This is the list of characters in Samurai Warriors. It should be noted that the same character can change depending on whether you are playing the first, second or third games in the series.Of course, considering this is Samurai Warriors, don't expect historical accuracy either.
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Introduced in Samurai Warriors 1/ 1 Xtreme Legends
"Born into the noble Sanada family who have served the Takeda clan for generations, Yukimura is a serious-minded and upstanding young warrior. Keenly aware of his duties as a samurai, he will follow his own path no matter what difficulties face him and live as he believes is right. Beneath the surface there lies a formidable fighting spirit."
- SW3 official bio
The posterboy of the series, Yukimura is regarded as one of the most powerful warriors of the Sengoku era and is admired by many, including the enemy at times. He serves Takeda Shingen to begin with and trusts in his Lord without question; later on the Takeda support the Toyotomi and so he indirectly serves Hideyoshi for a time. Sides with the Western Army.During the second game he forges a strong bond with both Mitsunari and Kanetsugu, which is the focus of his story mode. In the third game this is downplayed with a focus on his interactions with his siser-in-law, Ina.He fights with a cross-spear and his element is fire.Tropes associated with Yukimura:
Attack! Attack! Attack! - Let's face it, after Shingen's death his main strategy if his army is on the brink of losing is "charge into the Tokugawa enemy Camp and take Ieyasu the commander's head."
Badass Adorable - He's pretty much a kind-hearted, slightly awkward sort outside of battle, but one of the most powerful warriors of the era when taking on the enemy.
The nephew of Maeda Toshiie, Keiji seems to treat the chaotic world around him like a great big game.He wields a Sasumata pike and his element is Thunder.Tropes associated with Keiji:
Animal Motifs - Tigers. He is actually called a crazy tiger at one point.
It's highly likely he is wearing a wig. The alternate costume he can wear in SW1, where he has a shaved head, supports this.
Proven false. The reason for his shaved head is a homage to his counterpart shaving his hair when sent as a peaceful messenger to Ieyasu in the manga Hana No Keiji.
Bald of Awesome - His alternate costume in the first game has him dressed like a monk, with shaved head and beads.
But for Me, It Was Tuesday - A rare non-villainous case: when he arrives in Kyoto in SW1 he's confronted by some thugs who apparently has a grudge against him. He doesn't remember them, and this event leads to a huge battle between Keiji and the Miscreants.
Cool Horse - His mighty steed Matsukaze (Pine Wind). He's huge and also the fastest, strongest horse in the games.
They Changed It, Now It Sucks - Keiji is without a doubt the one who suffers this the most in the second game's dubbing. Granted, matching Steve Blum's voice is a hard work, but some people just can't stand Keiji sounding like a Surfer Dude...
The "Demon Lord of Japan", conforming closer to Evil Overlord stereotypes in the first game, but sequels have given him the Draco in Leather Pants treatment.He has his own page, but at a quick glance: he was a strategic genius with a hell of a mean streak and an awesome mustache, more often than not credited with bringing proper modern firearms tactics to Japan, and of course...being the First of the Three Unifiers (followed in turn by Hideyoshi and Ieyasu).Nobunaga wields a glowing longsword. His element was Dark (in SW1), which changed to Wind in later installments.Tropes associated with Nobunaga:
Anti-Villain - Surprisingly, more in the first game than in the second game, despite also being even more Obviously Evil in that one as well. In the second game, Nobunaga was just another power-hungry warlord; somewhat less ruthless, but also less justifiable. In the first game he had a philosophy that seemed to go beyond just desiring the entire country for himself, making him something of a Well-Intentioned Extremist. The PSP version of the first game brought this out in particular; indeed, at the end of the story path wherein he succeeds in conquering the entire land, he actually vanishes because he believes the country doesn't need another king, instructing his retainers to divide power between themselves. This angle was entirely dropped in the second game, even if he was more humanised (particularly in the end of his own storyline after killing Mitsuhide).
If you really look at it, this wasn't dropped so much as less emphasized. By the time of SW 2 he starts to see himself more as a necessary step in Japan's future but acknowledges the potential for failure if fate does in fact have other plans - he's never outright evil per se; only appearing so if you were against him and like any historian can tell you, automatically get demonized for it (no pun intended). Also note that the second game of the series highlights more the conflicts surrounding and up to the Battle of Sekigahara as opposed to the point where he was at his prime - towards the end of the period of the Kanto Trio (Ujiyasu, Shingen, and Kenshin).
He is even relegated to being the hero...sort of...in the events of the Warriors Orochi crossover for the Samurai faction. Being a massive rallying point for all the forces at various points in the games (including reciprocating a plea for assistance from the character who he is an expy of - Cao Cao).
Obviously Evil - Toyed with. His original design in SW 1 evokes this image - but each appearance afterwards makes him less evil and more devil's advocate for lack of better words.
Power Floats - Samurai Warriors 2. Activate his stance, then make him move while maintaining. Watch as he effortlessly floats several inches off the ground while surrounded in a menacing purple aura.
Perpetual Molt - He sheds pitch black feathers all over the place. This always occurs at the end of his true musou, and sometimes when he is speaking.
Pet the Dog - One of his mini-events in Empires is him being surprisingly nice towards Nene when she complains to him about Hideyoshi's philandering ways. (This is, incidentally, based on an actual letter he wrote to Nene in real life.)
"Kind-hearted, sincere and resourceful, Mitsuhide fought for the Saito clan before recognising Nobunaga's gift for leadership and becoming his vassal. While he has long fought to further his master's ambitions, doubt has recently crept into his mind regarding Nobunaga's increasingly cruel methods. Though torn, he makes his way to Honno-ji to instigate a revolt."
- SW3 official bio
Retainer of Oda Nobunaga... at least at first. Mitsuhide's characterisation contains particularly obvious changes depending on which version of the game you play (these changes are most notable when comparing SW2 to SW3), though he is usually noted as being kind and gentle at heart with the eventual goal of creating peace for the 'innocents' of Japan.Mitsuhide was portrayed as having a very strong bond with Mori Ranmaru in the first game, acting as his mentor and best friend. The impact of Mitsuhide's betrayal of Nobunaga on their bond was a focal point of both of their story modes. This was basically entirely scrapped in SW2 in favour of focusing Mitsuhide's story entirely on his interactions with his Lord, Nobunaga. The latest game in the series introduces Motochika as Mitsuhide's closest friend, and their bond plays an active part in explaining Mitsuhide's motives. The consistent point throughout all of his stories is the betrayal of Nobunaga, something that inevitably impacts the whole of Japan.His role in the first two Warriors Orochi games, however, is relatively minor. In the first he simply follows Nobunaga from start to finish, and in the second appears in one of the Shu stages, becoming available as a character in the Shu army afterwards. The third has him killed in a fire accidentally caused by gunfire from Wu troops at the battle of Honnoji, prompting No and Sun Ce to go back in time to prevent his death.He wields a katana; one of the few player characters to do so, in fact. His element of preference has been thunder consistently throughout the series.Tropes associated with Mitsuhide:
Diagonal Cut - His sword style heavily relies on Iaido.
He's Just Hiding - In-universe. Thought to be dead after Yamazaki, Mitsuhide is instead hiding. Ieyasu later finds him and asks for his help for Sekigahara, mirroring the rumor of Mitsuhide becoming Nankobou Tenkai.
Historical Hero Upgrade - He's gotten a lot of glorification for his killing of Nobunaga these days, but fact is that he betrayed his lord and was a rather self-important man who looked down on other officers that were younger than him(Ranmaru and Hideyoshi, and to a degree even Nobunaga). The game makes him a pleasant, very sympathetic, if naive young man.
Horrible Judge of Character - At least to begin with. Seriously, Mitsuhide? You believed Oda Nobunaga, called the Demon King for his ruthlessness, would create a land of compassion and peace?
Katanas Are Just Better - Oddly enough, he is one of the few playable characters to actually use one.
Long-Haired Pretty Boy - His waist-length hair is probably his most notable physical feature. Other characters make reference to it at times, including Saika Magoichi!
My God, What Have I Done? - After the invasion of the Saika Village in SW2 and when he successfully kills Nobunaga in his own story.
Older Than They Look - Would you believe he was about a decade older than Nobunaga?
Perpetual Molt - Sheds white feathers all over the place. Always happens after he completes a True Musou attack, and sometimes happens after he makes a dramatic statement.
Samurai - Even more so in the second and third games.
Take My Hand - Happens to Mitsuhide in Motochika's SW3 ending, and is used by Motochika to prove a point and make a show of support to his friend.
A chubby, good-natured thief who's always after the next big score.Wields a club and a cannon strapped to his back. His element is Thunder.Tropes associated with Goemon:
No One Could Survive That - In his last scenario in SW1, Hideyoshi puts him in a iron kettle filled with boiling water in order to execute him. Not only does he survive, he manages to tear the cauldron apart from the inside in order to free himself.
Oh Crap - Whenever he spots Hanzo on the battlefield.
Goemon: " Hanzo? Hattori? The Iga ninja!? OH NOO!!!"
Take Over Japan - After defeating Hideyoshi, he "steals" the land.
The Rival - Has varying degrees of rivalry with Nene and Hanzo in different games.
Uesugi Kenshin
Takeda Shingen's major rival, always seen drinking sake, even on the battlefield.Uses a special "seven-bladed" sword and his element is ice.Tropes associated with Kenshin:
The Alcoholic - To the point where he declares the power of Bishamonten (and his clockwork liver) allow him to imbibe as much as he wants.
The younger sister of Oda Nobunaga. Portrayed as a Genki Girl in the first game, but has calmed down in the sequels.Her weapon is a kendama (changed to bladed rings in 3) and her element is Thunder (in 1 and 2) and later Fire in 3.Tropes Associated with Oichi:
Combat Medic - One of her special abilities allows her to heal surrounding allies.
Designated Girl Fight - Oichi's gaiden stage in the second game is her versus all of the women of Samurai Warriors (and Ranmaru) to see who is the fairest of them all. Hilarity Ensues.
Dual Wielding - In the third game she uses a set of bladed rings.
The rumored founder of the kabuki theater who can always be seen trying to raise funds for her temple. Playful and flirtatious, she piles her charms on everyone she meets, male or female.Fights with a parasol and has the Fire element.Tropes associated with Okuni:
All Amazons Want Hercules - Sort of in SW1. She can end up with about 11 characters out of fifteen, but she seems to be seriously attracted to Keiji (basically the strongest character).
Badass - She jumps across FLYING CANNON BALLS in her SW 3:XL Story!!
Brainless Beauty - Averted, as sometimes she puts on an act, although she tends to go around the different battlefields, usually in the middle of a battle, searching for shrine maidens and dancers.
Captain Ersatz - Okuni's appearance, constant skiving for shrine donations, habits of getting involved in fights and problems that may or may not be hers, and multitude of pairings bring to mind a different Shrine Maiden
Cloud Cuckoolander - Really now, Okuni, you could get yourself killed walking in the middle of battles like that.
Killer Rabbit - No, seriously, you wouldn't expect her to fight Keiji toe-to-toe and win!
One Woman Army - During her story mode you have the chance of ending the Great Battle of Kawanakajima by taking down both armies at once. In WO 3, she carves her way through the Wei army just to find Zhong Hui.
A mercenary of the Saika clan who, at first, fights wherever the money takes him, but develops a very personal grudge against Oda Nobunaga when the latter wipes out his hometown in retaliation for the Saika supporting causes against the Oda clan.Uses a Tanegashima musket and the Fire element.Tropes associated with Magoichi:
Bayonet Ya - His rifles have them mounted and contribute to his primary melee attacks. His fourth weapon has what appears to be a Bowie knife◊ on the front. His fifth weapon◊ appears to have glued an entire longsword to the underside of the rifle barrel.
Ironic Hell - In Gracia's dream stage, he encourages her to defeat the other ladies so that he can keep them as his personal harem. Then Gracia, upon realising that he has used her, frees all the imprisoned women who delivers a sounding mass-lynch on poor Mago.
Tattooed Crook - In his alternate costume (see just above) he has a rose tattooed on his body.
Kunoichi
A female ninja for the Sanada clan, she's the chipper, lighthearted counterpart to Yukimura's Serious Business. A non-historical character who may be loosely based on the Sanada ninjas.Her weapon of choice is a pair of daggers and her personal element is ice.Tropes associated with Kunoichi:
Vitriolic Best Buds - She and Kaihime constantly jab, tease, call each other names, and try to one-up each other... and that's just when they're on the same side. However, they do genuinely look out for each other. Kunoichi even asks after Kai when she defeats Ujiyasu in one battle... but still calls her "Lady Lumberjack".
Known as the Tiger of Kai, Shingen leads the Takeda clan and is Kenshin's rival.His weapon is a Gunbai (war fan) and his element was Fire (in 1) and Wind (in 2).Tropes associated with Shingen:
Deadpan Snarker - Not completely deadpan, but he more than makes up for it with the snark.
Elemental Powers - In the first game, his weapons grant him various elemental attack, including Wind, Forest, Fire and Mountain. This has been carried out in the following games and extended to his attacks.
Fat Bastard - Just like Ieyasu, if you fight against him, he'll be this.
Improbable Weapon User - His gunbai, which projects a transparent aura triple its size whenever he swings it.
Laser Blade - Apparently, his fan has a white sharp aura similar to Nobunaga's sword which allows it to slice and dice.
Shout Out - To The Art of War. Historically Shingen was a devotee of Sun Tzu and used furinkazan—swift as the wind (fu), quiet as a forest (rin), fierce as a fire (ka), immovable as a mountain (zan)—as his army's motto. His attacks all reflect this.
It's also written on his fan, and used as the emblem for his army.
An ambitious late-comer in the Sengoku era, Masamune is determined to make his own way in the world and maybe even take over Japan while he's at it.Historically he was the rather brash yet far-seeing ruler of Oushu and one of the most powerful warlords in Japan up until Hideyoshi called him in during his final raid on the Hojo. Known for pushing international relations, his singular eye (having lost the other one to disease), a distinct sense of style (that helmet was REAL), a larger than life attitude, being a jackass/hardass/and all kinds of ass (with good intentions... MOST of the time), and of course - being an all around legitimate historical badass. As one can see, a good deal of this carries over. As noted, he served his own intentions until willingly submitting to Hideyoshi, after which he would then go on to loyally serve Ieyasu (and even read to the guy on his death bed!) through the final unification of Japan.Used to fight with dual Bokken in the first game, but were changed to a saber and a pair of pistols. His element is Ice.Tropes associated with Masamune:
Animal Motifs - Other characters certainly associate certain animals with him; specifically, he is referred to a 'snake' and a 'dog' at different points.
Bratty Half-Pint - Especially in the first game, where his character model is tiny compared to the others.
Cool Horse - Is often on horseback in most battles and has skills which augment this - although not as perfectly tuned to it as some, Masamune performs quite impressively on a good mount.
Dual Wielding - Wooden swords at first, and then guns later on.
Jerkass - It's very hard to sympathize with him, even when you're playing as him.
Katanas Are Just Better - Averted, he starts with a katana and later changes it for a western saber.
For those who didn't quite get why or how; the weapon is a nice symbolic nod to Date's extensive international diplomacy efforts. It was through him (and others) that Japan's long established connection with Spain (and to a lesser degree, Portugal) was cemented. As such, he now wields a Spanish saber and a flintlock pistol.
Smug Snake - His characterization if you're not on his side, especially so in the crossover series.
Start of Darkness - The fact that he had to assassinate his own father in order to take over Oushu may have played a role in his character development.
The wife of Oda Nobunaga, who doesn't seem to be able to decide whether or not she wants to kill him or kill for him in the first game, and in subsequent games goes straight into a Mr. and Mrs. Smith style relationship with him.Wields hidden claws and her element is Dark (shifted to Demon from 2 onward).Tropes associated with Nouhime:
Screw the Rules, I'm Beautiful! - Or, as she puts it, the most beautiful in the land. She even tries getting this point across by battling all of the other females.
Theme Naming - Again in the first game: her weapons are named after venomous/unpleasant creatures.
Throw Down the Bomblet - She pulls large bombs out of her kimono and throws them for some attacks.
Wolverine Claws/Femme Fatalons - Her third weapon, concealed in her sleeves. Her other weaker weapons tends to be a single or dual bladed variation though.
The Ninja of Tokugawa. Obsessed with the words 'Death', 'Shadow' and 'Darkness'. Hanzo serves as the loyal guardian of the Tokugawa clan and both the rival of Yukimura and Kunoichi during the first Samurai Warriors title. In the second game, he gains a more intense rival in form of Fuuma Kotarou.Wields a Kusarigama and his element is Dark/Demon.Tropes associated with Hanzo:
Beam Spam - Get to his level 3 Musou attack in Samurai Warriors 2 onward, and watch the darkness-wave spam.
Casting a Shadow - Almost literally, since his musou attack release a blade of darkness.
Dark Is Not Evil - If you're Ieyasu, Ina or Tadakatsu. Or basically on his side. Or Nene in SW3.
The Comically Serious - He is one of if not the most dead-serious character in the series, but he gets into a lot of hilarious exchanges simply because it's amusing to play his complete lack of humor for humor.
Nene: Go tell your master to stop being so greedy! There's plenty of Japan to go around! Why can't he learn to share?
Hanzo: Crazy woman.
Doppelgänger Attack - From 2 onwards, he gains the ability to make clones of himself, which copy the player's button inputs.
Verbal Tic - All about 'Shadow', 'Death' and 'Darkness'.
Mori Ranmaru
Nobunaga's faithful retainer, a little guy who runs around with a very big sword.His element is Ice.Tropes associated with Ranmaru:
Awesome, but Impractical - One of his special moves in 2 consists of a quick slash imbued with the "Demon" element. Sounds great, but it's difficult to use in combat and the Demon element damage depends on the target's life points.
Suddenly Sexuality - In his SW3:XL story mode, Ranmaru seems to develop feelings for Gracia. Samurai Warriors: Chronicles also makes Ranmaru praise the female PC in a... strangely romantic way.
Tony Oliver - SW1. Yes, that nasally voice you're hearing in the 1st game was the guy who eventually did the super manly Bang Shishigami. Let that sink into your mind for a bit.
Called "monkey" by Oda Nobunaga, and born as a peasant who changed his names many, many, many times (he also shows up as "Hashiba Hideyoshi" in the earlier games), Hideyoshi is an ambitious man who wants to unite Japan so that everyone can be happy. In due course, he gets even closer than his former master; Nobunaga - being the second of the Three Unifiers and sets down a lot of the groundwork that Ieyasu would later expand upon and build a better foundation.Fights with a Sansetsukon and his element is Thunder.Tropes associated with Hideyoshi:
Animal Motifs - The monkey. This gets lampshaded in the crossover when he meets Sun Wukong.
I Have Many Names - He appears in Oda-Focused stages as "Hashiba Hideyoshi" while the Survival Mode in SW2 plays with this.
Lovable Sex Maniac - He has many concubines and often lusts after Oichi.
Mr. Vice Guy - SW2 gives us this, as while Hideyoshi is depicted quite sympathetically, his abilities and weapons encourage money and item farming, and his portrayal in survival mode suggests he's rather greedy.
Not to mention he's kind of a perv, which is even Lampshaded by his wife a few times.
Took a Level in Kindness - When he's just an NPC in the first game, he's very much an unsympathetic Smug Snake who thinks only for himself. However, as he becomes playable, traits about making a land where people can be happy is added and sticks with Hideyoshi, making him much more lovable and sympathetic.
Whip It Good - Many attacks with the sansetsukon are whip-like.
Imagawa Yoshimoto
The leading daimyo whose surprise defeat by Oda Nobunaga effectively kicked off the Beginning of the End of the Sengoku era, characterized in the second game as a happy-go-lucky guy who just wants to play Kemari (Japanese hackey-sack, effectively) with everybody.He fight his way with a sword and said kemari ball and has the Demon element.Tropes associated with Yoshimoto:
I Know Madden Kombat - Almost all of the things he does with his kemari ball, from juggling to dribbling to bicycle kicking, are soccer techniques rather than anything resembling actual kemari.
Joke Character - He's easily the worst playable officer in the series with difficult to use attacks that deal mediocre or even poor damage. Unfortunately, there's no humor to be had without playing splitscreen to show up a buddy.
Katanas Are Just Better - Like Masamune, his first and second swords are clearly katanas, but from the third onward he relies on a saber.
Kicked Upstairs - In his story mode in the latest game, Masamune encourage him to spread his Kemari-Mania to the world... so Yoshimoto departs via ship, leaving Japan to the other warlords.
Pet the Dog - A small moment in his Dream Stage, where, after defeating Nobunaga, he sincerely compliments all his men for their bravery in battle. His retainers are surprised...
Also in the end of his Story mode in SW3XL he encourages Masamune to complete his dreams.
Serious Business - For him, Kemari is more important than, say, conquering and unifying the land...
Upper Class Twit - Has a tendency to dismiss people as his lessers in the course of SW1, and embarrasses his officers with his kemari obsession while demonstrating little to no tactical acumen or bravery.
Verbal Tic - He likes to add "no" to random parts of his sentences in Japanese.
The strongest warrior to ever exist in the Sengoku era, never being wounded in over 100 battles. Tadakatsu is a man searching for the mightiest so he can test his own might to him. He is also very loyal to his liege Ieyasu, making him somewhat like a morally straight Lu Bu.Wields his famous Tonbo-giri Spear and has the Fire element.Tropes associated with Tadakatsu:
Absurdly Sharp Spear - His spear can cut down dragonflies just by standing still.
Akio Ohtsuka - In a gruff, battle-hardened veteran warrior befitting of a Badass.
Ascended Extra - In the original SW1, Tadakatsu was but a generic officer, who did get a special mission to defend Ieyasu in Mikatagahara, then in SW1XL, he becomes the equivalent of Lu Bu. At least Hideyoshi and Yoshimoto already had unique designs since day one.
Implacable Man - In some scenarios, he will decide to charge at the enemy camp. During this period, he's stronger than usual and should be avoided rather than fought.
Papa Wolf - Not really shown in subsequent series, but in his debut, should you endanger or kill his daughter Ina, then get ready to be cleaved by his Tonbo-giri while he activates Super Mode.
Razor Wind - And he can cause this by thrusting his spear...
Shock and Awe - His True Musou attack causes lightning to shower down on the enemies.
Tadakatsu's daughter who is also Yukimura's sister-in-law (due to her marriage with Sanada Nobuyuki, Yukimura's brother). Ina is the series' first Lady of War, graceful in battle and strives to live up her father's reputation as the mightiest general ever.Wields a bladed bow that can slash/clobber the enemy when she's not shooting things. Her element is Ice.Tropes associated with Ina:
Cool Big Sis - Yukimura respects her a lot, and calls her with honorific 'sister'. Of course, since Ina is married to his older brother...
Daddy's Girl - More prevalent in the second series
Double Weapon - Her bow is, basically, a dual-bladed sword.
Elemental Powers - One of her moves in SW2 allows her to power up the elemental charge of her attacks.
Heroic BSOD - The alternate path in the first game had her suffer this because she gave in to her battle lust and made the Tokugawa fail to completely avoid Mitsuhide in Iga.
Ship Tease - Despite her marriage to his brother, she has this with Yukimura at times. The third installment of Warriors Orochi takes this to higher level with her maxed bond with the flirtatious Guo Jia.
Throwing Your Sword Always Works - Inverted, most of her standard attacks involve whacking the enemy with her bow in melee. Justified as it's visibly quite sturdy for a bow and has blades built into it.
The Third of the Three Unifiers of Japan, closing out what Nobunaga started and Hideyoshi expanded. Ieyasu is a very patient man who values a slow and steady, one step at the time approach as a solution to most problems. As he wasn't playable in the first game, Ieyasu was at first quite the fat Smug Snake. Thanks to Xtreme Legends, he shows some competency here and there, and by the time the second game comes out, he is a very capable general and ruler indeed.He uses a spear which doubles as a cannon for a weapon. His element is Fire.Tropes associated with Ieyasu:
Toyotomi clan retainer and strategist, Mitsunari becomes Ieyasu's biggest rival after Hideyoshi dies. He would lead the pro-Toyotomi in the Battle at Sekigahara...and if you've been keeping up, know how that turns out...Is armed with a general's tessen (iron folding fan) and his element is Ice.Tropes associated with Mitsunari:
Animal Motifs - He refers to himself as the "Fox". His "helmet" has two spikes that resemble the ears of a fox.
This comes for a new attitude in Japan overall regarding his place in history, as many are beginning to look into him with different insights and changing prior conceptions.
Paper Fan of Doom - Which can also slice, dice and release explosive dust.
Technically speaking, unlike prior strategists wielding feather fans, Mitsunari at the very least wields a legitimate general's weapon - it's specifically a tessen. Tessen are heavy folding fans, usually either covered in metal or made entirely of metal and dressed up with a cloth/paper covering. Makes for an excellent close range cutting tool or club.
Stuff Blowing Up - He can use powder and mines with his war fan.
Azai Nagamasa
Head of the Azai clan, Nagamasa is a man who fights for love and hono. He is conflicted between his love for Oichi and his loyalty to the Asakura.His element is Thunder and his weapon is a lance.Tropes associated with Nagamasa:
Nagamasa: Lady Noh, if I may make a suggestion. A woman of your beauty and stature should not dress the way you do. It's not right. It's... It's sinful.
Noh: You think this dress is sinful? You should see what I'm wearing underneath...
Nagamasa: C-can I? Please?
Foe Tossing Charge - Charge 4. His True Musou in SW2 can be considered an boosted, crowd-clearing variation, easily bordering with Game Breaker.
A strategist who has an uncanny resemblance to Elvis Presley. He fought alongside Shingen and now he serves Ishida Mitsunari.Wields a very large broadsword and uses the Wind element.Tropes associated with Sakon:
Elvis Impersonator - Several of his lines in SW2 are famous Elvis quotes.
Genius Bruiser - He can come up with clever plans, when he's not chopping people with his broadsword. He even acknowledges this in one of his victory quotes.
Jack of All Stats - Well-balanced with no particular strengths or glaring weaknesses.
Arguable that he has no particular strengths. His arrow special, especially when upgraded into a bullet special, is alone powerful enough that much of the fandom regards him as one of the best characters, gameplay wise.
The old leader of the Shimazu clan, known as "Devil" Shimazu. He's a rival of Ginchiyo and the Tachibana Clan.Armed with a large mallet and the Wind element.Tropes associated with Yoshihiro:
Bad Ass Boast - "The Devil Shimazu shall pound your bones to dust!"
The last of the Tachibana clan (as she is quick to remind everyone), intense rivals with Yoshihiro Shimazu and a no-nonsense woman who doesn't pull any punches.Her sword is lightning-shaped and reflects her element (Thunder).Tropes associated with Ginchiyo:
The honor-obsessed retainer of the Uesugi clan who strikes up a very unlikely friendship with Mitsunari and Yukimura.Wields a special sword and Ofuda scrolls as weapons, and has the Fire element.Tropes associated with Kanetsugu:
Cool Sword - His main weapon, a tsurugi (straigth sword).
Despair Event Horizon - When he finds out about Mitsunari's death. More notably when he fights for the Tokugawa. In his story mode, it leads to him being...
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, replacing Kunoichi as the ninja in the second game. Since she can't bear any child to Hideyoshi, she "adopted" the Toyotomi clan and acts as a mom to them all.Her weapons are dual short swords similar to Kunoichi's daggers, and she too has the Ice element.Tropes associated with Nene:
Beware the Nice Ones - She's motherly and sweet and usually good natured... and calls herself "the cutest little ball of rage and sharp edges" in 2:Empires. She'll give spankings to entire armies if she feels they're misbehaving.
A ninja of the Hojo clan, a sadist who scares even his own retainers. He doesn't seem to care about anything except spreading more chaos through the land.Uses some weird, clawed gauntlets that allow him to stretch his arms and his element is, not surprisingly, Demon.Tropes associated with Kotarou:
Bodyguard Betrayal - Kotarou's dream stage in SW2 basically has him stomping the Hojo because he's bored. The Hojo are understandably frightened by this revelation.
Call Back - The ninja spell he uses to lock the gates of Odawara castle in SW2 is the same Hanzo used in SW1.
Casting a Shadow - Unlike Hanzo, he can cast his "waves of darkness" even during his normal and charged attack.
Quad Damage - His final weapon is enchanted with the Demon Element.
Rubber Man - His gauntlets make his arm stretch and bend in ways and lengths they shouldn't. This is also why his weapon isn't available for custom characters—it's really hard to render such deformations for every model.
The Man Behind the Man - He does this to Ieyasu, of all people, in the course of his SW2 story mode.
Token Evil Teammate - Among the Hojo, thankfully in SW3 Ujiyasu keeps an eye on him.
Red Oni, Blue Oni - To Hattori Hanzo, even in their color schemes. Even his final weapon is an oni mask-shaped gauntlet.
The Greatest Swordsman in Japan, Musashi sets out to prove that the sword can protect rather than kill.So far only playable in SW 2 - he was specifically brought in to be the premiere swordsman of the game, as such the one and only Sword Saint of Japan gets an appropriate appearance as a nigh-invincible warrior. This version is a somewhat dialed back take on his pre-Kojiro unrefined battle-seeking youth.Fights with two swords in a Daisho combo and his element is Demon.Tropes associated with Musashi:
Early-Bird Cameo - He was supposed to appear in the first game as a playable character. Instead he can be selected as a "Kengou" type bodyguard. You can also find and equip the scrolls of his historical counterpart's 'Book of Five Rings' to turn your elemental attacks into a living Game Breaker.
One-Man Army - Easily one of the most powerful characters of all the games, along with Keiji and Tadakatsu.
If you look at it in the form of categories, the dev team specifically made sure that Musashi -is by default- the most broken sword wielder in the game, bar none.
Retainer of the Oda clan and good friends with Hideyoshi, considers Shibata Katsuie to be his mentor. He's also the Poster boy for Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends.Uses a sword and two spears to fight and his element is Fire.Tropes associated with Toshiie
Say My Name - Expecially after his fourth and fifth scenarios.
Toshiie:" KATSUIIIE!!!!"
Shock and Awe - Has many thunder-related charged attacks.
X Marks The Hero - The Spears across his back forms an "X", and he's basically the poster boy of SW2:XL
Chōsokabe Motochika
"The daimyo in control of Shikoku. Motochika's quiet exterior conceals a passionate spirit. Always determined to follow his own path, he has the strength of character to stand up to the upheaval of his age. Motochika has allied himself with his friend, Akechi Mitsuhide, who is determined to achieve his own dream in these troubled times."
- SW3 official bio
Lord and hero of Tosa, as well as the daimyo of Shikoku. Motochika is a rebellious spirit known for never giving up; he 'resists until the very end.' In addition, he remarks often that he nevers wants to be forgotten by history, but at the same time is very big on moving forward.In SW2: XL, he supports the Toyotomi and then the Western Army. Much of his story is focused on events concerning his son Nobuchika and Yoshihiro, and learning to deal with loss. He is shown to have a great liking for Ieyasu despite the man always being the enemy, and is profoundly affected by the events of Sekigahara.In the third game, however, his story is very different. Set earlier in the era, it is focused almost entirely on Motochika's friendship with and support of Akechi Mitsuhide, and he often states that he acts at the soft-hearted Mitsuhide's 'strength.'Motochika is a master musician who plays the shamisen... and also uses it as a weapon. This is achieved by utilising it as a club or playing certain notes on it to summon energy or water. His most powerful weapons tend to be aligned with the thunder element.Tropes associated with Motochika:
A Friend in Need - This is basically his whole SW3 story mode, the friend in need being Mitsuhide.
Animal Motifs - He's known as 'the Bat,' a nickname courtesy of Nobunaga.
Making a Splash - His Ultimate Musou summons jets of water from the ground, and one of his charge attacks allows him to toss huge orbs of water at his foes.
Stuff Blowing Up - He can release purple sound bubbles that he detonates with the shamisen.
Take My Hand - In Motochika's SW3 ending he uses this to make a point of his support to Mitsuhide. Motochika fakes falling off a balcony, and Mitsuhide actually falls off trying to catch him. At this point Motochika grabs Mitsuhide by the hand, makes his point, and pulls Mitsuhide back up.
Verbal Tic - Appears to be obsessed with being remembered. He also utilises metaphors related to water and music quite frequently.
Daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide. A young girl who ran away from home to learn more about the world. First featured in Samurai Warriors 2: Xtreme Legends, she returns for Samurai Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends.Gracia uses her fists enhaced by bracelets for a weapon, but her magic is her strong suit. Has the Wind element.Tropes associated with Gracia:
Barrier Warrior: In Warriors Orochi 2, one of her special abilities is invoking a barrier made of 3 small green diamonds which hurt any enemy who get close to her.
Beam Spam - Her musou, which you probably won't see much of given the stupidly powerful special attacks she has.
Calling the Old Man Out - In SW2:XL she calls out Hideyoshi on siding against his former best friend Magoichi.
Girl in a Box - Gracia really seems to like stowing away in boxes throughout her SW3:XL story.
Lethal Joke Character - Her basic attacks are weak, but she makes up for it with her special attacks. Her horseback attacks are powerful enough to rival Pre-DW6!Ma Chao.
Parental Abandonment - Averted if you actually play her story mode: She and Mitsuhide instantly recognize each other on the battlefield, and during the Osaka Bay battle, she's concerned with her father's presence among the Oda troops. Also in the Saika Village, when Mitsuhide is defeated he says that there will be always a "home" for her if she returns. This is a plot point in her SW3:XL story.
A veteran retainer of the Oda clan, Katsuie wonders if an old-fashioned curmudgeon like him is even relevant anymore in the new era.He wields two axes and his element is Thunder.Tropes associated with Katsuie:
Ascended Extra: From a Bodyguard in SW2 to a Player Character.
Set Right What Once Went Wrong - In his Gaiden stage he arrives at Honnoji just in time to save Nohime, Ranmaru and Nobunaga, eventually killing Mitsuhide.
A skillful yet creepy swordsman who goes around killing people For the Evulz and is obsessed with giving Musashi a beautiful end.Kojiro possesses a very long katana and can summon huge blades from the nether. Like Musashi he has the Demon element.Tropes associated with Kojiro:
BFS - Wields his trusty Nodachi in SW2 Empires, and use it like a rapier. Xtreme Legends also added two huge jagged broadswords to his arsenal, which he can control via telekinesis.
Invisibility - Kojiro can use his musou to become invisible and deliver deadly sneak attacks.
Just Between You and Me - In Kyoto, Kojiro reveals the plans of the Tokugawa to Musashi; namely, that they intend to frame Hideyori. He does this purely so he can have a 'good' reason to cut Musashi down.
My God, What Have I Done? - He seriously freaks out after he finally kills Musashi in his Story Mode.
No One Could Survive That - Somehow, in his own story mode, he survives being cut down by Musashi at Ganryujima.
One-Man Army - In his Dream Stage both him and Musashi take on the armies of Hideyoshi and Katsuie, and later the Oda army. All by themselves.
Pyrrhic Villainy - He finally manages to kill Musashi at the end of his story mode. But by doing so, he loses possibly the only one who could ever match him. His expression seems to indicate this.
Introduced in Samurai Warriors 3/ 3 Xtreme Legends
Katou Kiyomasa
One of Hideyoshi's retainers and a member of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake. He shows up in SW3.Kiyomasa wields a scythe-like spear and his element is Wind.Tropes associated with Kiyomasa:
Daughter of Ujitaka Narita, she serves under Houjou Ujiyasu.She fights with a whipsword and the Thunder element.Tropes associated with Kai:
A-Cup Angst - While objectively unwarranted, she seems to worry about lacking in bustline along with other areas of femininity, as seen in her story mode's opening cutscene. When told she "still has some growing up to do", she immediately looks down and puts her hands on her chest.
Although it can also be that Ujiyasu was mentioning about her growth as a warrior, and Kai mistook him as a Dirty Old Man and embarrassed with her already big breasts.
Animal Motif - Bears. Kunoichi frequently refers to her as one,, and in SW3: Empires, it turns out she has raised and rides a bear!
Ascended Extra - From a bodyguard in SW2 to a playable character in SW3.
Berserk Button - Despite her issues with being unfeminine, you do NOT want to be the one to suggest a woman has not place on the battlefield.
Distracted by the Sexy - In Muneshige's story mode, she's so distracted the first time she sees him in battle she very nearly obeys his polite request to leave the battlefield.
Vitriolic Best Buds - She and Kunoichi constantly jab, tease, call each other names, and try to one-up each other... and that's just when they're on the same side. However, they do genuinely look out for each other.
A strategist for the Oda Clan and later Toyotomi, Kanbei is ruthless and dispassionate. Just about everybody hates him for it. He is dead set upon eliminating all "sparks of opposition" to the land's unification.His main weapon is sorcery via Crystal Ball and he is a user of the Fire element.Tropes associated with Kuroda Kanbei:
Verbal Tic - Sparks, fire, conflagration: he'll say these words at least three times in a level.
Hojo Ujiyasu
"The third head of the Sagami (Hojo) clan, Ujiyasu is also known as 'the Lion of Sagami.' He gives the initial impression of being a reckless rogue daimyo, but his rough manner belies a compassionate soul. He has genuine humanity and the ability to see things from the point of view of both civilians and his troops. In battle, he is a master of cunning but at the same time can be completely direct."
- SW3 official bio
The experienced leader of the Hojo clan, Ujiyasu is a man who has lived through many battles and has overcome unfavourable odds through planning, craftiness and just plain fighting dirty. He cares very much about all of the people who live on his land, be they soldier or civilian, and will go out of his way to ensure their safety (even during battle, which surprises many of his enemies). This has earned him their sworn loyalty and devotion.Unlike most other daimyo, however, he has very little ambition and never once looks to expand beyond Sagami. Most of the battles he participates in involve defending or ensuring the stability of his region. Ujiyasu's most notable retainers, Kai and Kotaro, assist him in this task.Considered part of the 'Kanto trio,' along with Shingen and Kenshin.His main weapon is a Shikomizue (cane sword) but he's not above using bombs and mines... or indeed taking out the enemy with a well-placed headbutt! His element of preference is ice.Tropes associated with Ujiyasu:
A Father to His Men - Shows compassion for his troops and officers in his cutscenes and voiceovers. Implied to be the reason for their fanatical devotion to him.
Badass Longcoat - Half for style, half for hiding his grenades in.
Combat Pragmatist - You wouldn't expect a samurai lord to go into battle with a cane as his weapon... until you find him throwing grenades, headbutting, launching flying dropkicks, elbow-dropping downed enemies, hiding a sword and shotgun in his cane, and still using said cane to beat people senseless.
Cool Old Guy - And how! He's even overtaken Shimazu Yoshihiro in that regard.
Expy - Stubble? Check. Headband? Check. Raspy voice? Check. Blade? Check. Gun? Check. Explosives? Check. Smokes? Check. Close combat prowess? Check. Looks good without a shirt on? Check. Badassery? Check. Commands his own army? Check. Manliness so unbearable it hurts? Check. Ladies and gentlemen, Big Boss is in the house.
This has earned him the nickname of Hojo Snake amongst some of the fandom.
Smoking Is Cool - Ujiyasu is rarely seen without his clay pipe.
Sword Cane - His primary weapon. Also has a shotgun in it, somehow.
Unflinching Walk - His ultimate musou attack has him tossing a bomb up into the air behind him, causing him to be backlit by an outsized explosion while he swaggers towards the camera.
Tachibana Muneshige
Ginchiyo's husband and leader of the Tachibana clan. Noted by many other characters as being intelligent and handsome, he is also something of a charmer. The game frequently cites him as being the 'greatest warrior of the Western Army,' in opposition to Honda Tadakatsu, 'greatest warrior of the Eastern Army.'Rides into battle with a claymore and a rondache (a.k.a. a broadsword and a buckler) and his element is Wind.Tropes associated with Muneshige:
Blow You Away - As Ginchiyo is associated with lightning, he's associated with wind. Specifically, he refers to himself as both 'the west wind' and 'the God of Winds.'
This is a nod to the historical Muneshige's biological father, Shōun Takahashi, who was called the "Wind God".
Chick Magnet - The ladies are all over him, as seen in Kai's ending.
Enemy Mine - Yoshihiro killed his father, but both of their story modes end with them fighting together.
Even the Guys Want Him - Muneshige gets a lot of admiration and compliments from both the men and the ladies, and makes both Kiyomasa and Mitsunari get all flustered during several exchanges.
One of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake and a friend of Kiyomasa. He started as a spear wielding unique NPC and later became a player character, armed with a club.Tropes associated with Masanori:
Ascended Extra - Masanori was upgraded from a generic officer to a unique non-playable character in SW3. He became a playable character in SW3:XL.
Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass - For all his idiocy, Masanori proves himself to be a valiant warrior. Hell, in WO3, he's badass enough that Minamoto no Yoshitsune develops a bond with him, in a Worthy Rival style.
Delinquent - Has the stereotypical mannerisms, speech patterns, and hairdo.
Former tactician for the Saito clan who joins the Oda (and later the Toyotomi) after meeting Hideyoshi. He's generally a cheerful and upbeat, if rather lazy, man, in contrast to his closest friend Kanbei. Along with Kanbei and also Motonari, he is described as one of the 'three geniuses' by the fandom.His weapon can only be described as a bladed sundial that also functions as a one-man Steampunk helicopter. He has the Ice element.Tropes associated with Hanbei:
Kenshin's elder sister, a shrine maiden who helps her brother in battle. He values her greatly, often bowing at her feet and following any orders she gives. Referred to as a strong woman with noble values, yet is also said to lack 'human kindness' at one point.Her Weapon of Choice is a bladed staff.Tropes Associated with Aya:
Abusive Parents - Sort of: in order to be sure that her son Kagekatsu is fit for carrying on Kenshin's will, she supports his rival Kagetora and openly opposes him until he finally proves himself worthy.
Ascended Extra - Aya was upgraded from a generic bodyguard in SW2 to a unique non-playable character in SW3. She finally became a playable character in SW3:XL.
Blade on a Stick - In SW3 she wielded a naginata and then switched to a Staff in SW3:XL.
She's Got Legs - Not prevalent in-game, but in one of the Crossover DLC, Dong Zhuo refers her to have really beautiful legs and would've let her walk on him everyday. Aya is more than eager to just stomp him around with it.
Yamato Nadeshiko - Before becoming playable she even wielded a Naginata.
Mouri Motonari
The lazy but clever leader of the Mouri clan, who chose to fake his own death so that he could retire and be a historian instead of leading his clan — the rise of Nobunaga brings him back into the fray, however. Often referred to as one of the 'three geniuses' by the fandom, along with Hanbei and Kanbei.His weapon is a sort of crossbow attached to his arm, loaded with three arrows. He has the Ice Element.Tropes associated with Mouri Motonari:
Anachronism Stew - Historical Motonari was not alive during Nobunaga's age. Here, his storyline is FOCUSED on the battle against Nobunaga!
Automatic Crossbows - He's got one mounted on his wrist, and he occasionally throws arrows or thrusts his loaded bow into people as an attack. His musou has arrows being fired at prodigious rates.
Bad Ass Bookworm - Despite his lazy attitude, he turns into a fearsome commander when on the battlefield.
Brilliant, but Lazy - He'd rather sit around and research history than lead battles. His opening cutscene shows him napping while Nobunaga's forces approach.
Faking the Dead - Apparently, that's the reason he's still alive during Nobunaga's age.
Leaning on the Fourth Wall - In the course of his story mode, Motonari makes character assessments of pretty much everyone he comes across that end up referencing the real history the game draws from... and the fates of those involved.
The Power of Friendship - He often uses the "Three Arrows" comparison to incite his allies to join him (though the first time he tried it on the Tachibana, Ginchiyo broke the three arrows without much effort.)
Older Than They Look - Historically, he's already senile by the time of Nobunaga, and is even older than Shingen, but he's portrayed a middle-aged man.
Introduced in Samurai Warriors Chronicles 2
Toudou Takatora
A ronin who has served for about many lords (including even Azai), but eventually settled for the Tokugawa. He's often praised as an excellent castle constructor.Tropes Associated with Toudou Takatora:
Undying Loyalty: Is extremely loyal to Nagamasa, even when he's under Tokugawa.
Ii Naotora
The female head of Ii clan, an ally of the Tokugawa clan, being together since under Imagawa banner. She lived until 1582, in which her clan is inherited by the famous Ii Naomasa AKA Tokugawa's Red Devil.Tropes Associated with Ii Naotora:
One of the grand masters of the Yagyu schools, now serving the Tokugawa to end the warring land. He ends up as Ieyasu's sword instructor.Tropes associated with Yagyu Munenori:
Badass Teacher: He teaches a lot of his swordsmanship to his men. Even Ieyasu.
Duel Boss: Seems to believe that battle should be won by single duels between skilled warriors, not by grisly bloodsheds.
Expy: The bigass katana he wields gives vibes of what Keiji wielded in Sengoku Basara.
Genius Bruiser: He's not just a badass in battle, he's also a savvy politician, most of the time.
Historical Hero Upgrade: In a way. While Munenori in real life could've been a virtuous, good retainer/politician, fictions haven't been kind to Munenori and tend to portray him as a bastard. But as of SW, Munenori isn't a bastard but a just, honorable and virtuous swordsman who wants the war to end.
Leader of the Ikko army opposing Nobunaga, appears as a unique NPC like Ieyasu and Hideyoshi in SW1, but unlike them he doesn't become a playable character in the sequels.
Hideyoshi's nephew who infamously betrayed the Western Army at Sekigahara. Is portrayed as a naive, weak willed officer throught the game and can even change sides more than once.
Chronic Backstabbing Disorder - He can betray both sides at the Battle of Sekigahara, depending on how the battle goes.
Dirty Coward - When the Tokugawa troops shoot at his position he quickly betrays the Western Army in support of Ieyasu's Eastern Army.
Momma's Boy - He's shown to be really attached to Nene during her Dream Stage and refuses to side with anyone besides her. Not that we can blame him for that.
Non-Action Guy - During the scenarios of the Eastern Army, he waits in his fortress the whole time.
Non-Action Guy - He rarely acts himself, and even withdraws from battle when Nobunaga is defeated, leaving Nagamasa and Oichi to face the Tokugawa alone.
A trio of samurai (Ujiie Bokuzen, Ando Morinari and Inaba Ittestu) who first served the Saito clan, and then Oda. They're sometimes met in Gaiden stages as bosses of a kind.
A samurai of the Eastern Army and husband of Gracia. Despite his cold and harsh behaviour he genuinely loves his wife, but can't express his feelings very well.
Battle Couple: Eventually he and Gracia at Sekigahara
Honor Before Reason: Believing that his family reputation is more important than his feelings he refuse to support Mitsuhide Akechi at Yamazaki, causing his defeat.
Jerk with a Heart of Gold: He really loves his wife Gracia, but because of his complicated sense of honor and loyalty to Hideyoshi he ends up being abusive and harsh to her.
Kick the Dog: He's often rude towards Gracia, but he really overdid it after the battle of Yamazaki.
The nephew of Maeda Toshiie, Keiji seems to treat the chaotic world around him like a great big game.He wields a Sasumata pike and his element is Thunder.
The "Demon Lord of Japan", conforming closer to Evil Overlord stereotypes in the first game, but sequels have given him the Draco in Leather Pants treatment.He has his own page, but at a quick glance: he was a strategic genius with a hell of a mean streak and an awesome mustache, more often than not credited with bringing proper modern firearms tactics to Japan, and of course...being the First of the Three Unifiers (followed in turn by Hideyoshi and Ieyasu).Nobunaga wields a glowing longsword. His element was Dark (in SW1), which changed to Wind in later installments.
A chubby, good-natured thief who's always after the next big score.Wields a club and a cannon strapped to his back. His element is Thunder.
Takeda Shingen's major rival, always seen drinking sake, even on the battlefield.Uses a special "seven-bladed" sword and his element is ice.
The younger sister of Oda Nobunaga. Portrayed as a Genki Girl in the first game, but has calmed down in the sequels.Her weapon is a kendama (changed to bladed rings in 3) and her element is Thunder (in 1 and 2) and later Fire in 3.
The rumored founder of the kabuki theater who can always be seen trying to raise funds for her temple. Playful and flirtatious, she piles her charms on everyone she meets, male or female.Fights with a parasol and has the Fire element.
A mercenary of the Saika clan who, at first, fights wherever the money takes him, but develops a very personal grudge against Oda Nobunaga when the latter wipes out his hometown in retaliation for the Saika supporting causes against the Oda clan.Uses a Tanegashima musket and the Fire element.
A female ninja for the Sanada clan, she's the chipper, lighthearted counterpart to Yukimura's Serious Business. A non-historical character who may be loosely based on the Sanada ninjas.
Her weapon of choice is a pair of daggers and her personal element is ice.
Known as the Tiger of Kai, Shingen leads the Takeda clan and is Kenshin's rival.His weapon is a Gunbai (war fan) and his element was Fire (in 1) and Wind (in 2).
An ambitious late-comer in the Sengoku era, Masamune is determined to make his own way in the world and maybe even take over Japan while he's at it.Historically he was the rather brash yet far-seeing ruler of Oushu and one of the most powerful warlords in Japan up until Hideyoshi called him in during his final raid on the Hojo. Known for pushing international relations, his singular eye (having lost the other one to disease), a distinct sense of style (that helmet was REAL), a larger than life attitude, being a jackass/hardass/and all kinds of ass (with good intentions... MOST of the time), and of course - being an all around legitimate historical badass. As one can see, a good deal of this carries over. As noted, he served his own intentions until willingly submitting to Hideyoshi, after which he would then go on to loyally serve Ieyasu (and even read to the guy on his death bed!) through the final unification of Japan.Used to fight with dual Bokken in the first game, but were changed to a saber and a pair of pistols. His element is Ice.
The wife of Oda Nobunaga, who doesn't seem to be able to decide whether or not she wants to kill him or kill for him in the first game, and in subsequent games goes straight into a Mr. and Mrs. Smith style relationship with him.Wields hidden claws and her element is Dark (shifted to Demon from 2 onward).
The Ninja of Tokugawa. Obsessed with the words 'Death', 'Shadow' and 'Darkness'. Hanzo serves as the loyal guardian of the Tokugawa clan and both the rival of Yukimura and Kunoichi during the first Samurai Warriors title. In the second game, he gains a more intense rival in form of Fuuma Kotarou.Wields a Kusarigama and his element is Dark/Demon.
Nobunaga's faithful retainer, a little guy who runs around with a very big sword.His element is Ice.
Called "monkey" by Oda Nobunaga, and born as a peasant who changed his names many, many, many times (he also shows up as "Hashiba Hideyoshi" in the earlier games), Hideyoshi is an ambitious man who wants to unite Japan so that everyone can be happy. In due course, he gets even closer than his former master; Nobunaga - being the second of the Three Unifiers and sets down a lot of the groundwork that Ieyasu would later expand upon and build a better foundation.Fights with a Sansetsukon and his element is Thunder.
The leading daimyo whose surprise defeat by Oda Nobunaga effectively kicked off the Beginning of the End of the Sengoku era, characterized in the second game as a happy-go-lucky guy who just wants to play Kemari (Japanese hackey-sack, effectively) with everybody.He fight his way with a sword and said kemari ball and has the Demon element.
The strongest warrior to ever exist in the Sengoku era, never being wounded in over 100 battles. Tadakatsu is a man searching for the mightiest so he can test his own might to him. He is also very loyal to his liege Ieyasu, making him somewhat like a morally straight Lu Bu.Wields his famous Tonbo-giri Spear and has the Fire element.
Tadakatsu's daughter who is also Yukimura's sister-in-law (due to her marriage with Sanada Nobuyuki, Yukimura's brother). Ina is the series' first Lady of War, graceful in battle and strives to live up her father's reputation as the mightiest general ever.Wields a bladed bow that can slash/clobber the enemy when she's not shooting things. Her element is Ice.
The Third of the Three Unifiers of Japan, closing out what Nobunaga started and Hideyoshi expanded. Ieyasu is a very patient man who values a slow and steady, one step at the time approach as a solution to most problems. As he wasn't playable in the first game, Ieyasu was at first quite the fat Smug Snake. Thanks to Xtreme Legends, he shows some competency here and there, and by the time the second game comes out, he is a very capable general and ruler indeed.He uses a spear which doubles as a cannon for a weapon. His element is Fire.
Toyotomi clan retainer and strategist, Mitsunari becomes Ieyasu's biggest rival after Hideyoshi dies. He would lead the pro-Toyotomi in the Battle at Sekigahara...and if you've been keeping up, know how that turns out...Is armed with a general's tessen (iron folding fan) and his element is Ice.
Head of the Azai clan, Nagamasa is a man who fights for love and hono. He is conflicted between his love for Oichi and his loyalty to the Asakura.His element is Thunder and his weapon is a lance.
A strategist who has an uncanny resemblance to Elvis Presley. He fought alongside Shingen and now he serves Ishida Mitsunari.Wields a very large broadsword and uses the Wind element.
The old leader of the Shimazu clan, known as "Devil" Shimazu. He's a rival of Ginchiyo and the Tachibana Clan.Armed with a large mallet and the Wind element.
The last of the Tachibana clan (as she is quick to remind everyone), intense rivals with Yoshihiro Shimazu and a no-nonsense woman who doesn't pull any punches.Her sword is lightning-shaped and reflects her element (Thunder).
The honor-obsessed retainer of the Uesugi clan who strikes up a very unlikely friendship with Mitsunari and Yukimura.Wields a special sword and Ofuda scrolls as weapons, and has the Fire element.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, replacing Kunoichi as the ninja in the second game. Since she can't bear any child to Hideyoshi, she "adopted" the Toyotomi clan and acts as a mom to them all.Her weapons are dual short swords similar to Kunoichi's daggers, and she too has the Ice element.
A ninja of the Hojo clan, a sadist who scares even his own retainers. He doesn't seem to care about anything except spreading more chaos through the land.Uses some weird, clawed gauntlets that allow him to stretch his arms and his element is, not surprisingly, Demon.
The Greatest Swordsman in Japan, Musashi sets out to prove that the sword can protect rather than kill.So far only playable in SW 2 - he was specifically brought in to be the premiere swordsman of the game, as such the one and only Sword Saint of Japan gets an appropriate appearance as a nigh-invincible warrior. This version is a somewhat dialed back take on his pre-Kojiro unrefined battle-seeking youth.Fights with two swords in a Daisho combo and his element is Demon.
Retainer of the Oda clan and good friends with Hideyoshi, considers Shibata Katsuie to be his mentor. He's also the Poster boy for Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends.Uses a sword and two spears to fight and his element is Fire.
Daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide. A young girl who ran away from home to learn more about the world. First featured in Samurai Warriors 2: Xtreme Legends, she returns for Samurai Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends.Gracia uses her fists enhaced by bracelets for a weapon, but her magic is her strong suit. Has the Wind element.
A veteran retainer of the Oda clan, Katsuie wonders if an old-fashioned curmudgeon like him is even relevant anymore in the new era.He wields two axes and his element is Thunder.
A skillful yet creepy swordsman who goes around killing people For the Evulz and is obsessed with giving Musashi a beautiful end.Kojiro possesses a very long katana and can summon huge blades from the nether. Like Musashi he has the Demon element.
One of Hideyoshi's retainers and a member of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake. He shows up in SW3.Kiyomasa wields a scythe-like spear and his element is Wind.
Daughter of Ujitaka Narita, she serves under Houjou Ujiyasu.She fights with a whipsword and the Thunder element.
A strategist for the Oda Clan and later Toyotomi, Kanbei is ruthless and dispassionate. Just about everybody hates him for it. He is dead set upon eliminating all "sparks of opposition" to the land's unification.His main weapon is sorcery via Crystal Ball and he is a user of the Fire element.
Ginchiyo's husband and leader of the Tachibana clan. Noted by many other characters as being intelligent and handsome, he is also something of a charmer. The game frequently cites him as being the 'greatest warrior of the Western Army,' in opposition to Honda Tadakatsu, 'greatest warrior of the Eastern Army.'Rides into battle with a claymore and a rondache (a.k.a. a broadsword and a buckler) and his element is Wind.
One of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake and a friend of Kiyomasa. He started as a spear wielding unique NPC and later became a player character, armed with a club.
Former tactician for the Saito clan who joins the Oda (and later the Toyotomi) after meeting Hideyoshi. He's generally a cheerful and upbeat, if rather lazy, man, in contrast to his closest friend Kanbei. Along with Kanbei and also Motonari, he is described as one of the 'three geniuses' by the fandom.His weapon can only be described as a bladed sundial that also functions as a one-man Steampunk helicopter. He has the Ice element.
Kenshin's elder sister, a shrine maiden who helps her brother in battle. He values her greatly, often bowing at her feet and following any orders she gives. Referred to as a strong woman with noble values, yet is also said to lack 'human kindness' at one point.Her Weapon of Choice is a bladed staff.
The lazy but clever leader of the Mouri clan, who chose to fake his own death so that he could retire and be a historian instead of leading his clan — the rise of Nobunaga brings him back into the fray, however. Often referred to as one of the 'three geniuses' by the fandom, along with Hanbei and Kanbei.His weapon is a sort of crossbow attached to his arm, loaded with three arrows. He has the Ice Element.
