For me, Dynasty Warriors isn’t just a game—it’s like that comforting dish you keep coming back to, time and again. As a staple from Omega Force, this series has been telling the same vast narrative, where you singlehandedly face thousands of foes, with each new title striving to enhance this experience. I first stumbled upon this adventure in Dynasty Warriors 2 and have been revisiting it over the decades. With each return, I’ve witnessed this enormous ensemble of characters enact an age-old story, earning favorites like Guan Yu purely by how much time I’ve spent by their side.
Naturally, I approached the 10th main episode with a healthy dose of intrigue. The title Dynasty Warriors: Origins suggests a journey back to its roots, a reinvention that dares to be more than just the subtle tweaks fans typically expect with each iteration.
This time around, the story digs deeper, concentrating on the series’ first half, adding heaps of detail to what enthusiasts already know. In traditional Dynasty Warriors fashion, the epic kicks off by quashing the Yellow Turban Rebellion—a cornerstone battle setting the stage for the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the semi-factual saga of ancient China upon which these games are built. Origins, however, rewinds the clock to reveal how the Yellow Turbans rose, became corrupt, and were eventually toppled. It’s essentially an origin tale for the saga’s longstanding origin.
Part of this new approach introduces us to a fresh protagonist—a warrior with no memory, whose backstory unfurls as you advance. You’ll mostly play as this character—a major shake-up for the series. Rather than choosing from a plethora of officers, here, you’re carving a path with this singular figure, encountering those familiar faces (some of whom you’ll still get to control).
This is a bold direction, one that spices things up significantly. Although Origins forgoes the open-world layout popularized in 2018’s Dynasty Warriors 9, focusing on one main character lets the developers weave a more flexible Story Mode. Between major levels, you’re free to explore an overworld, uncover secrets, tweak your loadout, ally with officers, and engage in skirmishes to level up.
Significantly, this version delves into refining how combat unfolds. Long-time fans will be reassured to find the core hack-and-slash mechanics intact, but there’s more strategy here now. Mastering blocks, parries, and evasions is critical against enemy bosses. Mini puzzles have also been introduced during some battles, while customizable Battle Art abilities allow adjustments to your preferred weapon style.
This isn’t change for change’s sake—it’s a confident stride forward. You still feel like a 2nd-Century superhero, but now each one-on-one encounter demands more strategic thinking.
Origins expertly balances the familiar with the innovative, embracing the essence of Dynasty Warriors while infusing fresh ideas. It remains my gaming comfort food, but with an exciting new recipe.
The ultimate DYNASTY WARRIORS experience awaits, promising thrilling face-offs with endless armies. As a nameless hero, you’ll wade through the legendary lands of the Three Kingdoms, where the destiny of disparate warriors intertwines. It’s a refreshing take through the eyes of an original protagonist, breathing new life into the storied backdrop of China.
Note: “DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS Digital Deluxe Edition” is also available for purchase. Be sure to select the correct version before buying. Keep in mind, images are sourced from a pre-release build; the final product may vary from what’s shown.
