Dynasty Warriors: Origins Reinvents a Longstanding Series

For me, Dynasty Warriors is like that reliable comfort food you crave when you need a little familiarity. Omega Force’s long-running saga consistently revisits the grand tale of sprawling kingdoms, and each installment brings its own twist to the classic “1 vs. 1000” battles. My journey began with Dynasty Warriors 2, and over these 25 years, I’ve faithfully returned to this epic narrative, finding joy in its familiar characters and developing a special fondness for some—shoutout to you, Guan Yu!

So, you can imagine my curiosity as I delved into the latest mainline entry of the series. The title Dynasty Warriors: Origins says a lot. This installment attempts a bold reinvention beyond the small enhancements we fans have come to expect from previous updates.

Right off the bat, Origins captivates with a deeper, more focused narrative, diving into the early chapters of the saga we know so well but with greater detail. Unlike before, where players jumped into the action by toppling the infamous Yellow Turban Rebellion, Origins takes a step back to show us how this faction formed and descended into corruption before their inevitable defeat. It’s essentially an origin story for the origin tale itself.

A notable shift is introducing a new protagonist, whom you can name. This warrior, an amnesiac traveler, slowly uncovers their past throughout the game. The emphasis on this central character marks a significant change from previous games, where you could play as one of dozens of officers. Now, you guide this one figure through an adventure, meeting all those beloved faces—and a few will even join you in your journey.

Switching focus to a single character is a daring decision reflective of the game’s intent to shake things up. Abandoning the open-world format seen in Dynasty Warriors 9, the developers have crafted a more flexible Story Mode. Rather than transitioning directly from one battle to the next, you can explore an overworld between missions, uncovering secrets, upgrading gear, befriending officers, and engaging in skirmishes to level up.

Combat, a staple for any Dynasty Warriors game, also sees significant refinement. While the core hack ‘n’ slash thrill remains, layers of nuance prompt more strategic play. When face-to-face with adversaries, blocking, parrying, and dodging become crucial, and some battles introduce light puzzle elements. Special, customizable Battle Art abilities offer a chance to tailor your fighting style to specific weapon types.

This isn’t just change for the sake of change. It feels like a confident stride forward, with the game retaining that satisfying superhero vibe of the ancient world, but with a more thoughtful approach to one-on-one clashes.

It’s this blending of tradition with fresh ideas that embodies Origins’ design ethos. Recognizably a Dynasty Warriors game, yet revamped with new elements seamlessly integrated into the familiar framework. Think of it as my comfort food, just spiced up with some exciting new flavors.

If you’re interested in checking out Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the game is currently available for pre-order from KOEI TECMO AMERICA. Special pre-order bonuses include a unique Nameless Warrior Garb costume and the Early Works Soundtrack Collection, featuring music from previous series titles. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or new to the franchise, this latest iteration in the Dynasty Warriors family promises exhilarating combat and a captivating dive into the legendary Three Kingdoms.