After getting a chance to try out Dynasty Warriors: Origins last year, it shot straight to the top of my must-play list, and I’m thrilled to report that Koei Tecmo has lived up to the hype with this fresh take on the franchise. In fact, I can hardly think of any downsides. The game is fantastic, delivering some of the most exhilarating action gameplay I’ve experienced in years.
Traditionally, the Dynasty Warriors series has been dismissed as mere button-mashing. But anyone who has tried playing on a harder difficulty knows there’s more to it. Dynasty Warriors: Origins brings a whole new level of excitement through its enhanced enemy AI, making battles more engaging. Parrying now plays a crucial role in turning the tide of combat, adding depth to each encounter. Facing historical figures like Lu Bu is a thrilling challenge, far from feeling like just another battle — it becomes a genuine test of skill and prowess.
This revamped combat system harmonizes beautifully with the series’ signature expansive battlefields. Now, there’s a stronger emphasis on strategy. The protagonist can view the battlefield from above and use magic to gain insights, such as the status of allies or potential threats. Puzzle-solving elements also come into play, where finding and neutralizing magical sources can shift battle outcomes. This blend creates a rich, layered experience, resembling a character-action game but requiring strategic thinking for success.
While the story has a somewhat familiar start, featuring a warrior with amnesia, it serves its purpose well. The protagonist, lacking memories, becomes our guide through the historical landscape, meeting influential figures along the way. Though the timeline is shorter than other games in the series, potentially setting up a sequel or expansion, the highlight remains the boss battles. These encounters feel epic and deviate from the norm, adding a level of grandeur previously reserved for spin-offs, and it’s refreshing to see it in the main series.
Customization for the main character is limited, but there’s variety in strategic approaches. Fans can choose from different weapon types, and while I might stick to the trusty longsword, there’s plenty to explore. Horses, skill trees, customizable orbs, and purchasable items enable refinement of your battle strategy, ensuring that everyone finds their preferred playstyle.
Progressing through the story also allows adding a companion to your team. You can switch control to these powerful characters, perfectly capturing that Dynasty Warriors essence we all love. This brings a nostalgic delight for fans eager to command historical figures from previous games.
Another highlight is the game’s presentation. The adorable diorama-style overworld allows you to explore China’s vastness without the constraints of a hyper-realistic open-world setting, honing in on what matters most—the battles. It strikes a perfect balance, especially after previous attempts to create an open-world experience didn’t quite hit the mark.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins Review: Final Verdict
With its enhanced gameplay mechanics and more focused narrative, Dynasty Warriors: Origins stands out as the finest entry in the series. Some fans might miss the multiplayer and customization features, but the narrative depth and improved combat more than compensate. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the series, Origins is a must-play and sets a high bar for games released in 2025.
Pros:
- Deepened combat
- Epic battles
- Improved storytelling
Cons:
- Covers less historical ground
Note: This review was conducted using a PS5 version of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, version 1.001.000, provided by the publisher.
