Review of Dynasty Warriors: Origins: A Successful Reinvention

After having the chance to try out Dynasty Warriors: Origins late last year, it quickly became one of the games I was most looking forward to. Fortunately, Koei Tecmo has truly lived up to the potential of their series overhaul. Bad news? None here. It’s been a thrilling ride, offering some of the best action gameplay I’ve experienced in a long time.

Now, the series has often been labeled as a button-masher, which does it a disservice (those who’ve tackled higher difficulties would back me up on this). But Origins brings a more rewarding gameplay experience by ramping up enemy aggression and spotlighting parries. Mastering these helps you counter effectively and seize the upper hand in battles. Going toe-to-toe with historic figures is no longer a routine skirmish; encounters like battling Lu Bu are downright nerve-wracking and genuinely test your skills.

This deeper combat system integrates seamlessly with the classic Dynasty Warriors battle stages, infused with a fresh tactical angle. The lead character can now view the battlefield from above and see through magical offenses, making it simple to assess situations, identify who’s in trouble, and more. You’ll also do a bit of puzzle-solving, like dismantling spell sources to sway battles in your favor. This blend gives our clashes a signature touch: packed with the character-action game’s depth, yet only forming one part of a successful battle strategy.

As for the storyline, it’s thoroughly enjoyable despite its somewhat tropey start where you play an amnesiac warrior. This blank slate lets the character navigate through the era, meeting historical icons (although the timeline covered is shorter than usual, leaving room for sequels or expansions). Boss fights take center stage as outstanding moments that break away from typical series norms. The grandeur that we’re used to seeing in Warriors spin-offs is now part of the main series, bringing much-needed spectacle.

Although you can’t heavily customize the protagonist, there’s plenty of freedom in how you approach each battle. Just like before, there’s a variety of weapon types to master (I personally stick with the trusty longsword). Horses, skill trees, customizable orbs, and purchasable items all contribute to enhancing your battlefield prowess.

Progress through the story mode, and you’ll also unlock the feature to select a companion to bring into battles. Switching between characters offers you the chance to wield the legendary strength of Dynasty Warriors’ iconic heroes. While I found the new main character engaging, the option to revisit famed figures was particularly pleasurable.

A standout aspect is the game’s impressive presentation. It features an endearing diorama-styled overworld that you explore to discover items and engage in optional skirmishes, all while leveling up. It showcases the breadth of China without bogging down in the complexities of realistic open-world elements, focusing instead on the essence of the battles themselves. It strikes a balance that its predecessor struggled with when attempting to construct a compelling open world.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins Review: Final Verdict

With a fresh take on gameplay mechanics and a tighter narrative focus, Dynasty Warriors: Origins stakes its claim as the best in the franchise’s lineup. Although the absence of multiplayer and customizable options might not sit well with veteran fans, the enhanced story and combat more than compensate. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new, Origins is undoubtedly worth diving into and sets the standard for what a great game in 2025 should look like.

• Pros:

  • Revamped combat adds substantial depth
  • Battles feel grand and engaging
  • Significantly improved storytelling
• Cons:
  • Doesn’t encompass as much historical scope

Disclaimer: This Dynasty Warriors: Origins review is based on a PS5 copy provided by the publisher. Played on version 1.001.000.