Dynasty Warriors has always been my go-to in gaming, much like comfort food. The longstanding series from Omega Force has a familiar formula that involves immersing players into epic battles featuring thousands of opponents. Every new installment continues this grand story, first introduced to me with Dynasty Warriors 2, capturing my attention for over a quarter of a century. Over the years, I’ve developed a soft spot for certain characters, like Guan Yu, simply due to the number of hours I’ve logged in their company.
Approaching the 10th main installment, my curiosity piqued. Titled Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the game hints at a return to simpler times, promising a fresh start while breaking out from the small shifts we’ve seen in recent versions.
This time, Origins delves into a more focused narrative, covering just the first half of the story we know so well, but with added depth at every turn. Typically, these games kick off with players quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion—a conflict that ignites the Romance of the Three Kingdoms storyline, a part-fictionalized depiction of ancient China on which the series is based. In Origins, the initial segment explores the origins, corruption, and ultimate defeat of the Yellow Turbans, making it a prelude to what we’ve come to recognize as the series’ origin.
Adding to that fresh take, we meet a new protagonist (who you can name), an amnesiac warrior whose past unfolds as the game progresses. This shift signals one of the game’s major changes: instead of choosing from a roster of officers belonging to various factions, you guide one central character on a path that intersects with famed personalities along the way—some of which become playable.
It’s a daring move to shake up the formula and invigorates the gameplay experience. Although Origins moves away from the open-world structure seen in Dynasty Warriors 9, focusing on a single character allows developers to craft a more dynamic Story Mode. Instead of simply bouncing from one battle to the next with cutscenes bridging the gaps, you’ll find yourself in an overworld, exploring, uncovering secrets, tweaking your gear, meeting and allying with different officers, and engaging in battles to level up.
This shift accentuates a renewed emphasis on how combat functions. While fans will be glad to see that the core hack ‘n’ slash action is intact, there are now more layers to it. Blocking, parrying, and evasion become crucial, especially in boss encounters, and puzzle elements have been embedded into some battles. Moreover, customizable special moves, or Battle Art abilities, allow you to tailor your combat style for each type of weapon.
This isn’t change for the sake of change; it feels like a confident stride forward. I still feel like a superhero from the 2nd-Century, but each encounter now demands a new level of strategy, offering a refreshing twist.
It’s this blend of the familiar and novel that really captures the essence of Origins. It’s unmistakably Dynasty Warriors, yet with a spin that freshens up the experience. In short, it’s still my gaming comfort zone—with a splash of new flavors.
Moreover, there’s a whole host of pre-order bonuses and early purchase incentives that enhance the experience further. From exclusive costumes and soundtracks to exhilarating battles against vast armies, it promises the most thrilling action the series has ever seen. Whether you’re loyal to the series or new to the saga, exploring the Three Kingdoms through the eyes of a nameless hero ensures a gripping journey across this legendary landscape.
Keep in mind that a Digital Deluxe Edition is also available, so ensure you’ve picked the right version before buying. Please note, the images provided show the game while it’s still in development, so the final product may have some differences.
