yi gets her Trisula back, and I hope Liu Shan gets a better weapon than a fucking bench! It doesnt have to be a rapier, but I thought it suited him quite well.

As for Yueying, I am fine with either. Whatever they give her, they should still use the other weapon for someone. Probably the arm crossbow-blade, since its supposed to reflect her inventive skills.

 

[Saelune]

They keep switching character's weapons for NO GOOD REASON!

Now Zhang He has Wang Yuanji's throwing daggers instead of his siganture claws, and Ma Dai has Zhang Liao's dual halberds instead of his Paint Brush...

WHY!? D:<

I usually stick to EX weapons, but not this time.

 

[ChupathingyX]

They keep switching character's weapons for NO GOOD REASON!

Now Zhang He has Wang Yuanji's throwing daggers instead of his siganture claws, and Ma Dai has Zhang Liao's dual halberds instead of his Paint Brush...

WHY!? D:<

I usually stick to EX weapons, but not this time.

One of the reasons I haven't been making any new threads or updating this one is just how disappointing all the choices have been since. I was already a bit worried but these recent reveals feel like steps back. Depending on how things keeps going this will either end up being a bargain bin pick up or I'll just wait for DW10 which will probably be what DW8 was to 7.

Oh well, at least there's the western poll results to look forward to...

EDIT: Speaking of the poll, the top 3 have been revealed.

3rd. Cao Cao
2nd. Zhang Liao
1st. Xiahou Dun.

Not surprising in the slightest.

EDIT 2: And here are the rest of the rankings. Two of my votes got in the top 10 which isn't too bad.