Dynasty Warriors is consolation meals for me – Omega Drive’s long-running collection tells the identical kingdom-spanning story in with every instalment, all the time aiming to ship on its “1v1000” fight conceit with every new recreation. Discovering the collection with Dynasty Warriors 2, I’ve returned repeatedly during the last 25 years to see this enormous solid of characters play their half in the identical epic story – creating favorites (hi there, Guan Yu) alongside the way in which by sheer weight of time spent with them.
So it was with some curiosity that I began enjoying the tenth mainline instalment. The title tells you what it’s essential to know – Dynasty Warriors: Origins goes again to fundamentals, a reinvention that goes past the incremental modifications followers have been used to from most new variations of this collection.

For a begin, Origins tells a deeper, extra centered story – the truth is solely telling the primary half of the story we’re used to, however with much more element added alongside the way in which. Dynasty Warriors video games collection sometimes start with gamers crushing the Yellow Turban Revolt, a battle that units the Romance of the Three Kingdoms – the semi-fictionalized historic story of historic China the video games are based mostly on – in movement. However Origins’ first chapter reveals us the Yellow Turbans faction forming, changing into corrupted, and then being taken down. It’s an origin story for, effectively, the collection’ conventional origin story.
As a part of that, we’re additionally launched to a model new protagonist (who you may title); an amnesiac travelling warrior with a previous that’s slowly revealed as you play. You’ll spend nearly all of Dynasty Warriors: Origins enjoying as this character – maybe the most important marker that this recreation is making a significant change. The place Dynasty Warriors video games have beforehand had gamers choose from dozens of officers from throughout the numerous factions on this story, you’re now main this single character by means of a narrative that places you on path to satisfy these acquainted faces (a few of whom will probably be playable alongside the way in which).

It’s a daring selection, worthy of a recreation trying to shake issues up, and it definitely lends a unique feeling to proceedings. Whereas Origins drops the open world format of 2018’s Dynasty Warriors 9, having a single most important character permits the builders to craft a extra mutable Story Mode. Fairly than transferring from battle to battle with cutscenes in between, you’re now positioned in an overworld between most important ranges, in a position to discover, discover secrets and techniques, tinker together with your loadout, meet and befriend officers, and participate in skirmishes to degree up.
All of this speaks to a renewed give attention to how fight works in Dynasty Warriors. Whereas followers will probably be happy to know that the bones of its basic hack ‘n’ slash motion stay in place, there’s much more nuance on present right here. Blocks, parries, and evades are much more essential when taking up enemy bosses, miniature puzzle components have been launched to sure battles, and customizable Battle Artwork particular skills allow you to tinker together with your playstyle for each weapon sort.

This feels much less like an experiment for an experiment’s sake, and extra like a assured step ahead – I’m nonetheless getting the acquainted feeling of being, successfully, a 2nd-Century superhero, however the added degree of thought required for every one-on-one battle alongside the way in which is meaningfully totally different.
And it’s that steadiness between outdated and new that defines Origins’ strategy – that is recognizably Dynasty Warriors, however with new concepts slotted in place amongst that acquainted framework. To place it one other approach – it’s nonetheless my consolation meals, however with new elements.
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS
KOEI TECMO AMERICA
$69.99
Pre-order bonus:
– Protagonist’s costume “Anonymous Warrior Garb”
A “Wo Lengthy: Fallen Dynasty” collaboration costume that may be worn within the recreation.
Word: Please remember that this bonus could turn out to be accessible for buy or totally free at a later date.
Early buy bonus:
– Early Works Soundtrack Assortment (Digital Version)
A soundtrack that includes a complete of 191 unique music tracks from the collection, together with background music from titles spanning from “DYNASTY WARRIORS 2” to “DYNASTY WARRIORS 5 Empires,” as effectively Omega Drive’s first title, “DYNASTY WARRIORS.” The soundtrack may be performed by accessing the principle menu, Particular Content material, after which Music, and deciding on “Early Works Soundtrack Assortment.”
Word:
– The early buy bonus will probably be accessible for many who pre-order or who buy the sport by January 30, 2025.
– The soundtrack contains content material that can also be accessible for buy on music streaming websites. Please remember that the bonus could turn out to be accessible for buy or totally free as add-on content material for this title at a later date.
Develop into immersed in exhilarating battles as a anonymous hero within the Three Kingdoms.
・ Essentially the most exhilarating motion within the collection’ historical past
Pressure-filled battlefields the place you conflict towards large armies stretching so far as the attention can see. How will you deal with the onslaught of enemies? Your navy prowess will serve you effectively as you battle in tandem together with your allies in tactical battles distinctive to the “DYNASTY WARRIORS” franchise and expertise probably the most exhilarating motion within the collection’ historical past.
・ A brand new model of the Three Kingdoms from the attitude of an unique protagonist
The story of the Three Kingdoms is ready within the huge mainland of China the place the convictions of various heroes intersect. Expertise this magnificent and alluring world by means of the eyes of the unique protagonist, a “anonymous hero.”
Word: The product “DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS Digital Deluxe Version” can also be being offered. Please affirm that you’ve chosen the proper product earlier than making your buy.
Word: Pictures are taken from an in-development construct. The ultimate product could differ from the footage proven.
Word: If an add-on finishes putting in whereas the sport is working, it would turn out to be accessible after you come to the title display.