There’s something about Dynasty Warriors that draws me back again and again. For the past 25 years, Omega Force’s iconic series has served up its signature “1v1000” combat, wrapped in the ever-familiar saga of ancient Chinese kingdoms. I first jumped in with Dynasty Warriors 2, and since then, I’ve spent countless hours reliving this epic narrative and rooting for favorite characters—Guan Yu, you never let me down.
So, diving into the 10th main installment stirred my curiosity. The name says it all—Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a throwback to its roots, but with a complete overhaul that goes beyond the minor tweaks we’ve come to expect with each release.
This time, Origins offers a deeper dive into storytelling, focusing on the first half of the narrative we know so well, but with a rich layer of detail. The usual kickoff battle against the Yellow Turban Rebellion is still there, marking the beginning of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms saga. However, Origins gives us the full backstory—showcasing the rise, corruption, and eventual downfall of the Yellow Turbans. It’s like getting an origin story for the origin story.
Adding to the mix, we’ve got a fresh protagonist. You name this amnesiac warrior and uncover their history through gameplay. This shift marks a big departure from previous titles, where we’d pick our hero from a vast roster of officers. Now, you’re steering this lone character through a narrative where you’ll encounter familiar allies—some of whom you can still play as.
Breaking from Dynasty Warriors 9’s open-world set-up, Origins intelligently focuses on a more narrative-driven experience. With your single main character, the game structures a bespoke Story Mode. Battles are no longer just separated by cinematic snippets; instead, there’s an overworld where you can explore, discover secrets, and upgrade your gear. As you do this, you’ll form bonds with officers and engage in skirmishes to boost your level.
Combat is getting a renovation too. While the classic hack ‘n’ slash still underpins the game, there’s a nuanced twist. Facing bosses requires strategic use of blocks, parries, and evades. Certain battles introduce puzzle elements, and customizable Battle Art special abilities allow you to tailor your approach, no matter the weapon.
This doesn’t feel just experimental—it’s a confident leap forward. While playing as what feels like a 2nd-century superhero, the strategic depth added to each duel makes a world of difference.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins strikes an ideal balance—fresh ideas seamlessly blend into a structure that feels both new and familiar. Think of it as your favorite meal but with an innovative twist.
