On January 17, be prepared to dive into the thrilling world of Dynasty Warriors: Origins as it arrives on PlayStation 5. As a fresh and exciting chapter in the longstanding Dynasty Warriors series, this game promises to capture the tactical hack-and-slash action fans adore. I was lucky enough to get some hands-on gameplay time before its launch.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins transports players to the fascinating Three Kingdoms period of China, highlighting key events like the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the iconic Battle of Red Cliffs. As the game kicks off, our character finds themselves locked in battle alongside Guan Yu, taking a stand against corrupt officials’ forces. This storyline shines light on the origins and struggles of the Yellow Turbans and offers new insight into the lives and motivations of the generals leading the losing side—something previously unexplored in the series.
Our protagonist is quite the enigmatic figure—a wandering martial artist plagued by amnesia. Despite this, his proficiency with weapons remains sharp, allowing him to artfully engage in combat. Rather than being tied to any single ruler or kingdom, he can forge alliances across different factions, leading to an inevitable and critical choice: whom to align with. Whether to side with the ambitious Cao Cao, the determined Suan Jin, or the noble Liu Bei becomes a challenging decision, given that all three possess their own formidable qualities.
Each potential ally brings depth and intrigue, as well as opportunities to bond with them over the course of the narrative. I found myself particularly drawn to Liu Bei, primarily because of the camaraderie developed from our earliest missions together. Choosing allegiances is no simple task, though—it means potentially clashing with those you might have once trusted.
In this latest installment, the series’ signature “1 vs 1,000” gameplay is alive and well, offering adrenaline-pumping action that’s both intuitive and rewarding. Players can swiftly dispatch large waves of common enemies using a blend of fast, light attacks and more substantial heavy hits. However, dealing with notable generals and leaders requires a different strategy. These formidable foes are shielded by a Fortitude aura, necessitating precision and timing to exploit openings and successfully weaken their defenses.
A key element of the series, Musou Attacks make a triumphant return. These can be unleashed when the Musou Gauge hits the right level, clearing paths through scores of enemies. Additionally, once your Musou Gauge is fully charged, War God Rage mode and the devastating True Musou attack become available. Some battles allow you to recruit a companion, who can be commanded to perform their unique feats or join forces for the groundbreaking Extreme Musou Attack.
Harnessing the power of the PS5, Dynasty Warriors: Origins delivers battles on an epic scale unseen in its predecessors. Watching thousands of soldiers clash on the battlefield is truly a sight to behold, with every warrior fighting under orders or under their own initiative, creating a dynamic and ever-shifting combat landscape.
Maintaining morale during conflict is crucial. Bringing down enemy generals and capturing strongholds uplifts your troops, leading to advantageous scenarios. However, seeing allies fall or losing strategic points can dampen spirits, adding a layer of strategy to every move you make. There are times when you find yourself stretched thin, darting between multiple fronts, but overcoming such hurdles brings immense satisfaction.
Bringing back the beloved Bodyguard feature, the game allows you to direct these companions through strategic commands to execute attacks like barrages of arrows or spear charges. As forces gather, larger formations can engage in Grand Tactics, using tactics such as spear rushes and firebomb barrages. While spectacular, these maneuvers can be devastating if not swiftly countered.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins offers a fresh perspective on the storied historical saga, immersing players in grand scale battles and offering heart-pounding excitement. Whether a series veteran or a newcomer eager to explore the epic narratives of the Three Kingdoms, January 17’s release on PS5 promises to deliver a captivating gaming experience.
