For me, diving into Dynasty Warriors is like revisiting a beloved comfort dish. The series, crafted by Omega Force, has been a constant since its inception, retelling an expansive saga of kingdoms and battles in every new chapter. My journey began with Dynasty Warriors 2, and over the past 25 years, I’ve repeatedly been drawn back to its epic storytelling and vast array of characters, some of whom have become all-time favorites (a special shoutout to Guan Yu).
Approaching the series’ 10th installment, I was intrigued. Dynasty Warriors: Origins sets itself up as a fresh start, aiming to shake up the familiar formula fans have come to expect with each release.
In Origins, we’re treated to a story that digs deeper into its roots, offering a more focused narrative that covers only the first half of the familiar saga. This time, the game invites us back to the beginning of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the semi-mythical cornerstone of ancient Chinese history on which the series is based. Origins leads us through the rise and fall of the Yellow Turbans, crafting an origin within the known origin story.
Adding to this fresh take is a new lead character—a warrior with amnesia whose backstory unfurls as you play. As you journey through Dynasty Warriors: Origins, you embody this protagonist, marking a significant shift from past games. While older titles let you choose from numerous officers across various factions, here you’re primarily piloting a singular character. This journey sets you up to encounter familiar faces from the series, some of whom you can play as along the way.
This bold move gives Origins a distinct feel. Unlike the open world of Dynasty Warriors 9, here, focusing on a single hero allows for a more directed story mode. You’re not just bouncing from battle to cutscene and back; instead, you navigate a dynamic overworld between missions. Explore hidden areas, adjust your gear, form alliances with officers, and engage in battles to boost your level, making each step meaningful.
The game’s combat showcases this new depth. Although the classic hack ‘n’ slash style remains, there’s more finesse involved. The need for blocking, parrying, and dodging is heightened against bosses. Puzzles break up the action in some encounters, and Battle Art special moves let you tailor your approach to each weapon.
Rather than merely experimenting, these changes feel thoughtfully integrated, adding a layer of strategy to the familiar “1v1000” experience. You still feel like a second-century superhero, but with a new level of thoughtfulness required at every turn.
Origins masterfully balances the old with the new. It doesn’t lose sight of what makes Dynasty Warriors so captivating, adding fresh elements into the well-loved framework. In essence, it remains my gaming comfort food but now spiced up with some delightful new flavors.
