Dynasty Warriors: Origins Revitalizes a Longstanding Series

Dynasty Warriors has always been my go-to comfort game. Omega Force’s legendary series consistently delivers the sprawling saga we’re all familiar with, each new installment seeking to perfect its signature “1v1000” combat. My journey with the series began with Dynasty Warriors 2, and in the decades since, I’ve become deeply attached to this sprawling cast of characters, forming a few favorites like Guan Yu simply from the countless hours I’ve spent battling alongside them.

So when Dynasty Warriors: Origins— the tenth mainline entry— came into view, my curiosity piqued. The title alone suggested a return to the series’ roots, a bold reinvention beyond the minor tweaks and refinements that fans usually see with each release.

What sets Origins apart right from the start is its narrative depth. This game zooms in on the first half of the saga we know, adding layers of detail to the familiar storyline. As usual, the journey kicks off with the Yellow Turban Rebellion, a key event that ignites the sprawling Romance of the Three Kingdoms saga. But in a fresh twist, Origins dedicates its initial chapter to the rise, corruption, and eventual defeat of the Yellow Turbans. It’s essentially a backstory for the series’ customary starting point.

A new protagonist enters the stage—an amnesiac traveling warrior whose mysterious past unfolds as you progress. Players spend most of their time in Origins as this character, marking a significant departure from the typical roster of officers from various factions. This new approach leads you to encounters with familiar characters, some of whom become playable as the story unfolds.

This ambitious shift certainly refreshes the experience, especially since Origins drops the open-world format from Dynasty Warriors 9. By centering on a singular character, developers crafted a more dynamic Story Mode, allowing for exploration, secret discoveries, equipment customization, and engaging interactions with various officers. The game offers skirmishes to help you level up, all set within vibrant overworld environments.

Combat, the core of the Dynasty Warriors experience, feels revitalized too. Though the beloved hack ‘n’ slash essence remains, Origins asks players to engage with more finesse. Blocking, parrying, and evading apply significant strategy when battling bosses, and new puzzle elements infuse battles with engaging complexity. Players can also personalize their style with customizable Battle Art abilities for different weapons.

This isn’t innovation for innovation’s sake; it feels like a calculated leap forward. While the superhero-like power fantasy of controlling a 2nd-century warrior endures, the strategic nuances of each duel now stand out.

Origins manages to balance the familiar with the fresh—staunchly Dynasty Warriors yet sprinkled with inventive touches. In a way, it’s like rediscovering my favorite comfort food with exciting new ingredients.

Jumping into the specific details of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, we find an enticing package. Offered for $69.99, the game promises to be the most thrilling action experience in the series to date. Pre-order bonuses like the “Nameless Warrior Garb” costume tie in a collaboration with “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty,” and early purchasers can access a collection of soundtrack gems spanning the series’ history. As players immerse themselves in the epic battles and tackle massive armies, the action never ceases to captivate, viewed through the lens of a unique protagonist navigating the expansive world of the Three Kingdoms.

It’s worth noting that the Digital Deluxe Edition also hits the shelves, and any add-ons install and activate seamlessly in-game. Keep in mind that the visuals shown are from a developmental stage, so the final product might hold some surprises.