Dynasty Warriors: Origins Review: The Hack & Slash Emperor Reigns Again

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The “Dynasty Warriors” series has consistently been a cornerstone in the gaming industry. Known for popularizing the hack-and-slash genre among a broader audience, each installment aims to surpass its predecessor. The latest addition, “Dynasty Warriors: Origins,” manages to meet this objective effectively, delivering engrossing combat, captivating music, and grandiose settings, despite encountering a few bumps in the road.

This adaptation, titled “Origins,” seems like a fresh start or reimagining, as it concentrates solely on the initial part of the renowned Chinese text, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” Characters such as the tactical Cao Cao and the benevolent Liu Bei are depicted at the beginning stages of their respective journeys. The narrative lays the foundation for the Three Kingdoms, offering a unique perspective through the eyes of an amnesiac warrior, whose power can shift the course of battles.

The protagonist may appear somewhat one-dimensional in terms of personality, but his backstory is compelling enough to keep viewers engaged, even when tasks like gathering resources on a vast map become repetitive. However, the excellent voice acting by John Patenaude (from “Genshin Impact” and “Visions of Mana”) adds depth to the character.

Without having previously read “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, I found it fascinating to observe how events unfolded during cutscenes and battles. It’s almost like witnessing a novel adaptation come to life, which I find surprisingly engaging. As you progress through the game, you get to pick one of three factions, allowing you to experience events as they happen instead of just reading about them on-screen. This feature adds an additional layer of interactivity and depth, making you ponder which leader and team you want to support. In essence, it makes watching strategy meetings and discussions more intriguing than in real life.

A unique aspect of the game Origins lies in its replayability, offering various paths beyond the main three factions. Therefore, if you initially chose Lui Bei as I did, you could subsequently explore different aspects of the story if you persevere through the lengthy initial chapters. The game subtly encourages multiple playthroughs due to its parallel narratives and diverse battle strategies. Fortunately, the engaging combat system makes repeat encounters enjoyable despite some recurring elements.

In the game Origins, the classic combat style of the series remains strong. The game offers intense action against a horde of 1000 soldiers, making it feel exactly as described. Swarms of enemies will fill nearly every corner of the battlefield, all attacking you and your allies mercilessly; yet, you’ll have the ability to switch between numerous weapons from the menu. Options range from simple swords and spears to lethal twin pikes and wheels, allowing you to command the warzone effectively. This control also grows as the game progresses, with options like riding horses or controlling a fleet at your disposal. While the battlefields do vary, they aren’t visually as captivating as one might expect, primarily consisting of hilly terrain and mountain paths.

In the game Origins, while it may appear to be solely focused on hack-and-slash action, there’s a significant strategic element that adds depth. Choosing which bases to attack, who to target among the officers, and deciding where to offer assistance significantly impacts the game’s outcome. For instance, some missions allow you to bolster the main forces on the front lines or destroy multiple bases to seize additional territory and troops, weakening all enemy soldiers present. Despite not being a huge strategy enthusiast, I found myself enjoying the process of figuring out my optimal role, adapting to the situation, and reaping the rewards in the form of new gear and upgrades for my efforts.

When it comes to customization, players will uncover a variety of unique skills and abilities that can be deployed on the battlefield. For instance, you might find one that temporarily stuns opponents before they launch a powerful attack or another that pulls adversaries closer for you to strike. You’re free to select and combine abilities for each weapon, which creates numerous opportunities for playstyles. In addition, you’ll progress and acquire enhanced versions of weapons to wield on the field. Experimenting with them is enjoyable, as it allows you to discover what suits your playstyle best. During my time playing, I gravitated towards a wide range of skills, since I prefer to engage in battle aggressively and eliminate multiple enemies at once.

As a dedicated player, I can’t wait to encounter a diverse array of companions hailing from various factions outside of battle. Each character is unique, with their own set of aspirations and motivations. Engaging in conversations with them allows for bond formation, opening up new challenges that reward me with upgrade points. This feature really humanizes the characters, making them more than just familiar faces on the battlefield. Interestingly, even if they’re on the opposing side, their presence significantly amplifies the impact of combat. The voice actors do a commendable job of bringing these characters to life, though some may sound somewhat monotone. However, considering that most of the original cast was recast for Origins, with a few exceptions like Kyle Hebert’s Dong Zhao, they’ve done a fine job.

As a long-time fan of Dynasty Warriors, I must say that the visual upgrade in this new title is quite apparent after seven years. The characters and environments seem more modernized, looking sleek and vibrant, and they move fluidly. However, there are moments when it can appear somewhat static and not as detailed under certain lighting conditions, such as outdoors or during battles. Nevertheless, the high-octane action makes up for it, and I’m finding it hard to put down.

The combat feels better than ever, with my skills being showcased in a fervent and energetic manner. It’s flashy yet grounded, striking a balance between realism and the epic scale of overcoming seemingly impossible odds.

The music in Dynasty Warriors: Origins aligns perfectly with the magnitude of battles experienced by the main character and their comrades. Predominantly made up of electric guitars and woodwinds, it genuinely inspired me to fight harder and take bolder actions. It’s loud, swift, and an ideal soundtrack for enhancing your self-assurance in battle. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as a growing guitar solo as you charge into battle on horseback. Despite repetition, it doesn’t become monotonous, at least not to me.

The new game, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, does an excellent job in many areas and this could be a refreshing change for fans. It surpasses Dynasty Warriors 9 in numerous ways and manages to recapture the intensity and realism that made the series famous. Serving both as an action game and a history lesson, it remains enjoyable even after the end credits, despite its lengthy introduction and some repetitive elements. As one of the first releases of 2025, Koei Tecmo has certainly set the bar high with this title. In summary, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is highly addictive, thrilling, and a whole lot of fun.

Rating: 4 out of 5

A PlayStation 5 copy of Dynasty Warriors: Origins was provided by the publisher for this review.

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2025-01-13 14:10