Japanese game developer and publisher Koei Tecmo, known for series such as Ninja Gaiden and Dynasty Warriors has announced plans to release a special collectors edition of their upcoming hack and slash action game Samurai Warriors 4 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series. Known as the “Special Anime Pack,” the collectors edition features a Blu-ray disc of Samurai Warriors: Legend of the Sanada, an anime set in the alternate version of Sengoku era Japan in which the game takes place, as well as a copy of the game’s official soundtrack and a number of additional DLC packs for the game.
Samurai Warriors 4 allows players to take control of one of over fifty characters, many of whom are returning from prior games in the series, in order to hack and slash their way through the battlefields of the Japanese Warring States era. The game features a set of regional stories for each of the major factions which can be played with characters connected to that region as well as a “story of unification” in which all the regional stories culminate in a final conclusion to the plot of the game. Samurai Warriors 4 is also the first game in the series to introduce a sandbox, open-world option to the game known as Chronicle Mode in which players can create their own unique character and explore the world of Sengoku Japan as a wandering mercenary, traveling between regions and taking on missions from various different factions as they see fit.
The collectors edition “special anime pack” includes several DLC packages with the purchase. Among these are a collection of special costumes for some characters, an option to use costumes from previous Samurai Warriors games on returning characters, and the ability to edit the appearance of a character’s equipment. Not included with the 10th anniversary edition are several other DLC packs, which include additional levels, new weapons, and a number of other unique costumes and customization options.
Samurai Warriors 4 was released on March 20, 2014 in Japan and was well-received by critics. The game is currently slated for a launch in late October 2014 in North America and Europe. Samurai Warriors 4 will be available on the Playstation 3, Playstation 4, and Playstation Vita; however, the 10th anniversary collectors edition will be exclusive to the Playstation 4.