Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires

Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires (真・三國無双8 Empires, Shin Sangoku Musou 8: Empires) is the Empires adaptation of Dynasty Warriors 9. The game was released in Japan on 23rd December 2021 and in the rest of the world on 15th February 2022. The Steam version was available worldwide on December 22rd, but didn't receive English support until February 15th.

Gameplay

 * One of the most drastic differences between this and the base game is that the open world format is discarded for a smaller stage-like approach similar to previous titles. It is likely that the open world will have many assets segmented and repurposed into a more traditional stage format.
 * Akihiro Suzuki elaborates that the focus is on castle sieges, with mechanics added in updates of Dynasty Warriors 9, likely to play a pivotal role in deciding the battles.
 * The create-a-character system has now been further enhanced to Nioh 2 levels with extra options from that game's system.
 * The domestic system will be expanded even further. Character relationships are said to change more frequently and have even greater effects on the gameplay than before.
 * Some of the existing features from prior Empires games are also slated to return. For example, the Ways of Life determine whether a character is a good ruler or an evil tyrant.
 * Many different positions will also be available, allowing players to start as a wandering free officer, a loyal marshal, or a leading ruler.
 * An affinity system returns, working somewhat like Dynasty Warriors 8. This one is tied to the officer class and not the held weapon, each character has an assigned class being Infantry, Cavalry and Bow which share a similar relationship to the previous Heaven, Earth and Man system. There also are other benefits e.g. units of the corresponding type will follow and protect the player, Bow characters can command the archers to fire on a targeted area etc.
 * Downloadable content consists of edit character parts and new scenarios/modes. DLC costumes from Dynasty Warriors 9 are not compatible with Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires save data.