Koei's Announcements: Dynasty Warriors 7, Dynasty Warriors Gundam 3, Samurai Warriors 3 Xtreme Legends, Warriors Orochi 3, & Dynasty Warriors Online Preview

As if there was every any doubt, this is Kaiju... This time I'm bringing you some information on Koei's next installments in Dynasty Warriors, Gundam, and Warriors Orochi.

The next wave of game releases and gaming expos is right around the corner and Koei is hard at work with its highly successful 'Warriors' franchises. Currently there are 3 titles in particular that fans have their sights set on. The seventh entry in the Dynasty Warriors series, the third in the DW Gundam series, and the third in the Warriors Orochi series are all heavily anticipated.

Dynasty Warriors 7 is looking at an announcement either at next year's E3 or sometime this winter. Like previous games it will be set during the chaotic faction-based wars between Wu, Shu, and Wei- though with a greater than before focus on the lesser groups. The likes of Dong Zhou, the Nanman, the Yellow Turbans, the Yuan family, and the Eunuchs will be getting larger roles in DW7- much like their counterparts in the Three Kingdoms novel, the Chinese classic Dynasty Warriors is based on.

These lesser used factions in the Dynasty Warriors series will be getting new playable faces as well as deeper story modes in DW7. You can also expect some new warriors from Wu, Wei, and -to a lesser extent- Shu. Word has it that Jiang Wei, Pang De, Zuo Ci and Zhu Rong will be making a return to series- four of the characters dropped from the Dynasty Warriors 6 roster. There is also talk of an online co-op free mode- a heavily desired feature for the series.

As for the platforms Dynasty Warriors 7 will be landing on, it's looking to be an exclusive on the PS3. Talk of a later Wii or 360 version exists, but isn't entirely confirmed. The potential Wii version is rumored to use a modified version of its Samurai Warriors 3 engine while the PS3 and 360 will simply use a refined version of the DW6 engine. The Wii version is stated to have more characters, stages, motion control functionality, and faster load times- though fewer online options and SD graphics. The 360 and PS3 versions on the other hand will feature a greater number of enemies, HD graphics, and more fleshed out online features. Dynasty Warriors 7 will likely be releasing in 2011.

The next rumored title to be announced is Dynasty Warriors Gundam 3. The third entry in the Gundam hack & slash titles is rumored to be skipping the Xbox 360 and falling only on the PS3 and Wii- though this could merely be conjecture. Though not much is known about DW: Gundam 3, it's said that G Gundam, Gundam Wing, Gundam F91, and ZZ Gundam will be given the largest roster additions in terms of playable pilots and mobile suits. There's also talk of a new art style and expanded online options.

The friendship system in the second game's mission mode is being refined and overhauled for the third game and the statistic tracking is being deepened. The likes of Duo, Trowa, Iron Mask, Dorothy, Kyoji, and Ellie are all being discussed as potential roster updates. You can also expect to see deeper representations of Victory Gundam and Char's Counterattack. There's also word that Char and his custom Zaku II will be gracing the cover. The only other rumored information you might learn of is a supposed crossover 'official mode', similar to the first game. Dynasty Warriors Gundam 3 will either be releasing this Winter or in 2011.

Samurai Warriors 3 has been a critical success thus far- its move to being exclusive to Wii is likely to praise. Gamers have adored the new gameplay elements and refinements to the combat system- as well as the new characters. Thanks to this success, according to my source, Koei will be launching a Samurai Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends follow-up exclusively on the Nintendo Wii. The title is likely to release early in 2011. Nintendo will likely take the role as publisher in the U.S as it did previously. Not much else is known, though unique NPCs Aya and Fukushima will make fully playable appearances- as opposed to being custom-only. You can look forward to more levels, more game modes, and a deeper online experience. No word yet on a Samurai Warriors 3: Empires, but I'll keep an eye out.

The last Koei game rumored to be making an appearance at E3 is Warriors Orochi 3. Little is known about it other than potential releases on the Wii, PS3, and 360 next year. The game will feature a greater number of characters from its Samurai Warriors side as well as a 'Empires' sort of extra mode. There's no talk of an online mode just yet, but there is a supposed greater focus on the 3-man team multiplayer which will be further discussed either at E3 or this Fall.

The only other tidbit worth mentioning is that the game may follow the stateside release of Warriors Orochi: The Collective on Playstation 3- the highly popular combination of Warriors Orochi 1 & 2, as well as Dynasty Warriors Online for PC. Any of these titles could be announced at the next E3 or during the numerous autumn gaming conferences- keep your eyes on Koei in the meantime. Strange creature, traitor to the world, this has been Kaiju.