New Samurai Warriors characters unsheathed

Today Koei unveiled three new characters from its upcoming Samurai Warriors. The Omega Force-developed tactical action game already features a stable of characters--Sanada Yukimura, Akechi Mitsuhide, Maeda Keiji, and Hattori Hanzo (no relation to the Kill Bill sword master)--loosely based on real-life Japanese daimyo, or warlords.

Joining this illustrious group are two new samurai, Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578) and Takeda Shingen (1521-1573). Kenshin, who was also known as the "The Dragon of Echigo," was a feared samurai who conquered the strategic Kanto plain outside Toyko before becoming a monk. Shingen, aka "The Worthy Tiger," led a decidedly un-monkish path, exiling his own father, expanding his empire, and eventually crushing the armies of Oda Nobunaga and Ieyasu Tokugawa at the Battle of Mikatagahara in 1572.

In addition to the two new warriors, Koei also shed some light on a female character called Oichi. In the release provided to GameSpot, she is described as being based on the younger sister of Oda Nobunaga who was married off to one of his rivals, Asai Nagamasa, as a peace gesture. Of course, knowing Nobunaga the gesture didn't last, and Oichi perished alongside her husband when her brother destroyed their family stronghold, Otani Castle. However, in a previous report from Japan, Koei mentioned a shadowy character named "Kunoichi," who was described as a female ninja. Was Oichi leading a double life? (After all, she was a Nobunaga…).

What role all three characters will play in Samurai Warriors is unclear. What is known is the PlayStation 2-exclusive title will feature tactical action gameplay similar to Dynasty Warriors series, also developed by Omega Force. However, instead of being set medieval China, Samurai Warriors will be set in 16th and 17th Century Feudal Japan. GameSpot will have more details on the game, which is currently slated for a March 2004 release, as they become available.