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Sima Zhao
Dynasty Warriors 9 artwork
Character Information
Force(s): Wei
Jin
Height:
190 cm (6'3")
Weapon Type: Dao
Significant Battle(s):
Playable Debut: Dynasty Warriors 7
Historical Information
Real name:
Sīmǎ Zhāo
Chinese name:
司馬昭 - 司马昭
Style name:
Zǐshàng
Chinese name:
子上
Born:
211
Died:
265
Posthumously honored as Emperor Wen of Jin (太祖文帝). In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, his style name is written with one different character (子尚).
Warriors Orochi Info
Force:
Kaguya
Sima Zhao Cadre
Nobunaga Oda League
Coalition
Stage:
Initially available (WO3) Nagashino (WO4)
Character Type:
Power (WO3)
Technique (WO4)
Sacred Treasure:
Brísingamen

Sima Zhao (onyomi: Shiba Shō) is Sima Yi and Zhang Chunhua's second son, Sima Shi's younger brother, and Wang Yuanji's husband. Using the foundations laid by his predecessors and his ingenuity for talent, he extended the Sima family influence to gain the people's favor by quelling several civil rebellions. When he was in power, Wu's armies failed to penetrate his formations and Shu surrendered. His high esteem in the imperial court helped his son, Sima Yan, later establish the Jin Dynasty. However, there are some records that state he may have maintained his power and good image through well-planned propaganda as his more questionable behind-the-scenes actions have been brought to light (especially with a famous proverb that makes out his intentions to be obvious to even a passerby).

Prior to Jin's introduction faction in the Dynasty Warriors series, he was formerly a Wei non-playable character since the Second title. He is twentieth place in Gamecity's Dynasty Warriors 7 character popularity poll and placed twenty-eighth in the Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends popularity poll. In Famitsu's character survey, he placed ninth place for most desirable friend. The latest poll for the eighth installment puts him in forty-first. The character poll for overseas fans puts him in third place for the Jin division and fifteenth in the semi-final round.

Role in Games[]

"You're awfully quiet. Not what I'd expect from the leader of a fallen army."
"And you're not at all what I'd expected from a traitor to his kingdom. If anything, you have shown you possess the confidence and bearing of a true ruler"
~~Sima Zhao and Liu Shan; Dynasty Warriors 7

Dynasty Warriors[]

Since Dynasty Warriors 3, Sima Zhao appears as a minor general under the forces of Wei. He appears at He Fei Castle fighting for Sima Yi. He plays a somewhat major role during Meng Huo's Legend Mode in Dynasty Warriors 4: Xtreme Legends. He leads the massive Wei army to subdue the Nanman tribesmen. When he hears the natives mock his father, he gets upset. He acts in a similar manner as his father and even adopts his "Imbeciles!" line. In Dynasty Warriors 5, he additionally aids his father at Jie Ting and Chen Cang. During Sima Yi's ending in the sixth title, he is scolded by Sima Yi for believing he will automatically inherit his father's legacy should the former die.

Sima Zhao is first seen in Dynasty Warriors 7 fighting the Shu forces at the Wuzhang Plains. He is seen helping his helping his father and brother defeat Gongsun Yuan at the start of Jin's story mode. Afterwards, Sima Zhao joins Cao Shuang's foolhardy conquest on his father's behest. The lack of provisions has morale immediately lowered which amplifies with Ma Dai's surprise attack and Cao Shuang's bumbling orders. Sima Zhao defeats Ma Dai to cover the troop's escape, furthering his family's reputation. He supports his father and then his elder brother's conquests.

Sima Zhao, a young man, is assigned to watch over Zhuge Dan at Dongxing, but he slacks and allows the Wu invaders to fall. He is held accountable by his brother Sima Shi for the loss at Dongxing and is later surrounded by Jiang Wei's army. Sima Zhao becomes his successor and initially obeys Emperor Cao Mao. However, he eventually accepts his duties as a leader and subjugates Zhuge Dan and the Wu invaders. Cao Mao declares war on Sima Zhao, and he kills him and allows Cao Huan to become the new Emperor of Wei. Sima Zhao and his son Sima Yan create the Jin Dynasty, aiming to outlive the past and create a new future.

In his first Legendary Battle, Sima Zhao fights his older brother who is furiously angry at him for eating his meat bun. His second Legendary Battle takes place after Sima Shi's death. But for some reason, he fights warlords who have passed away long before as he learns how to be a leader.

In Dynasty Warriors Next, Sima Zhao participates in the coup against Cao Shuang, resulting in the Sima clan's rise to power. During the final battle against Shu, he is made commander by Sima Yi who wishes to test his son's capabilities. The young man proves his worth by undermining Jiang Wei's ambush and slaying Liu Shan. Later on, he and Zhuge Dan are forced to cooperate with one another when Wu attacks Shouchun. His efforts in cutting down the approaching troops earn him praise from the other officers. When Wu's territories fall under their control, Sima Zhao congratulates his father for unifying the land. He and Sima Shi are present during the inauguration of their new kingdom.

Dynasty Warriors 8 has Sima Zhao reprising his actions from the previous installment. During Jin's historical route, his hesitance to kill is emphasized throughout the entire narrative due to his refusal to accept possible leadership. Jia Chong pushes for him to practice cruelty in order to steel himself as a proper ruler yet Sima Zhao broods over the issue —even when the victims' deaths emotionally pain him— until Taoyang when he orders the execution of the captured Xiahou Ba. Sima Zhao gains the conviction to face reality and rule by his own principals, allowing and accepting Shu’s surrender.

In the hypothetical route, Sima Shi survives Xuchang so Sima Zhao's leadership never comes to pass. Happy to live with his peaceful idealism, he helps his brother by attacking Jianye and joining the final battle of Chibi. After Sima Shi is named Emperor of Jin, Sima Zhao leaves the capital to explore the land, promising Wang Yuanji that he will return someday if he is needed.

In the Wu and Shu hypothetical routes, Sima Zhao appears on the later stages alongside his family supporting Wei. In Shu, he appears guarding the bridge at Luoyang and unsuccessfully attempts to prevent the expeditionary force lead by Jiang Wei from escaping. In Wu he appears defending Runan from Lu Su's invasion force.

In Jin's expanded story, Sima Zhao first appears in Cao Shuang's sudden insurrection at Luoyang, being attacked by archers. He takes the role of commander in many of Jin's other battles at Shangyong against Zhuge Liang, at Shouchun against Wen Qin, and helps his brother search for ingredients for the perfect meat bun. Sima Zhao is informed by Wen Yang and Deng Ai of Zhong Hui's rebellion, and he quickly sets out for Bashu, helping convince Zhong Hui's reluctant followers to defect. After the victory at Bashu, Sima Zhao is besieged at Shangyong, but is able to turn the situation around with Liu Shan's help.

In Dynasty Warriors: Unleashed, one of Sima Zhao's bond stories has him demonstrate a compassionate side by convincing Wen Yang not to commit suicide and instead rejoin Wei for the sake of his men. He also partakes in Zhang Chunhua's hunger strike during her story despite his initial reluctance to do so.

Dynasty Warriors 9 places Sima Zhao as one of his father's supporters against Zhuge Liang's northern campaigns at Tianshui and Wuzhang Plains before moving to defeat Gongsun Yuan at Liaodong. Though they are victorious in both fronts, the Sima family's growing influence becomes a concern for the Cao faction in Wei. Cao Shuang, against Sima Zhao and Xiahou Xuan's advice, leads an attack on Mt. Xingshi, which leads to the needless deaths of many Wei soldiers.

Sima Zhao joins his father's coup to punish Cao Shuang and executes him. Wang Ling rebels at Shouchun, and Sima Yi dies from illness. Sima Zhao defends Wei against Jiang Wei at Mt. Tielong and questions his methods. Shi falls after suppressing Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin's rebellion. Sima Zhao defeats Jiang Wei at Duangu and Zhuge Dan rebels. He discovers that Cao Mao's hoodwinking led to the rebellions at Shouchun. Sima Zhao rebels against the emperor and conquests Shu, accepting Liu Shan's surrender. They discuss their experiences in the shadows of their forefathers and agree to make their own decisions. Liu Shan wishes for the same strength as Sima Zhao, but Sima warns him to commit to his decisions.

In Zhong Hui's personal DLC, Sima Zhao retains his normal roles under both his father and brother throughout Zhong Hui's rise to power. Though aware of Zhong Hui's true intentions, Sima Zhao, like his father, encourages Zhong Hui by having him act as the chief advisor for the invasions of Wu and Shu. Before setting off for Shu, he negatively responds to Zhong Hui's inquiry of a promotion after the campaign, stating that the general's desires is something that should be taken, not given, and that the Sima family will always believe that the land should always be given to the most talented. He also ask Zhong Hui what he would do with the land if he was the conqueror.

This encourages Zhong Hui to finally make his move and seize the Emperor at Chang'an and Luoyang from Sima Zhao's grasp. Rallying his remaining loyalists, Sima Zhao makes his final stand at Hefei castle against the combined forces of the remnants of Wu, Shu along with Zhong Hui's forces. Like many of his loyalists, he is killed by the general, who finally gives his response as to how he would rule the land.

Warriors Orochi[]

In the first and second Warriors Orochi games, Sima Zhao was an NPC who appeared in the Orochi army with his father.

Sima Zhao was originally amongst the defenders of Ueda Castle in the original timeline of Warriors Orochi 3. Unfortunately, the castle fell before he made it there, and Ueda Castle proceeded to fall during his absence. With nowhere left, he joined with Hanbei and Ma Chao to fight the Hydra itself, only to find their weapons ineffective and leading to them being surrounded. At the last minute, he and the others are rescued by Kaguya and are sent back in time to save the other generals from death. Sima Zhao's first move was to rescue Ueda Castle. After which, he joins the other generals in subduing the officers possessed by Kiyomori's control.

After a high amount of officers are rescued and Da Ji is captured, Kaguya transports Sima Zhao and others to Da Ji's past, before the arrival of the Hydra. Upon entry, Sima Zhao is forced to protect her from Cao Pi and Sima Yi's men at Tong Gate. Although he wins their trust at the end of the battle, Cao Pi and Sima Yi are unable to join him immediately due to their high position in Wei. After this, he joins his brother in making alterations to the battle in order to rescue Diaochan from Nezha's wrath.

When all the other warlords are rallied, he then becomes one of the leaders of the coalition, often being stationed to pacify and defend their northern positions. In the Good Ending, he is one of the proponents for settling their differences with one another and living in harmony within the dimensional realm.

In the downloadable stage, "Art of War", Sima Zhao and Motonari are given a lesson by Zuo Ci about what people fight for in war.

During Ultimate, Sima Zhao is among the generals that are captured and imprisoned within the Divine Mirror. Whilst trapped in the mirror realm, he mistakenly attacked Wang Yuanji's forces at Kawanakajima. Once he is defeated, the mystics that were also trapped in the realm explained the true cause of their misunderstandings. A fake of him does appear at Xuchang, where it aids Yuan Shao in sieging Dong Zhuo's men. Like all the others, he is sent back to his time once Kyūbi is finally defeated.

In the fourth game, Sima Zhao, Sima Shi and Wang Yuanji were among the first to be transported to the dimensional realm. Not knowing where they were, they were rescued by the Oda Army, and joined to help pay the debt of rescue. When trying to take the Ouroboros bracelet that the Coalition has, the trio were unexpectedly faced against Sima Yi and Zhang Chunhua and were defeated. Having paid the debt of the Oda, the three join the coalition.

Sima Zhao was tasked with obtaining another Ouroboros bracelet with Kanetsugu and Okuni at Baidi Castle, but was held back by Seimei Abe, Kanbei Kuroda Jia Chong. Sima Zhao, knowing Jia Chong, guessed that he had a plan that he could not divulge. After Odin took Zeus' power, Sima Zhao, Hanbei and Ma Chao were tasked to defend Fan Castle against an enormous enemy force, and was successful, with Zhao noting that they could have done this before and making an off-comment on going back in time to "do things over".

Aware of Zhong Hui's plans to eventually rebel against the demon army, Sima Zhao joins the Sanada at Baidi Castle to face Kiyomori and Loki, who are protecting Zeus's staff. During the battle, he ambushes Da Ji, but is cornered by her reserve troops and must be aided. He later helps rescue Zhong Hui, who is sandwiched between Kiyomori and Himiko's forces. Afterwards, when trying to find Zeus' body at Ōsaka, Sima Zhao finally predicted Jia Chong's plans and managed to assist him to defeat Da Ji. With his allies back, he continues to help against Odin's forces.

In Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate, during the alternate scenario where the real Perseus exposes Hades's plan to steal Yggdrasil's power by killing Odin, Sima Zhao is among the heroes sent back in time to rescue the god from Hades's ambush.

It is also revealed that Zhong Hui was originally part of his group of officers, but Sima Zhao had sent him to spy on the demons before-hand.

Character Information[]

Sima Zhao 15th Anniversary Artwork (DWEKD)

Sima Zhao's Shin Sangoku Musou 15th Anniversary artwork.

Development[]

Sima Zhao is considered the indispensable character for ending the Three Kingdoms period. His design was made to be loose, friendly and open to contrast his brother's reserved image. His character arc during Jin's Story Mode is what makes him the "lead character" in a sense. To follow the common protagonist image, he was affiliated with a sword.

Suzuki commented. His design in 9 is based on the idea that, due to his personality, he would wear his elegant, white-themed outfit with a more relaxed tone. He is outfitted with lightweight armor made of high-quality material that features a distinctive Sima family pattern. He does, however, wear things casually, giving him a vagrant appearance with relations to those in power.

Personality[]

Sima Zhao, a light-hearted character, initially resembles his father and older brother. Despite his casual appearance, he possesses an intellect similar to his family. Initially, he views conflicts as pointless and dispassionate, following orders to maintain power. However, after losing his family to war, Sima Zhao gains confidence to think for himself and seeks to break past traditions in a land of harmony. Despite his radical views, Sima Zhao maintains his optimism for a better future. He sees Liu Shan as a kindred spirit, and they often discuss personal matters together.

His family members and Wang Yuanji seek to discipline him during his youth, irate by his laziness and immaturity. Even so, they have faith in the qualities he keeps to himself. He may act skittish when facing his elder brother or Wang Yuanji's chastising, but Sima Zhao appreciates their concern for him. Yet despite his rulership capabilities and the support he has for it, there still blatant implications that his father and brother are still more naturally capable than his is.

For his Warriors Orochi appearance, he shares special conversations with Sakon, who advises him to stop complaining over doing tasks, and Shuten Dōji, whom he accidentally teaches to do nothing but complain about chores. In the fourth installment, he enjoys sneaking off and taking naps with Hanbei, one of his comrades from the prior war. He is also constantly lectured by Kanetsugu Naoe over the ideals of honor and love, which Sima Zhao can only find exasperation in.

Voice Actors[]

  • Peter Doyle - Warriors Orochi series (English-uncredited)
  • Kaiji Tang - Dynasty Warriors 7~8 (English-uncredited)
  • Ian Coleman - Dynasty Warriors 9 (English)
  • Huang Bin - Dynasty Warriors 9 (Chinese)
  • Kim Taeyeong - Romance of the Three Kingdoms: The Legend of Cao Cao (Korean)
  • Daisuke Kishio - Dynasty Warriors 7~9, Warriors Orochi 3~4 (Japanese)
  • Kensuke Satō - Youkai Sangokushi (Japanese)
  • Taira Kikumoto - Sangokushi Hadou (Japanese)
  • Kenji Nomura - Sangokushi Three Kingdoms TV series

Image Songs[]

Live Action Performers[]

Quotes[]

See also: Sima Zhao/Quotes
  • "I'm sure I can find better ways to spend my time."
  • "Why must people cling to their outdated ideals so stubbornly?"
  • "I suppose I'll have to go out there and do something once in a while."
  • "My lord, your tactics in the last battle were exceptional!"
"Oh, stop. Flattery will get you nowhere."
"Your humility becomes you, scion of the Sima family."
"Humility...? Now I know you're putting me on."
~~Deng Ai and Sima Zhao; Dynasty Warriors 7
  • "Zhao, this matter is too important to leave to others. Please entrust everything to me."
"You always take things too far. But I think you are qualified for this."
"Going too far is just what we need. You can count on me."
"Okay! Then let's make tonight's banquet the biggest and best one yet!"
~~Jia Chong and Sima Zhao; Dynasty Warriors 8
  • "Liu Bei, is it. He is more qualified than many people, I'm sure. But can he really hope to rule a nation?"
"Many heroes have stood up against this chaos, but none treat the people as well as he. In both actions and words. He listens not only to his officers, but also each and every one of his men. There is truly no other like him."
"Geh. Just being a leader would be enough of a pain, but doing all that stuff too? Maybe he can achieve an ideal land. I don't think it's a good idea to carry too much of people's expectations. If he does that, sooner or later he will break. You should only identify the ones you can't afford to forsake and keep those. Though even that is too much work for me."
~~Sima Zhao and Zhao Yun; Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers
  • "I'm trying to stop complaining... but I've got a way to go."
"You've got a long history of it, after all. You aren't going to earn people's trust overnight."
"What a bother... ah, right, sorry."
~~Sima Zhao and Sakon Shima; Warriors Orochi 3
  • "Master Sima Zhao, what kind of training do you receive from Lady Yuanji?"
"Training, did you say? That's not really the nature of our relationship. Honestly, I'd call it closer to punishment!"
"Punishment? Whatever do you mean?"
"For example. In the middle of my duties, I cut out and take a break. When I return, Yuanji is standing right in the middle of the room. "Where did you go? Tell me, I won't be angry." Hah, with a look like a demon on her face!"
"Th-That does sound ominous!"
"Knowing I've been caught, I tell her the truth. "I was just napping in the shade." Her eyes narrow. "Sit there, my lord, and do not make a sound. No matter what happens.""
"And what happens-- happened? What happened next?"
"Well, the kind of punishment I can't even describe. I really can't."
"Huh? Master Sima Zhao. The actual punishment is the bit I want to hear about. Was it at least administered with love?"
"Yes. So much love, that's why I can't begin to describe it."
~~Kanetsugu and Sima Zhao; Warriors Orochi 4

Gameplay[]

See also: Sima Zhao/Movesets

Dynasty Warriors 9[]

『真・三國無双8』司馬昭アクション動画

『真・三國無双8』司馬昭アクション動画

Keys: Square Flow Attack • Triangle Reactive Attack • Circle Musou X Jump/Mount

Sima Zhao is affiliated with the sword in this title. When equipped with it, Sima Zhao can perform the following unique attacks listed below.

Unique Attacks
Unique Flow Attack Finisher: Enemy Downed + Square Square Square Square: Sima Zhao steps on a nearby enemy's body and surfs on them continuously before doing a backflip that sends the victim airborne. This attack is inspired by Sima Zhao first EX attack from previous games.
Unique Trigger Attack: R1 + Triangle: Delivers an upward slash to launch foes high up into the air. Based on the striking sword moveset's second charge attack from the eighth title.
Special Technique: R1 + Circle: Creates two wide criss-crossed slash marks that get turned into mobile air waves via overhead slicing motion while crouching down. This move functions similarly to his old weapon's special gimmick from the eighth title.
Musou Attack: Circle: Unleashes several round slashes to the right while spin hopping repeatedly. It ends with Sima Zhao producing an electrified wheel via upward slash and kicking it forward to scatter foes while shocking them at the same time. Incorporates elements of his Rage attack and Fireball Kick Musou from the previous installment.
Aerial Musou Attack: X Circle: Causes blade to ignite in mid-air and delivers a series of rapid criss-crossing slashes that leave behind trails of fire to continuously burn foes below. Sima Zhao finishes it up with a wide concaving swipe that sends his targets flying far away. Based on his Purple Inferno Musou attack from the eighth title.
Horse Maneuvers
Summon Horse: L2: Summon horse to the battlefield. Holding L2 as the horse approaches will allow the character to automatically mount them.
Auto-Run: Riding Mode + L2: Automatically runs towards a specified destination. If a destination has not been set, the horse will instead run towards the location of the player's currently selected mission.
Sprint: Riding Mode + Direction + R1: Causes horse to run at a faster pace. Doing so depletes their stamina each time.
Jump: Riding Mode + Direction + R2: Causes horse to jump high while running.
Horse Fast Attack: Riding Mode + Square: Performs a fast and seamless attack while mounted. The attack itself varies depending on what type of weapon is equipped and whether the enemy is grounded or airborne.
Horse Trigger Attack: Riding Mode + Triangle: Performs an attack that sends enemies flying into the air. May vary depending on what type of weapon is equipped.
Horse Musou Attack: Riding Mode + Circle: Causes horse to sprint by consuming Musou instead of stamina.
Dismount Horse: Riding Mode + X: Dismounts from horse and resumes default fighting stance.
Bow Maneuvers
Shooting Mode: 🡻: Pulls out bow and assumes archery stance. Can be cancelled by tapping 🡻 again.
Switch Arrows: 🡸 or 🡺: Switches between different types of arrows.
Bow Attack: Shooting Mode + Square: Fires current arrow at a target. Can lock on targets by tapping R3.
Lower Bow: Shooting Mode + X: Lowers bow while squatting down.


Weapons[]

See also: Sima Zhao/Weapons

Dynasty Warriors 8[]

Sima Zhao now uses the striking sword as his default weapon in this title.

Historical Information[]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms[]

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • English voice actor Kaiji Tang tattooed his arm with the Sima Family crest to express his enjoyment of voicing Sima Zhao.
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