With a balanced mixture of strategy and combat, the long running Dynasty Warriors series has made an appearance in so many forms it's hard to keep count. Eight main games, with spin-offs and expansions of just about every one lurking on Xbox, PlayStation, and other systems. Plenty of content to go around, especially if huge rosters of playable characters is your thing. Empires features 83 in all. Good luck memorizing their names.
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First up, character customization. Instead of tweaking a pre-existing character to your exact specifications, DW8:E gives you and your co-op partner the tools you need to craft your own mass-murdering general. Tired of controlling handsome, svelt representations of legendary Chinese warriors? Me too! Hew a guy (or, if you prefer, a gal) from nothing, then slap on a couple hundred pounds of pure rage for the opportunity to conquer the Middle Kingdom as a Plus Sized commander. Or you could just give your character an emo haircut and a poofy sweater and call it a day.
The first of these new weapons are the Emei Piercers - sharpened metal rods that slide over one's middle fingers and are used to stab foes.
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Now, before you take to the streets and start trying to incite your own Yellow Turban Rebellion in anger, there's some good news. Koei Tecmo is pleased to placate the devastated masses by revealing the opening cinematic for DW 8: E.
Wait, what's that? Pre-order DLC's been announced, and it contains unique costume options?! So long, hellish dreamscape! I'll be in the real world, patiently awaiting my Date Mashamune, Guan Yinping, Guo Jia and Tenko costumes. Tuna sandwich, I'll never forget you.
To go with the release date announcement, Koei Tecmo has released a whole bunch of screens (viewable in the gallery below) as well as a release date trailer. The gameplay footage in the trailer is all Japanese, but you get the idea. They seem to really be focusing on character customization (including Warhorses!) and erm - story? Maybe Dynasty Warrior games have changed since I last played one on my PS2. I thought this franchise was about getting a high Yellow Turban Kill Score, gosh darnit!