After getting a sneak peek of Dynasty Warriors: Origins late last year, I found myself eagerly awaiting its release. I’m thrilled to say Koei Tecmo has nailed the revamp of this beloved franchise. Any drawbacks? Honestly, none come to mind. It’s been ages since I’ve had this much fun with an action game.
The Dynasty Warriors series might have been called a "button-mashing" fest in the past, but those who’ve played on harder levels know that’s an oversimplified view. With Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the gameplay is richer and more satisfying. The enemy AI is far more aggressive now, and mastering the parry system is crucial to outsmart your foes. Facing legendary characters, like the formidable Lu Bu, adds a layer of intensity—turning each clash into a strategic challenge.
This refined combat meshes beautifully with the game’s traditional sprawling battlefields. The main character can now survey battles from a panoramic view and penetrate magic attacks, allowing you to assess the situation with ease. Adding to the depth, there are light puzzles—such as dismantling spell sources—to shift the momentum in your favor. These elements together craft a battle system that’s as layered as a character-action game but demands more tactical thinking.
Moving on to the story mode—it’s indeed enjoyable, despite starting with a somewhat cliché setup featuring a warrior with memory loss. But this blank slate of a hero offers a fresh lens for exploring the era, meeting iconic figures along the way. While the timeline covered is shorter than usual for the series, this leaves room for possible sequels or expansions. The standout sections are undoubtedly the boss fights, filled with a grandiosity formerly reserved for the Warriors spin-offs, now integrated into the main series.
Character customization might be limited, but that doesn’t mean you lack options in battle strategy. There’s a variety of weapons to master; while I personally gravitate towards the straightforward longsword, others will find plenty to enjoy. Plus, you can ride horses, develop skill trees, craft stat-enhancing orbs, and buy items to boost your combat effectiveness.
As you progress, you gain the ability to bring a companion into battle. You can even switch to control these formidable characters, fulfilling the iconic Dynasty Warriors power trip fans love. And, playing as some of history’s titans feels like a delightful throwback.
The entire game package is a visual treat with its charming, diorama-like overworld that lets you traverse vast terrains, uncover items, and engage in optional skirmishes. This approach showcases the expanse of China without getting bogged down in an unwieldy open world, striking a balance the previous installment struggled to achieve.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins Review: Final Verdict
With refreshed gameplay and sharpened storytelling, Dynasty Warriors: Origins truly stands as the crowning achievement of the series. While the absence of multiplayer and customization might bug some loyal fans, the polished story mode and engaging combat make up for it. Be it a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, Origins is a must-play. It marks the dawn of excellence for games in 2025.
Review Highlights:
- Enhanced combat introduces significant depth
- Battles achieve a grand scale
- Narration improves dramatically
- Covers less historical ground than past installments
This review of Dynasty Warriors: Origins is based on a PS5 copy provided by the publisher, with the game played on version 1.001.000.
