Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends

Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends (真・三國無双7 猛将伝, Shin Sangoku Musou 7 Moushouden) is the updated expansion of Dynasty Warriors 8.

A brief character poll was held up until August 29th. The three most popular characters, Zhao Yun, Wang Yuanji, and Xu Shu, receive new costumes based on characters from other Koei-Tecmo franchises as a first print bonus. All three ports have a bundle set with Dynasty Warriors 8 which is called Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Complete Edition overseas and Shin Sangoku Musou 7 with Moushouden in Asia.

A final version was released on Nintendo Switch, including practically all content possible, called Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition overseas and Shin Sangoku Musou 7 with Moushouden DX in Asia.

Changes

 * Every character gains a second EX attack.
 * Includes a revamped bodyguard system which allows players to bring up to three bodyguards.
 * Players have the option of manually activating Storm Rush attacks by tapping and undefined simultaneously.
 * A new option that enables players to view only the enemy general's health bar has been added.
 * The maximum level cap is now 150 instead of 99.
 * Includes new sixth weapons for every weapon type as well as a new "Ultimate" difficulty mode.
 * Enables cross-platforming for multiplayer purposes. Saved data from the original title can be transferred between any port of this game. Players who have purchased either version of the PlayStation 3 port in Japan can get the downloadable PlayStation 4 version of the game for a minimal fee of 1,000 yen. The offer is available a month within the new console's release date.
 * Downloadable content so far includes costumes, music, stages and weapons.

Story Mode
As a callback to the first expansion of this type, developers have stated that Lu Bu is the "protagonist" of this port. He and his faction star in their own lengthy scenario for this title.

Various characters not playable or have a minor role within Story Mode star in an all new storyline of hypothetical scenarios, where they are eight stages long and focus on additional battles or alternate versions of existing ones. There is also the option to unlock 'Other' scenarios after completing objectives in the main four factions.

Free Mode
The user interface has been changed. Optional mission objectives vaguely based on those found within the original game's Story Mode are available for players to complete. A retry option has been added.

Ambition Mode
Ambition Mode has been revised to be a quasi-war simulation feature with the overall goal being to unite Han China. This feature is unlocked once the original goal of constructing Tongquetai Palace has been achieved. Players can build their palace by building relations with the characters they have earned in their ranks. As relations improve, the player's territory can expand. When enemy territory is challenged, the player will need to defeat a required number of its soldiers and a "boss" type commander in order to claim it.

Gems can be earned within this mode and used to customize weapons.

Challenge Mode
Returns with an online ranking system. Achieving certain challenges may reward players with weapons. Each trial corresponds with the three weapon attributes, so it may be easier to equip a character with the proper trait. Furthermore, all five courses contain elemental gem power-ups named after them to assist the player.
 * Rampage - The goal is to defeat many enemies before time runs out. The elemental gems for this course increase the user's strength in proportion to the amount of foes slain.
 * Bridge Melee - Knock as many enemies off the edge as possible. The elemental gems for this course amplify the knockback effect caused by strong attacks.
 * Speed Run - Run to the goal as soon as possible. The elemental gems for this course prevent the user from flinching upon receiving damage.
 * Arena - Fight against every playable general until the player runs out of health. The elemental gems for this course prolong the buff effects of Switch Counters.
 * Inferno - Defeat every enemy present before time runs out. The elemental gems for this course trigger explosions to damage nearby opponents.

Characters
The following characters are newcomers to the series.
 * Yu Jin
 * Zhu Ran
 * Fa Zheng
 * Chen Gong
 * Lu Lingqi

Differences between ports
The Japanese PlayStation 4 version of the title, Shin Sangoku Musou 7 with Moushouden, will automatically record any Challenge Mode sessions. Players can watch and comment on these videos live.

Players can alter the graphics setting and frame rate for the PC port. This version includes the free DLC from Dynasty Warriors 8 and Xtreme Legends:
 * BIG Puccho collaboration skins (panda, bear, Red Hare)
 * Toukiden: The Age of Demons collaboration support animal Tenko
 * V-Jump 20th Anniversary Guan Xing costume
 * V-Jump Special Zhang Bao costume
 * Wallpapers (Wei/Wu/Shu/Jin/Others)
 * BGM Sets 1 to 10
 * Additional BGM from Dynasty Warriors 3 to 7

The Nintendo Switch port will include all DLC contents.
 * The PS Vita port omits some of the extra animations for horse movement, as well as having certain assets removed (such as the editing of very few in-battle voice clips).

Expansions/Spin-Offs

 * Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition set - released 2015 in China using simplified Chinese subtitles over Japanese audio.
 * Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition - Switch-exclusive release, including all DLC.
 * Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires
 * Warriors All-Stars

Related Media
The producer was present at SCEJA Press Conference 2013 to showcase this entry. He featured gameplay footage of Hulao Gate. Director Atsushi Miyauchi was present to showcase the PS4 version of the game for Sony Computer Entertainment Japan's live broadcast series PS4 Lab. The game is apart of the PS4 launch lineup in Japan and is featured on Sony's Ustream list.

Select Lawson outlets is offering a QR code for a Wang Yuanji costume if consumers purchase their spicy tofu meat buns starting November 26. Consumers can obtain one of three unique wallpapers by scanning a special code on the meat bun wrapper.

Two character image song CDs are scheduled to be out in Japan, each featuring assorted participants from this installment. One is called Yuubu no Shou and the other is called Eichi no Shou. Voice actor commentary and a select compilation of character quotes in Ambition Mode are included.

On February 8, 2014 at Differ Ariake Arena, the third Dynasty Warriors voice actor event was held. It was called Shin Sangoku Musou Seiyuu Ranbu 2014 Spring Ultimate Live. Series composer MASA was present to play live for fans.

This game was presented as Koei-Tecmo's booth for the 2014 Kobe Three Kingdoms Garden festival. Attendees could participate in a free-to-enter tournament. A similar event is planned for this year's Sangokushi Matsuri event in autumn. The PS4 port is a part of Gamecity's PS4 Summer online shopping campaign.

Tecmo-Koei recently posted two online surveys for American and European fans to provide input on Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends. Players can provide personal opinions on who their favorite new character is, their thoughts on the soundtrack, as well as the stage designs.

Japanese Let's Players Ii Otonatachi will be playing the PS4 version of Shin Sangokushi Musou 7 with Moushouden as a part of a celebration countdown for Nico Nico's 2015 Super Conference. Registered users can watch their vocal live broadcast April 15, 21:00 (JST).

Sega has this game tie-up with their first Sangokushi Taisen Pocket collaboration event May 13~20, 2017 at Yokohama's Chinatown. Festivities will include an opening event and a cosplay event; collaboration merchandise will be sold at participating stores within Yamashitacho, Naka Ward.

Trivia

 * This is the last DW game to be released under "Tecmo Koei" banner.
 * This is the last Xtreme Legends spin-off game to be released.