Review: Dynasty Warriors Origins

Developer / Publisher: Koei Tecmo Games

Platform: PC, Xbox Series S|X, PS5 (Reviewed)

For decades, the Dynasty Warriors series has been synonymous with large-scale battles, hack-and-slash chaos, and a staggering roster of characters drawn from Chinese history and mythology. With Dynasty Warriors Origins on the PS5, Omega Force delivers a new reimagining of the franchise, streamlining its systems and narrative while retaining the core essence of what makes these games so thrilling. For newcomers like me, this entry feels like the perfect starting point, offering a fresh perspective on the rich lore of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms while introducing innovative mechanics and breath taking visuals that fully leverage the power of modern hardware.

What sets Origins apart from its predecessors is its commitment to a more focused and cohesive story. I’ve read that previous entries often struggled under the weight of their bloated rosters, with over 90 playable characters diluting the narrative. In contrast, Origins opts for a more intimate experience, centring on Ziluan and his interactions with key figures during the fall of the Han Dynasty. This streamlined approach gives the story room to breathe, allowing for greater emotional depth and character development.

So together let’s look into the story, gameplay, and mechanics of Dynasty Warriors Origins, examining what makes it such a compelling entry point for newcomers while exploring the ways it evolves and refines the franchise’s established formula. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a curious newcomer, Origins is a game that’s hard to put down. Let’s get into it!

A New Hero for a New Beginning

Dynasty Warriors Origins introduces players to Ziluan, an enigmatic mercenary with a mysterious past. Unlike the established heroes of the Dynasty Warriors series, Ziluan is an outsider, uninvolved in the major political or familial alliances that define the era. This narrative choice is a breath of fresh air, offering both new and returning players a perspective unburdened by the deep and complex histories of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Ziluan’s journey begins with amnesia—a tried-and-true trope that might feel overly familiar at first but quickly proves effective in weaving a tale of personal discovery intertwined with the grand, sweeping events of the Three Kingdoms period.

Ziluan’s amnesia isn’t just a convenient narrative device; it serves as a thematic anchor for the game. His quest to uncover the truth about his identity mirrors the fractured state of the Han Dynasty itself. As Ziluan struggles to piece together his past, the world around him teeters on the brink of collapse, with rival factions vying for control. This parallel elevates his story, making it feel integral to the larger narrative rather than a tacked-on subplot.

From the outset, Ziluan’s design stands out. His armour is a blend of traditional Chinese motifs and modern flair, emphasizing his role as an unconventional protagonist. His dark robes and yearning to maintain the status quo wouldn’t look out of place in an Assassins Creed title! His combat style is equally unique, blending agility and raw power mimicking screen legends like Jet-Li in Hero. The fluid combat allows Ziluan to adapt to different enemies and situations on the fly, making him a versatile force on the battlefield. The developers have done an excellent job of making him feel distinct, both narratively and mechanically, from the dozens of iconic warriors that populate the Dynasty Warriors universe. Back in Black baby!

Building Relationships in a Turbulent World

A major highlight of Ziluan’s story is his interactions with the historical figures fans have come to know and love. Early in the game, Ziluan’s mercenary work leads him to cross paths with Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—key players in the Shu faction. These interactions are laced with intrigue and tension as the virtuous leaders of Shu try to determine whether Ziluan is friend or foe. Similarly, his encounters with more morally ambiguous figures, such as Cao Cao and Dong Zhuo, provide a fascinating contrast, revealing the complex web of alliances and betrayals that define the era. Take note, if a character looks like a wrong-un, chances are they’re going to betray you! This game has more backstabs than an inebriated dad backflipping into a pool of hedgehogs. You’ve been warned!

Ziluan’s outsider status allows him to act as a bridge between factions, offering players a rare glimpse into the motivations and perspectives of rival leaders. While I’ve read that Dynasty Warriors games encourage allegiance to a specific faction, Origins embraces moral grey areas, making Ziluan’s story feel less like a straightforward tale of good versus evil and more like a nuanced exploration of loyalty, ambition, and survival. Only towards the end game will you be forced to choose a side and at that point, you will most likely already have a favourite you want to align with.

Emotional Depth and Personal Stakes

What truly sets Ziluan apart from the typical Dynasty Warriors protagonist is the emotional depth of his journey. As his memories return in fragmented pieces, players are treated to poignant flashbacks that shed light on his life before the chaos. These moments reveal a man torn between duty and personal desires, a theme that resonates with the larger struggles of the era. The story doesn’t shy away from tragedy, and Ziluan’s past is rife with heartbreak, betrayal, and sacrifice.

This focus on personal stakes adds weight to Ziluan’s actions on the battlefield. He isn’t fighting for glory or to carve his name into history; he’s fighting to survive, to protect those he cares about, and to uncover the truth about his role in the world. It’s a refreshing approach that doesn’t always hit the mark, mainly because Zilun is an emotionless plank! Unlike every other character in the game, he isn’t voice acted. I think maybe they were trying to create a character like Link from Zelda here but it falls short. He lacks any emotion in even the most dramatic scenes, making you the player feel like he just doesn’t care. A bit on an oversight and I wish the devs would add a little more expression to our blank slated hero.

Spectacle and Substance in Combat

The heart of Dynasty Warriors Origins lies in its combat, and it delivers spectacularly. Within minutes of starting the game, you’re thrust into battles where you carve through hundreds of enemies with awe-inspiring moves. The sheer number of enemies on screen is mesmerizing, showcasing the PS5’s power. It’s a visual feast akin to the infamous “Neo vs. Smiths” scene from The Matrix Reloaded, dialled up to eleven!

Combat feels fluid and rewarding, with a wide variety of weapons to experiment with. Each weapon has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and I was eager to test every new addition to my arsenal. From pikes and longswords to gauntlets and battle axes, the variety kept battles fresh even after dozens of hours. The “Army of One” award, where you receive a notification that you single-handedly defeat 1,000 enemies, is a particularly satisfying milestone, solidifying your status as a battlefield legend. Oh and it happens often so keep your blade sharp!

Fights against enemy generals elevate the challenge, blending traditional hack-and-slash gameplay with forgiving Soulslike mechanics. Parrying, dodging, and using special arts to break their defences is crucial. Victories against these formidable foes are immensely satisfying, often turning the tide of battle in your favour.

An Overwhelming Yet Rewarding Narrative

The story is a mixed bag. On one hand, the cutscenes are well-executed, with strong voice acting and writing that adds tension and stakes to the battles. On the other hand, the sheer volume of characters and lore can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. In the first chapter alone, I encountered over a dozen named characters, many of whom blurred together.

As the story progressed, the focus shifted to key players, making it easier to connect with the narrative. Themes of heroism, corruption, and the consequences of power are explored with varying degrees of success. Some dialogue leans into melodrama, with moments of hammy, cliché lines. Yet, these occasionally cheesy exchanges often add to the charm rather than detract from it.

The branching narrative paths and multiple endings add replayability. Choosing to align with different factions—Cao Wei, Shu Han, or Sun Wu—alters the story’s direction and the battles you’ll face. These choices, combined with hidden cutscenes and optional challenges, encourage players to revisit the campaign for a richer experience after the credits roll.

Depth Beyond the Battlefield

The game’s depth extends beyond combat. The skill tree, weapon proficiency system, and NPC challenges offer meaningful progression. Completing “training” missions—defeating enemies with specific weapons or performing particular manoeuvres—earns skill points to unlock abilities and stat boosts. This system ensures that even minor skirmishes feel rewarding. It still baffles me that they call them ‘training’ though when these are clearly challenges!! Drives me mad but don’t mind me!

The map design is another standout feature. Instead of a traditional menu-based overworld, Origins presents a miniature diorama-like map where you move Ziluan like you’re Godzilla stomping on a village. This creative approach feels immersive and adds a layer of interaction as you discover side quests, gather resources, and meet NPCs. The map evolves with the story, reflecting changes in the world, such as the burning of Luoyang or the opening of Hulao Gate. Take note Todd and the Starfield team…this is how is should be done!

Technical Triumphs and Artistic Flourishes

The visuals in Dynasty Warriors Origins are stunning. In fact, stunning doesn’t do it justice. This is like nothing you’ve seen in any game before! The PS5 handles the chaos of massive battles without a hitch, maintaining smooth performance even with hundreds of enemies on screen. Character animations are fluid, and the combat moves are a spectacle in themselves. The artistic direction, inspired by the rich history of the Han dynasty, brings the world to life with vibrant colours and detailed environments.

The soundtrack complements the action beautifully, blending traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestration and electric guitars. It enhances the epic scale of battles and the emotional weight of story moments. The guitars shredding as I cut down generals would always keep the heart pumping.

Minor Flaws and Impression

While Dynasty Warriors Origins excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The narrative pacing occasionally drags due to overly long cutscenes. This isn’t Kojima levels of indulgence but it can feel a little egregious from time to time. The overwhelming introduction of characters can be a hurdle for newcomers, though this becomes less of an issue as the story narrows its focus. Additionally, some battles in certain narrative paths feel repetitive, with filler encounters that could have been condensed for a more streamlined experience.

That said, these issues are minor compared to the game’s strengths. The combat is exhilarating, the visuals are breathtaking, and the sheer amount of content ensures hours of enjoyment. For newcomers like myself, Dynasty Warriors Origins is the perfect gateway into the franchise. Its blend of accessible gameplay, engaging systems, and a compelling (if occasionally overwhelming) story makes it a must-play.

Conclusion

Dynasty Warriors Origins is a triumph of the hack-and-slash genre, offering newcomers and veterans alike a thrilling journey through ancient China’s legendary battles. Its combination of stunning visuals, deeply satisfying combat, and meaningful progression systems creates an experience that’s hard to put down. Despite its occasional narrative hiccups and occasional pacing issues, it stands as a shining example of what the franchise can achieve.

Whether you’re a long time fan or a curious newcomer like me, this is a journey worth taking. Just be prepared to lose yourself in a sea of names, faces, and epic battles. Oh, and you’re going to have to slay somewhere in the ballpark of half a million soldiers….so get to work!