The long-running Dynasty Warriors series has always been synonymous with large-scale battles and hack-and-slash action, and Dynasty Warriors: Origins seeks to refine this formula while introducing a fresh perspective on the oft-featured Three Kingdoms saga. By stepping into the shoes of a nameless hero, players get to experience the chaos and heroism of this legendary era with renewed vigor, and although not every innovation fully hits the mark it’s another excellent entry in the series. Here’s our look at the PlayStation 5 version.
The narrative of Dynasty Warriors: Origins revolves around a new protagonist, whose anonymity allows for a broader and more personal-feeling exploration of the iconic Three Kingdoms period. This approach gives the story a unique edge, as it weaves familiar historical figures and events into a more flexible and player-driven tale. While fans of the franchise may appreciate the new angle, the story sometimes struggles to stand out amid the sheer volume of content, leaning heavily on established lore that can feel overly familiar at times. It’s no surprise that the Three Kingdoms lore has features in so many games before, and the balance between the grand scale and a small personal story feels tricky at times.
Gameplay is where Dynasty Warriors: Origins shines most brightly, delivering the signature Musou action fans have come to expect. The thrill of cutting through waves of enemies remains intact, and the addition of tactical elements adds a layer of depth beyond merely mashing attack buttons. Coordinating with allies on the battlefield introduces a sense of camaraderie and strategy, though depending on your playstyle some might argue that these features are underutilized in the grand scheme of things. The difficulty curve is forgiving, making it accessible to newcomers, but veterans might find the challenge level lacking, especially during the early stages.
The controls feel fluid and responsive, with combat sequences that allow for impressive combos and devastating special moves. However, moments of repetition in the gameplay loop can set in, particularly during extended sessions where objectives feel overly similar and the hordes of enemies feel endless. The game attempts to counteract this with varied mission designs and enemy types, but the core loop remains unmistakably rooted in the franchise’s traditional formula, which won’t necessarily appeal to everyone even though it’s evolved far beyond what it originally was.
Visually, Dynasty Warriors: Origins takes advantage of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities with richly detailed environments and vibrant battlefields. From lush forests to sprawling fortresses, the settings feel alive and immersive, though occasional texture issues and pop-ins can disrupt the otherwise polished presentation. The soundtrack is a highlight, with energetic compositions that enhance the tension of battle, while voice acting, available in multiple languages, does an admirable job of bringing the characters and narrative to life.
For longtime fans, Dynasty Warriors: Origins provides an engaging and slightly reimagined take on a beloved series. It balances nostalgia with modern gameplay tweaks, though it stops short of a full reinvention. Newcomers will find it a welcoming entry point, but veterans may wish for a greater challenge or more groundbreaking innovations. Despite its shortcomings, this installment captures the essence of the Musou experience and reminds us why these large-scale battles have remained so compelling for so long – and why the Dynasty Warriors series is still going strong.
Score: 8.2/10
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