After getting a chance to play Dynasty Warriors: Origins towards the end of last year, it swiftly became a game I eagerly awaited. I’m thrilled to report that Koei Tecmo has excelled in revitalizing the series, and there’s nothing bad to share. I’ve found it to be one of the most enjoyable action games in recent memory.
Dynasty Warriors has long been labeled as a simple button masher, but that doesn’t quite capture the essence of the experience, especially if you’ve ever dared to crank up the difficulty. But in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the gameplay reaches new heights. The AI is notably more aggressive now, and mastering the art of parrying has become crucial if you want the upper hand in combat. The face-offs against historical military leaders are now monumental encounters rather than trivial skirmishes. For instance, squaring off against Lu Bu is a daunting challenge that tests your mettle like never before.
Combat’s enhanced complexity blends beautifully with the classic Dynasty Warriors arenas, which now put a greater emphasis on tactical maneuvers. You can survey the battlefield through magical means, providing a clear view of how the combat unfolds — who needs backup and where you’re needed the most. Adding a light puzzle-solving element, you’ll need to dismantle magical sources to shift the momentum of several battles. This mix ensures each fight feels unique, with the depth of a character-driven action game that serves as only one piece of the puzzle in achieving victory.
In terms of storytelling, the game delivers quite the treat. Though it kicks off with a rather archetypal premise — playing an amnesiac warrior — this loss of memory serves well as a narrative tool to introduce you to the era’s key personalities. The timeline covers about half of what’s typically offered in the series, leaving room for more adventures down the line. The spectacle of boss fights stands out, offering an expansive grandeur not usually seen in the main series and typically reserved for spin-offs.
Though you can’t extensively customize the main character, the game does offer flexibility in battle strategy. A variety of weapons await your mastery, similar to what has been found in previous entries (though I’m a sucker for a straightforward longsword). Expect the return of horses and skill trees for leveling up, stat-modifying orbs you can craft, and items to purchase that enhance your combat effectiveness.
As you progress, the option to bring a companion into battle unfolds. You’ll have a chance to switch control to these mighty characters, delivering the expected power fantasy unique to Dynasty Warriors. While I appreciated using the game’s new protagonist, taking control of legendary historical figures from previous titles was an exhilarating highlight.
The game is also presented with undeniable polish. Navigating a charming, diorama-like overworld, players uncover items and tackle optional skirmishes to enhance their character’s skills. It beautifully showcases vast China minus the sprawling open-world complexities, homing in on the battles themselves. This is a satisfying middle path after the prior game struggled with its open-world ambitions.
In my final take, Dynasty Warriors: Origins marks a massive leap forward in gameplay overhaul and storytelling depth, crowning itself as the pinnacle of the franchise so far. Some long-time fans might miss multiplayer and deeper customization, but the richly improved story mode and combat more than make up for it. Whether you’re a Dynasty Warriors veteran or stepping into this world for the first time, Origins is a must-play and stands as the first genuinely remarkable game of 2025.
Note: This review was based on a PS5 version of Dynasty Warriors: Origins provided by the publisher, evaluated on version 1.001.000.
