Dynasty Warriors has always been a nostalgic series for me—a bit like comfort food. For over two decades, Omega Force has stayed true to its trademark “1v1000” battles across sprawling kingdoms with each new release. I first encountered the saga with Dynasty Warriors 2, and ever since, I’ve been captivated by its vast array of characters, forming bonds through countless hours of gameplay. Guan Yu, anyone?
With that history in mind, I approached the 10th main entry with a sense of intrigue. Dynasty Warriors: Origins hints at a back-to-basics approach, signaling a fresh start that goes beyond the minor tweaks longtime fans might expect.
This installment delves deeper into the narrative, focusing on the initial half of the familiar epic with greater depth. Traditionally, the series kicks off with players suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion—a pivotal event that launches the legendary Romance of the Three Kingdoms story. Origins, however, starts earlier, portraying the rise and fall of the Yellow Turbans in detail, offering fans an entirely new perspective on the series’ origins.
One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of a new protagonist, whom you can custom-name. This amnesiac warrior unfolds their mysterious backstory as you progress. Unlike previous games, where you could command a host of characters from various factions, Origins narrows the focus to this single figure. This personal journey intersects with the storyline, allowing you to interact with iconic characters, some of whom become playable as the game progresses.
This innovative approach signifies a bold shift for the series, and it brings a fresh dynamic to the gameplay. Unlike the open-world approach of 2018’s Dynasty Warriors 9, the game features an overworld between missions. Here, you can explore, find secrets, adjust your gear, collaborate with officers, and engage in skirmishes to level up.
Combat remains central, retaining that classic hack and slash feel, but introduces a layer of strategy. Evading, blocking, and parrying become crucial against formidable bosses, while some battles feature miniature puzzles. The customizable Battle Art abilities add another layer to the combat, allowing players to tailor their experiences with different weapons.
There’s a sense of confidence in these changes. The essence of being a second-century warrior hero is still there, but it’s nuanced. It requires more attention and strategy in each encounter, making every battle a uniquely challenging experience.
Ultimately, Dynasty Warriors: Origins strikes a balance between the familiar and the new. It remains the series we know and love, but with unexpected twists. In a way, it’s still the comfort food we crave, just with some refreshing new flavors.
