Dynasty Warriors is comfort food for me – Omega Force’s long-running series tells the same kingdom-spanning tale in with each instalment, always aiming to deliver on its “1v1000” combat conceit with each new game. Discovering the series with Dynasty Warriors 2, I’ve returned again and again over the last 25 years to see this huge cast of characters play their part in the same epic tale – developing favorites (hello, Guan Yu) along the way by sheer weight of time spent with them.

So it was with some curiosity that I started playing the 10^th mainline instalment. The title tells you what you need to know – Dynasty Warriors: Origins is going back to basics, a reinvention that goes beyond the incremental changes fans have been used to from most new versions of this series.

For a start, Origins tells a deeper, more focused story – in fact only telling the first half of the tale we’re used to, but with far more detail added along the way. Dynasty Warriors games series typically begin with players crushing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, a battle that sets the Romance of the Three Kingdoms – the semi-fictionalized historical tale of ancient China the games are based on – in motion. But Origins’ first chapter shows us the Yellow Turbans faction forming, becoming corrupted, and then being taken down. It’s an origin story for, well, the series’ traditional origin story.

As part of that, we’re also introduced to a brand new protagonist (who you can name); an amnesiac travelling warrior with a past that’s slowly revealed as you play. You’ll spend the majority of Dynasty Warriors: Origins playing as this character – perhaps the biggest marker that this game is making a major change. Where Dynasty Warriors games have previously had players pick from dozens of officers from across the many factions in this tale, you’re now leading this single character through a story that puts you on path to meet those familiar faces (some of whom will be playable along the way).

It’s a bold choice, worthy of a game looking to shake things up, and it certainly lends a different feeling to proceedings. While Origins drops the open world format of 2018’s Dynasty Warriors 9, having a single main character allows the developers to craft a more mutable Story Mode. Rather than moving from battle to battle with cutscenes in between, you’re now placed in an overworld between main levels, able to explore, find secrets, tinker with your loadout, meet and befriend officers, and take part in skirmishes to level up.

All of this speaks to a renewed focus on how combat works in Dynasty Warriors. While fans will be pleased to know that the bones of its classic hack ‘n’ slash action remain in place, there’s far more nuance on show here. Blocks, parries, and evades are far more necessary when taking on enemy bosses, miniature puzzle elements have been introduced to certain battles, and customizable Battle Art special abilities let you tinker with your playstyle for every weapon type.

This feels less like an experiment for an experiment’s sake, and more like a confident step forward – I’m still getting the familiar  feeling of being, effectively, a 2^nd-Century superhero, but the added level of thought required for each one-on-one fight along the way is meaningfully different.

And it’s that balance between old and new that defines Origins’ approach – this is recognizably Dynasty Warriors, but with new ideas slotted in place among that familiar framework. To put it another way – it’s still my comfort food, but with new ingredients.

DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS

KOEI TECMO AMERICA

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Pre-order bonus: – Protagonist's costume "Nameless Warrior Garb" A "Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty" collaboration costume that can be worn in the game. Note: Please be aware that this bonus may become available for purchase or for free at a later date. Early purchase bonus: – Early Works Soundtrack Collection (Digital Edition) A soundtrack featuring a total of 191 original music tracks from the series, including background music from titles spanning from "DYNASTY WARRIORS 2" to "DYNASTY WARRIORS 5 Empires," as well Omega Force's first title, "DYNASTY WARRIORS." The soundtrack can be played by accessing the main menu, Special Content, and then Music, and selecting "Early Works Soundtrack Collection." Note: – The early purchase bonus will be available for those who pre-order or who purchase the game by January 30, 2025. – The soundtrack includes content that is also available for purchase on music streaming sites. Please be aware that the bonus may become available for purchase or for free as add-on content for this title at a later date. Become immersed in exhilarating battles as a nameless hero in the Three Kingdoms. ・ The most exhilarating action in the series' history Tension-filled battlefields where you clash against massive armies stretching as far as the eye can see. How will you handle the onslaught of enemies? Your military prowess will serve you well as you fight in tandem with your allies in tactical battles unique to the "DYNASTY WARRIORS" franchise and experience the most exhilarating action in the series' history. ・ A new version of the Three Kingdoms from the perspective of an original protagonist The story of the Three Kingdoms is set in the vast mainland of China where the convictions of different heroes intersect. Experience this magnificent and alluring world through the eyes of the original protagonist, a "nameless hero." Note: The product "DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS Digital Deluxe Edition" is also being sold. Please confirm that you have selected the correct product before making your purchase. Note: Images are taken from an in-development build. The final product may differ from the footage shown. Note: If an add-on finishes installing while the game is running, it will become available after you return to the title screen.