Info about DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires:

Official game description:
DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires Deluxe Edition
=========================================
The DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires Deluxe Edition is a set including the game and the following contents:  
・Deluxe Edition items  
\- 6 Gems / 10 Custom Ancient Officers / 3 Additional Campaign Scenarios  
・Season Pass  
Allows one to obtain various additional contents as they are released. These DLC will be released periodically until FEB 2022.  
\- Custom Parts Set (14 pieces) / 5 Additional Palaces  
・Season Pass Bonus  
\- 4 Additional Military Units  
Note: DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires is also being sold. Please confirm your product at time of purchase.  
Note: Please see our website for details on the contents and timing of the planned Season Pass DLC.  
Note: The Season Pass and the DLC available with the Season Pass will also be sold separately. Please be careful not to inadvertently purchase an item multiple times.  
Note: Please note that some of the bonuses or included items might be released for separate purchase at a later date.
About the Game
==============
**Note: A version for which in-game text has been translated to English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish is slated to be available for use from February 15th, 2022.**  
**Note: You can use your save data even if you change the game's language.**  
**However, custom officer names and officer names on original timelines will be replaced with generic names.**  
Engrave your life on the battlefield!  
A new release for the "Empires" series, which allows users to enjoy both the thrill of one-versus-a-thousand action and the intricacy of country conquering simulation!  
DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires points  
■Command your armies freely! Exciting Castle Sieges!  
Combat has evolved from the "Battles" of previous games into "Castle Sieges" that occur in the area around each castle. In an always changing environment, use devious planning and military might to enjoy this new style of battle where the biggest question is "What's the best way to take this castle?"  
■Politics System, where an Officer's character and trust can strengthen the country.  
In Politics, the choices of and the interactions between officers will determine the foundations of a force. Players are able to experience a variety of lifestyles, playing as Rulers, Generals, Unaffiliated officers, and more. Furthermore, an officers' interactions with other officers will help to strengthen the country they are a part of.  
■Live dramatically! The evolved "Edit Mode".  
The game includes the Edit Mode, a series favorite. Players can create their own Custom Officers from a wide range of parts.  
With the 94 Musou Officers and over 700 Generic Officers that appear in DYNASTY WARRIORS 9, players can more dramatically populate their very own Dynasty Warriors experience.  
Note: The DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires Deluxe Edition is also being sold. Please confirm your product at time of purchase.  
Note: Pictures are taken from the development version. It might be different in the actual game.

Release date: Dec 22, 2021

Categories: Musou-style Combat, Castle Siege, Kingdom Management, Character Creation, Relationship System, Open-World Exploration, Strategy, Action

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 75; verdict: Aggressive Monetization; summary: The game is heavily criticized for aggressive monetization practices, including day-1 DLC that strips content from the base game, a season pass with poor value, and paid costumes recycled from previous titles. Players feel the developer is milking the fan base rather than delivering a complete experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently indicate that the full price (around $60-70) is unjustified due to lack of content, unfinished state, and minimal updates. Many recommend waiting for deep discounts, with specific suggestions ranging from 70% off (roughly $18-21) to under $10. One reviewer explicitly states that even $20 is not worth it, while another would only consider buying under $10. This suggests the community's fair base-game price is well below the launch price, likely in the $10-15 range, with some willing to pay as low as $5. The evidence points to a price range of $5-15, with the upper bound constrained by the 'not worth $20' sentiment and the lower bound by the 'under $10' condition.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 50.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 50-hour statements from multiple reviews indicate that the game's content is fully exhausted around 50 hours, supporting a gameCompletion estimate of 50 hours. Session length evidence includes a recommendation that the game is great to play for only an hour a day, suggesting a typical session of about 1 hour, while another review reports a continuous 7+ hour session, but the former is more representative of typical play. No specific hour reports for story completion or endgame content were found, so those metrics are set to null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has significant early friction (repetitive battles, tedious management) but becomes addictive after a full playthrough or in the late game.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After completing one full playthrough
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: repetitive siege battles; tedious domestic management; boring open world exploration; lack of customization options; small reused maps; monotonous battle mode
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: being a fan of the series; reaching the late game; completing a full playthrough; getting into the game
- Player Archetypes:
  - Disappointed Veteran Fan (sale)
    - Motivation: Franchise loyalty and hope for a return to classic Warriors gameplay, but ultimately let down by the changes.
    - Playstyle: Compares every aspect to previous entries, expects traditional combat and content, and evaluates the game through a nostalgic lens.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: long-time fan; old fan; loyal player
    - Reference games: Dynasty Warriors 8; Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires; Dynasty Warriors 9; Dynasty Warriors 3; Warriors Orochi
  - CAW Enthusiast (no buy)
    - Motivation: Character creation and deep customization of a personal warrior.
    - Playstyle: Spends most time in the character editor, building and refining custom characters, and prioritizes CAW depth over other game modes.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Dynasty Warriors 8
  - Ruler Strategy Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Strategic management, diplomacy, and territorial control in a large sandbox.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on the strategy map, making political and military decisions, and engaging in ruler mechanics rather than direct combat.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Turned-Off Newcomer (no buy)
    - Motivation: Curiosity about the Empires series, but quickly discouraged by the game's complexity or lack of polish.
    - Playstyle: Tries the game without prior series knowledge, gets overwhelmed or underwhelmed, and abandons it early.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Combat system is satisfying (weight 0.22): Combat is described as good, satisfying, and retaining the traditional feel, with improvements over older entries. The action system has strategic depth and is fun, with combos easy to execute and satisfying.
- Game remains fun and enjoyable (weight 0.18): Multiple reviewers consistently report that the game is still fun, enjoyable, and not a bad experience overall. This positive sentiment appears across several clusters, indicating broad satisfaction with the core gameplay.
- Performance improved over previous games (weight 0.15): Reviewers note that performance and fidelity are better than Dynasty Warriors 9 and 8 Empires, with the game running at 60 FPS in full HD. This technical improvement enhances the overall experience.
- Strategy and development elements are strong (weight 0.12): The game is great as a strategy and development game, with a well-designed strategy system and lots of options to manage the kingdom. The strategy mode is well balanced and fun, and the financial management is challenging.
- Visuals and graphics are improved (weight 0.12): The game looks better visually, with improved graphics compared to DW8 Empires and beautiful original art. Character models maintain the familiar style, and cloth physics are good.
- Weapon customization and variety are praised (weight 0.11): Weapon customization is a nice mechanic change, with a great variety of weapons and the ability to choose weapons for officers. The gem system for enhancing attacks is also fun, and weapon builds are customizable.
- Roleplaying and adventure creation are supported (weight 0.11): The game is great for roleplaying and creating your own adventure, with rich events such as domestic affairs, interactions with officers, sworn brothers, and marriage. This allows for humorous scenarios and dream teams.
- Engaging conflicts and interactions (weight 0.11): The game offers engaging conflicts and character interactions, with a karma system and random events that add depth. The relationship system is improved, and family relationships are taken into account.
- AI is more competent and challenging (weight 0.09): The campaign/map AI is more competent than in the previous Empires game, and enemy AI on修罗 difficulty is challenging and requires strategy. Officer AI is better, and non-officer units feel more active during battles.
- Suitable for light and casual play (weight 0.09): The game is good for light play and fun if it suits one's taste, with easy difficulty allowing for relaxed gameplay. It is also addictive, with time passing quickly, and offers a satisfying experience when treated as a solo action game.
- Base capture and strategy gameplay return (weight 0.08): The game returns to base capture and strategy gameplay with a tight pace, and the return to small maps makes combat enjoyable. This classic structure is appreciated by veterans.
- Battles are varied and not bad (weight 0.08): Battles are not bad and very different, with interesting battle moments and a variety of battle maps per region. The battle flow and combat AI for both player and enemy forces are engaging.
- Good entry point for newcomers (weight 0.06): The game is considered a fantastic first Dynasty Warriors game, with a good balance of strategy and action. It is also noted as not so bad for discovering the franchise, making it accessible to new players.
- Stroll mode offers scenic interactions (weight 0.06): The 'Stroll' mode allows on-the-ground interactions and offers scenic locations for sightseeing, adding a relaxing and immersive element to the game. It is noted as fun and enjoyable.
- Soundtrack is great (weight 0.04): The soundtrack is praised as great and good, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game. This positive aspect is mentioned in multiple reviews.

Common complaints:
- Character creation is limited (weight 0.28): Players report that character creation offers too few presets, clothing options, and customization controls compared to previous games, making characters look similar and the system feel like a downgrade.
- Siege battles are repetitive (weight 0.22): The game focuses almost exclusively on castle siege battles, which become monotonous and lack variety in objectives and maps, leading to repetitive gameplay.
- Open world lacks purpose (weight 0.21): The open world is described as empty and meaningless, with no quests or engaging activities, serving little purpose beyond recruiting officers and fighting random enemies.
- Game is overpriced and cash grab (weight 0.1): Players perceive the game as overpriced for the content it offers, with heavy reliance on DLC monetization, leading to accusations of being a cash grab.
- Loading times are long (weight 0.08): Frequent and lengthy loading screens interrupt gameplay, causing frustration and reducing immersion.

Gameplay feedback:
- Castle siege battles central (weight 0.27): The game focuses heavily on castle siege battles, with mechanics like siege equipment and defense modes. This is a core gameplay element that players frequently mention.
- Character creation system included (weight 0.24): The game features a robust character creation system, allowing players to customize their own characters' appearance and clothing. This is a highly mentioned feature, indicating its importance to players.
- Relationship and affinity systems (weight 0.17): The game features relationship mechanics, including sworn sibling and marriage systems, allowing players to form bonds with other characters. This adds a social simulation layer.
- Open world exploration available (weight 0.16): The game includes an open world, primarily used for strolling and interacting with officers. This feature adds a non-combat dimension to the gameplay.
- Kingdom management mechanics (weight 0.14): The game involves kingdom management, including turn-based systems for resources, gold, and finances. This strategic layer is a key part of the gameplay loop.
- Musou-style action combat (weight 0.12): The game is a Musou-style action game, part of the Dynasty Warriors Empires series, where players defeat large numbers of enemies. This defines the core combat experience.
- Weapon customization options (weight 0.09): Players can customize their weapons, with a roster of options and build systems. This allows for personalized combat styles.
- Free officer play mode (weight 0.07): The game offers a free officer play mode, allowing players to take on the role of an officer rather than a ruler. This provides a different gameplay perspective.
- Flow and trigger attacks (weight 0.07): The game uses flow attacks instead of traditional combos, with a trigger attack system that includes command inputs like a fighting game. This is a unique combat mechanic.
- Officer interaction features (weight 0.07): The game features interactions with officers, allowing players to talk to and recruit them. This is a key part of the social and strategic gameplay.
- Stroll mode with hideaway (weight 0.06): The 'Stroll' mode lets players talk with people and go to a hideaway, offering a relaxed exploration experience. This is a distinct non-combat mode.
- Secret plans system (weight 0.05): The game includes a secret plan system that provides advantages when certain conditions are met. This adds a layer of tactical depth.
- Secret skills and techniques (weight 0.05): The game features a secret skill system, including secret techniques and arts. These likely provide powerful combat abilities.
- Base capture mechanics (weight 0.04): The game includes base capture and enemy officer defeat mechanics, which are central to the strategy gameplay. This is a key objective in battles.
- Combo-based combat system (weight 0.04): The game allows for nearly infinite combos, featuring a combo-based combat system. This emphasizes fluid and continuous attacks.
- Strategy and action hybrid (weight 0.04): The game is a strategy and action hybrid, combining battles with diplomacy and management. This blend is a defining feature.
- Campaign and map system (weight 0.04): The game has a campaign and map system, providing a structured progression through the game. This likely guides the player's strategic decisions.
- Various character roles (weight 0.04): The game has positions like Grand General and Strategist, as well as roles like Ruler and Tactician. This allows for diverse playstyles.
- Difficulty modes available (weight 0.04): The game includes a Chaos Mode difficulty and a hard difficulty mode, catering to players seeking a challenge. This provides replayability.
- Create-a-warrior feature (weight 0.04): The game has a create-a-warrior feature, allowing players to design their own warrior. This is similar to the character creation system but may be more combat-focused.

Performance notes:
- Poor optimization and frame drops (weight 0.14): Multiple reviews report frequent frame drops, instability, and overall poor optimization, with some noting sub-60 FPS on high-end machines. This is the most common performance complaint.
- Poor keyboard and mouse adaptation (weight 0.06): Several players criticize the keyboard and mouse controls, including poor configuration, non-configurable extra mouse buttons, and overall poor adaptation. This affects a subset of players.
- Controller configuration lost (weight 0.02): The PC version lost the controller config for one player, making the game unplayable with a controller. This is a specific but serious bug.
- Forced shutdown on exit (weight 0.02): Trying to exit the game normally forces the computer to shut down, a severe bug that affects system stability. This is a rare but critical issue.
- Texture loading errors in events (weight 0.02): Textures load incorrectly in event scenes regardless of PC performance, indicating a rendering bug. This is a specific visual issue.
- Switch version reported bad (weight 0.02): The Switch version is reported to be bad, likely due to performance or graphical compromises. This is a platform-specific complaint.
- Resolution change issue (weight 0.02): One player cannot change the resolution to 1440p, limiting display options. This is a niche but frustrating issue for high-resolution monitor users.

Recommendations:
- Wait for sale (weight 0.3): A common sentiment is that the game is not worth full price and should only be purchased at a significant discount. Reviewers recommend waiting for sales or deep discounts before buying.
- Not for Musou fans (weight 0.22): The game is not recommended for fans of the traditional Musou style or for those expecting a classic Empires experience. It may appeal only to extreme enthusiasts or newcomers.
- Positive for some (weight 0.19): A few reviewers give positive recommendations, especially for those who enjoy the Musou gameplay style, roleplaying, or are new to the franchise. They find the game fun despite its flaws.
- Alternatives recommended (weight 0.09): Reviewers suggest other games like Dynasty Warriors Orochi, Samurai Warriors, or Romance of the Three Kingdoms as better alternatives for similar experiences. They advise against buying DW9 Empires.

Other player notes:
- Worse than previous Empires (weight 0.55): Multiple reviewers compare this game unfavorably to earlier Dynasty Warriors Empires titles, especially DW8 Empires and DW7 Empires. They note it is worse in almost every aspect, with less content and missing features.
- Missing features from predecessors (weight 0.15): The game is missing many features that were present in previous Empires titles, including campaign features and customization options. Reviewers note that DW8E has better customization and unaffiliated gameplay.
- Feels unfinished (weight 0.14): Reviewers describe the game as an incomplete project or a half-finished product. They criticize the developer for the lack of polish and for the game's shortcomings.
- DLC monetization criticized (weight 0.12): The game's DLC structure is criticized, with armor sets and costumes from previous games sold as paid DLC. Some reviewers note that previously free uniforms are now monetized.
- Season pass poor value (weight 0.09): The season pass is described as pathetic value, offering only a few costumes and three interchangeable scenarios. Reviewers consider it useless and not worth the cost.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.34): The game is widely seen as a major downgrade from previous Empires titles, with stripped-down customization, fewer features, and a lack of content. The open world is empty, the strategy elements are shallow, and the game feels unfinished and abandoned by the developers.
- Frustration (weight 0.32): Players are frustrated by poor AI, tedious internal affairs, and repetitive battles. The game's balance is unfair, with constant invasions, useless allies, and a lack of meaningful rewards, compounded by technical issues and a perceived lack of developer support.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Some players find the game enjoyable for its strategy and development gameplay, engaging combat, and nostalgic feel. The return to smaller maps, fun castle sieges, and satisfying customization options provide a positive experience for those who appreciate the series' core loop.
- Anger (weight 0.06): Anger stems from the game being perceived as a cash grab, with a high price tag, exploitative DLC, and a lack of content. Players are upset by the developer's perceived laziness and greed, feeling the game is a scam that abandons the franchise's legacy.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Satisfaction comes from the game's return to base capture and strategy gameplay, with a tight pace and meaningful battle flow. The character creation system is praised for its freedom, and the strategy phase offers enough options to make ruler play rewarding.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): The game becomes monotonous due to identical level designs, tedious domestic affairs, and repetitive battles. The strolling elements are seen as a waste of time, and the overall gameplay loop fails to maintain interest over time.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is generated by the variety of options, including character creation, forming relationships, and engaging in conflicts. The new combat system, secret plans, and marriage/sworn brother events are highlighted as enjoyable and engaging features.
- Regret (weight 0.02): Regret is expressed by players who bought the game at full price, only to find it inferior to previous titles. The standard edition's missing scenarios and the loss of reliable ally NPCs and edit sharing contribute to a sense of wasted money and time.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance arises from poor customization options, forced marriage/oath mechanics, and tedious siege battles. The removal of surrender persuasion and the repetitive nature of late-game wandering armies also frustrate players.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Approval is given by players who see the game as a decent entry point for newcomers to the franchise. The romance line is considered better than in other games, and the game is seen as an improvement over the previous installment.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is triggered by comparisons to classic titles like Dynasty Warriors 3 and memories of playing with friends. The game evokes fond recollections of the series' earlier days, even if the current product doesn't live up to those memories.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy comes from the roleplaying experience and character creation, which provide a fun and satisfying combat experience. The game is described as extremely fun, with combat that is both engaging and rewarding.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from unclear objectives and a lack of direction in the game. Specific mechanics, such as the display about developing arrows, are not well explained, leaving players unsure of what to do.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is felt when losing potential experience opportunities, such as when enemies surrender, and due to a general lack of immersion. The game's shortcomings in these areas detract from the overall experience.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement is derived from the often illogical lord AI, which can be both frustrating and funny. The game also allows for enjoyable marriage events with various characters, adding a lighthearted element.
- Love (weight 0): Love is expressed for the game's open world and its overall vibe, which some players find appealing. The atmosphere and setting resonate positively with certain fans.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0): The game is described as hit or miss, with gameplay that becomes stale after completing all scenarios. Players have conflicting opinions, acknowledging both its strengths and weaknesses.
- Mildness (weight 0): The reviewer expresses their opinion without strong emotion, indicating a neutral or subdued reaction to the game. This suggests a lack of intense positive or negative feelings.
- Weirdness (weight 0): Weirdness is noted in the enemy divine beasts, which lack a sense of impact during battles. This oddity detracts from the combat experience.
- Fun (weight 0): Fun is derived from the gameplay of stomping through thousands of soldiers, accompanied by guitar solos. This classic Warriors-style action provides a simple, enjoyable experience.}