Introduction

As much as I enjoy challenging games like Elden Ring and Black Myth: Wukong, I also appreciate games where I can obliterate hundreds of enemies with a single slash of my sword. That’s where the Dynasty Warriors series has always excelled. Even at its hardest, these games allowed players to spam several buttons and wipe out hordes of foes in spectacular fashion. However, after dozens of iterations, I’ve always felt the franchise needed something more. Then, months ago, I heard about Dynasty Warriors: Origins, and I assumed it was just a reboot of the story with the same gameplay. After spending several hours with the game, I quickly realized how wrong I was. But the question remains: is this the new direction the series needed, or is it just another spin-off? Let’s find out in my review of Dynasty Warriors: Origins for the PS5!

Watch the Official Trailer

Gameplay

At its core, Dynasty Warriors: Origins retains the familiar formula of slaying hundreds of enemies. You’re still relying on your trusty Musou attacks to obliterate foes. But it’s not just the same old routine; the game introduces a fresh twist that sets it apart from its predecessors. You take on the role of a wandering warrior (default name “Wanderer”) who has lost their memory and finds themselves in the middle of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. It doesn’t take long before your character is thrust into the larger conflict and must choose a side among the Three Kingdoms.

Unlike previous titles where you controlled established heroes like Lu Bu or Guan Yu, Dynasty Warriors: Origins lets you create your own character and experience the story from an outsider’s perspective. This gives the game a unique angle, as you’re not directly involved in the larger narrative of the Three Kingdoms. You get to interact with familiar characters, but the focus is on how your character fits into this historical chaos.

What I love about this game is that, while you start with the basic long sword, you can eventually wield weapons like spears, gauntlets, and staffs, mirroring the weaponry of iconic heroes from the series. I found the ability to switch between weapons on the fly a refreshing change. As you defeat enemies, you gain proficiency with each weapon, unlocking new skills and combos. The game’s combat is still fast-paced and satisfying, but there’s more depth in how you approach each battle.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins introduces a more complex combat system. Unlike earlier games, where you could easily dodge and parry, this game requires you to master those mechanics to survive. Some enemies will destroy you in seconds if you don’t time your parries or blocks properly. While it can be frustrating at first, this system encourages more strategic thinking and precise execution. The parry mechanic does take time to get used to, and I feel it could be improved, but I ultimately enjoyed the challenge.

Additionally, you’ll explore a world map, interacting with NPCs, buying items, and taking on skirmishes to level up your character. The overworld isn’t as engaging as the combat, but compared to previous Dynasty Warriors titles, it’s a step in the right direction. There are also hidden battles and secret challenges for those willing to explore the world beyond the main story.

Graphics

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is by far the most visually impressive game in the franchise. From high-production cutscenes to stunning environment and enemy designs, the game feels like a modern title built for high-end systems. While there are occasional low-quality textures and models, they’re rare and don’t detract from the overall visual experience. The environments are rich in detail, and the character designs are well done, making this the best-looking Dynasty Warriors title to date.

Sound

From the epic rock-inspired soundtrack to the sometimes campy voice acting, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a treat for the ears. The music amps up the intensity of every battle, and while some of the voice acting might be a bit cheesy, it fits the tone of the game. The sound effects are solid, and the overall audio experience adds to the excitement of the action.

Story

While Dynasty Warriors has traditionally focused on larger-than-life historical figures and exaggerated tales, Origins brings a more grounded approach. The story is about a warrior caught in the midst of the chaos of the Three Kingdoms, and the game provides more nuance to the narrative than previous entries. The Wanderer’s role in the story is intriguing, and their involvement in the larger plot is unexpected. It’s a refreshing change from the usual over-the-top storytelling, and it adds depth to the game’s world.

Overall Impression

Dynasty Warriors: Origins exceeded my expectations in many ways. While I initially feared it was just another reboot, it feels like a true evolution of the series. The combat is more challenging, the graphics are stunning, and the story offers a fresh perspective. There are a few minor issues, such as bland environments in the overworld, but they don’t overshadow the overall experience. I’m excited to see where this new direction takes the series.

Conclusion

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is an impressive game that successfully reinvents the franchise. It blends fast-paced action with deeper combat mechanics and a more engaging story. The visuals and audio are top-notch, and the game is a treat for long-time fans and newcomers alike. While there are some areas for improvement, this title sets a new bar for the Dynasty Warriors series. If you enjoy hack-and-slash action with a bit more depth, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a must-play.

—Aaron