Dynasty Warriors has always been my gaming equivalent of comfort food. I’ve followed Omega Force’s saga since Dynasty Warriors 2, returning to each game to bask in the familiar chaos of “1 vs. 1000” battles. Every entry retells the sprawling saga of different kingdoms, and I’ve come to love certain characters over the years—Guan Yu, in particular, stands out to me as a favorite.
So when I dove into the 10th main game, titled “Dynasty Warriors: Origins,” my curiosity was piqued. The title itself suggests a back-to-basics approach, hinting at more than just minor tweaks—this is a reimagining that sets itself apart from its predecessors.
What’s immediately noticeable is the more focused narrative. Origins delves deeper into the story, covering just the first half of the tale we’re used to, but does so with a rich level of detail. As is customary, the series kicks off with players quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion, setting in motion the legendary Romance of the Three Kingdoms. However, Origins gives us a prelude—showing the rise and fall of the Yellow Turbans, an origin story within the origin story if you will.
Adding to this new approach is the introduction of a completely new lead character. You, as the player, step into the shoes of an amnesiac warrior whose mysterious past unfolds as you progress. This marks a bold shift from choosing from scores of warriors from different factions. Instead, you guide this singular hero through encounters with familiar characters (some becoming playable as you go).
This shift is a daring choice for a series looking to redefine itself, and it changes the dynamic quite a bit. Unlike its predecessor, Dynasty Warriors 9, which embraced an open world, Origins opts for a single main character, creating a more adaptable Story Mode. Instead of simply progressing from one battle to the next with cutscenes in between, you explore an overworld that connects these battles, allowing for exploration, secrets, and interactions with officers, plus skirmishes to boost your level.
Combat has seen refinements as well. The franchise’s iconic hack-and-slash gameplay remains, but there’s added complexity. Facing enemy bosses now demands more strategy with blocking, parrying, and avoiding attacks being essential. Puzzle-like elements emerge in certain battles, and the customizable Battle Art abilities offer new ways to personalize your fight style for each weapon.
Rather than feeling like change for the sake of it, these adjustments seem like confident steps ahead. The essence of possessing near-superhuman combat prowess in the 2nd Century remains intact, yet the additional strategic layer makes every one-on-one fight feel refreshingly different.
Origins elegantly balances tradition with innovation. It’s still the Dynasty Warriors experience die-hard fans cherish, but with fresh concepts seamlessly integrated. To put it simply—it’s still my beloved gaming comfort food, but with a dash of new flavor.
