TECMO Koei has announced the official release date for Warriors Orochi 3. The game will be available March 20th for the US, and March 30th for Europe. Orochi features an impressive roster of more than 120 characters from the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors games. Also, for the first time characters from Ninja Gaiden, Warriors: Legends of Troy, Bladestorm, Trinity: Souls of Zill O’ll and Dead or Alive will be playable.
The main way the Orochi games differ from the other Warriors games is instead of controlling a single character, you control a squad of three, with the ability to switch between them at any time as well as use team attacks and other special moves, similar to Marvel VS Capcom. Every character has strengths and weaknesses, and putting together a balanced team will be key. Other features include local and online co-op, new team attacks and counterattacks, and four character categories, Speed, Power, Technique, and Wonder, whose warriors can use Spirit Charges.
Years after the battle with Orochi, the Serpent King, the warriors of the Three Kingdoms and the Warring States struggle against a new foe. The Hydra attacks and defeats most of the warriors. The ones that survive travel backwards in time, aided by the mysterious Kaguya, to raise an army capable of defeating the Hydra and saving the rest of the heroes.
As a fan of Dynasty Warriors, I am very much looking forward to Warriors Orochi 3. The squad-based gameplay keeps things fresh and with over 120 characters, there are plenty to compliment personal favorites. Koei may not reinvent the genre with Warriors Orochi 3, but they know what they do best, and it looks to be a fun time. Look for Warriors Orochi 3 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on March 20th for the US, and March 30th for Europe.
