Dynasty Warriors Origins Review (PS5)

By Paul Hunter

The long-running Dynasty Warriors series has received a major overhaul courtesy of developer Omega Force and publisher by Koei Tecmo, with Dynasty Warriors Origins breathing new life into the classic musou formula. For over two decades, players have been hacking and slashing their way through hordes of enemies as legendary Chinese warlords, however, most entries only introduced incremental changes. That all changes with Dynasty Warriors Origins, coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Omega Force has taken a bold steps forward, crafting an experience that stays true to the series’ identity while introducing a wealth of meaningful changes. Gone are the days of mindlessly mashing buttons to rack up ever-increasing kill counts. Instead, Dynasty Warriors Origins challenges you to think tactically, carefully managing resources and exploiting enemy weaknesses to emerge victorious.

At the heart of this new approach is the mysterious protagonist, a warrior with no memory of his past. As you guide this mysterious hero through the tumultuous Three Kingdoms period, you’ll encounter a diverse cast of iconic characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. The narrative has been significantly expanded, offering a more nuanced exploration of this rich historical setting. Let’s explore more to see what’s new in Dynasty Warriors Origins.

Dynasty Warriors Origins opens as the Han Dynasty crumbles, and a power vacuum emerges, allowing cunning warlords from across the land to vie for supremacy. You, an amnesiac warrior known as the Wanderer, find yourself at the heart of this epic conflict.

Guided by mysterious visions to restore peace, you cross paths with a large cast of recognizable figures. From the noble Liu Bei to the ruthless Cao Cao, each commander has their own driving force and ambitions. Through dramatic and heartfelt cutscenes, you interact with these historical characters and witness a strong character-driven story unlike any previous Dynasty Warriors game before.

Tasked with unravelling the secrets of your own past, you must navigate the shifting alliances and bitter rivalries that define this tumultuous era. The narrative skilfully blends your personal journey with the larger-than-life events that shape the future of China. Moments of intimate character development are seamlessly interwoven with grand, cinematic battles that leave a lasting impression.

As the story progresses, you are faced with a pivotal choice of which faction you’ll ally weith that will determine the ultimate fate of the Three Kingdoms. This branching narrative structure allows you to witness the consequences of your decisions, adding a layer of meaningful player agency to the overarching narrative.

Complementing the engaging storytelling are the visually stunning cutscenes that bring the historical setting to life. Vibrant colours, dramatic lighting, and emotive performances combine to create a cinematic quality that elevates the narrative presentation beyond anything we’ve seen in the series to date. I found myself deeply invested in the characters’ struggles and triumphs, eager to uncover the next twist in this epic tale.

The gameplay of Dynasty Warriors Origins has undergone a significant evolution for the musou genre. The button-mashing gameplay that has defined the series for years is out, and in its place Omega Force has crafted a combat system that demands a more tactical approach from the player.

At the heart of this revamped gameplay is the ability to wield nine different weapon types, each with their own unique movesets and special abilities. You can freely switch between these weapons, allowing you to adapt your playstyle to the demands of each battle encounter. Mastering the nuances of each weapon and levelling them up becomes crucial, as they offer vastly different strengths and weaknesses.

Complementing the weapon variety are the newly implemented parrying and dodging mechanics. Timing your blocks and evasions perfectly allows you to break an enemy’s guard, leaving them vulnerable to devastating counterattacks. This added layer of strategy elevates the combat, transforming the button mashing hack-and-slash into a more thoughtful and rewarding experience.

The battles themselves have also undergone a significant overhaul. Rather than simply overwhelming you with hordes of faceless enemies, Dynasty Warriors Origins tasks you with managing the everchanging dynamics of the battlefield. There are tons of named mid-bosses to wage war against before ultimately coming face to face with the mission’s end boss. Keeping a close eye on your allies’ morale and the enemy’s defences becomes crucial to emerging victorious, as is exploiting enemy weaknesses to overcome even the most daunting confrontations.

Dynasty Warriors Origins also introduces Battle Arts—special moves that the Wanderer can use to deal devastating damage. From unleashing a shockwave of ice to shooting fire homing arrows to tossing out a whirlwind of tornades, your Battle Arts can quickly turn the tide of battle. Battle Arts can be acquired through spending skill points or finding a Battle Arts Tome that instantly gives you a new power. All in all, the new gameplay mechanics introduced in Dynasty Warriors Origins marks a significant step forward for Koei Tecmo’s long-running series.

The visual presentation of Dynasty Warriors Origins is nothing short of impressive, delivering a significant upgrade over previous entries in the series. Omega Force has crafted a world that is both aesthetically pleasing and technically proficient, creating an immersive world to explore.

The first thing you’ll nice is the character models are exquisitely detailed, with each legendary warrior commanding a strong presence. Intricate armour, flowing robes, and expressive facial animations breathe life into these famous figures, making it a true delight to behold them in action. The attention to detail extends to the surrounding environments as well, with the sprawling landscapes of ancient China rendered with remarkable fidelity.

Traversing the lush forests, bustling cities, and rugged terrain is a visual treat, as the game’s engine effortlessly handles the large-scale battles that unfold. The sheer number of soldiers on screen at any given time is staggering, yet the performance remains silky smooth, even during the most chaotic confrontations. The camera dynamically shifts to capture the grandeur of these epic clashes, zooming out to showcase the sweeping scale of the conflict before honing in on the intense one-on-one duels.

Complementing the visual splendour is a stirring musical score that perfectly captures the dramatic tone of the Three Kingdoms period. The rousing orchestral compositions seamlessly blend traditional Chinese instrumentation with Western symphonic elements, creating a soundscape that is both historically authentic and emotionally resonant. The music swells during pivotal moments, heightening the sense of urgency and heroism as you lead your forces to victory.

The voice acting, presented in English or Japanese with subtitles, is equally impressive. The talented cast delivers nuanced performances, imbuing each character with a distinct personality and unique vocal cadence. Whether it’s the noble Sun Jian, the cunning Cao Cao, or the enigmatic protagonist, the voice work brings the narrative to life.

The Verdict

When all is said and done, Dynasty Warriors Origins represents a significant step forward for the musou genre. Omega Force has crafted an experience that stays true to the series’ core identity while introducing a wealth of meaningful innovations. From the more tactical gameplay to the stunning presentation to the focus a single protagonist, this game pushes the franchise forward in many notable ways. This is the renaissance the series has been waiting for.

Final Score: 9/10 – Amazing

Dynasty Warriors Origins details

Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Genre: Hack and Slash
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

A key was provided by the publisher.