Dynasty Warriors 9

Dynasty Warriors 9 (PS4, 2018) is a divisive open-world reinvention of the musou formula, trading linear battlefields for all of China to roam. While the repetitive quests, empty landscapes, and clunky AI drew criticism, the real-time weather, seamless sieges, and revamped combat (with free-flowing combos) offer glimpses of brilliance. Best for DW diehards curious about experimental ambition over polish.