It’s been a while since the last main Dynasty Warriors game. While Dynasty Warriors 9 sought to bring a change to the series through open world gameplay, it wasn’t as well liked by fans. As such, the series returns with Dynasty Warriors: Origins, returning to the staple framework of the series. Just now with many more units on the field. Omega Force wanted to utilise the power of this current generation to fill battlefields with 10,000 units. And such has made for just one part of a great game.
As with all Dynasty Warriors games, Origins offers a retelling of the Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Though this time only the first half of that novel is adapted. From what I’m seen so far, that feels to have provided a stronger story, allowing more interactions outside of battle. Interactions that show the relationships developing between the various lords and armies during this turbulent time of the Han dynasty.
Origins also changes how the story is told, with one singular campaign told from the viewpoint of an original character. A Guardian of Peace who is without his memories. This plays a role throughout the story, as his helping quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the turmoil that follows starts him on a path of restoring his memories. The default name of Wanderer felt an apt name for him considering what the story had revealed before it allowed the choice of naming him.
When it comes to gameplay, there’s a world map to run around that depicts China and its various provinces. On this map will be cities and camps, along with missions that come in a few forms. As the story progresses, new provinces can be accessed. Cities and camps bring up a menu that holds shops and the inn, which is where Wanderer starts the first chapter. His home base, letters can be viewed here. Gems crafted, and battle preparations made.
When initiating a mission, the typical Dynasty Warriors styled locations come into play. Various routes to take that connect to various bases and other open areas. With many units to be found on the battlefield. Along with the generals. The first chapter introduces various gameplay mechanics, so while at first the combat consists of using standard and strong attacks with a sword, there’ll soon be many different moves to employ.
Improving proficiency with a weapon not only gives a new combination that can be used, but also a level up. There are many different weapons that will be found across the story, with the first few proficiency levels being easy to reach. Others will require a lot of time using a particular weapon to reach. Such a system I find good, since it gets me trying new weapons. The finding of new weapons also feels well balanced, so I can never be too over levelled.
The major fights are how the story progresses, with these utilising all of a location. Units and generals of both teams react to how the battle is progressing, pushing forward toward bases and major conflicts as they aim to keep the morale of their army high. The battle is won or lost by the defeat of commanding generals, so while I’m free to tackle whatever area I want, keeping an eye on the battlefield and how many generals still remain to defend the commander is of upmost importance.
On certain of these battles, large forces will gather. Usually at the end, they provide a thrill as the two armies come clashing together. So much chaos to wade through as generals are defeated and tactical plans of either side are stopped or put into action. The first of these I experienced, I was in awe of just how many units were clashing against each other. With the game continuing to run so smoothly, too.
Other fights are smaller in scale, only using part of those locations. Side missions are given by officers, feeling close to main missions as two armies clash on an area of a location. Then there’s the random missions, that appear around the world map that offer up a singular, short objective. These will only use a small section of a location, with just Wanderer to face the enemy.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a great game to play. Swift action with a lot of combat options. Freedom of approach with those main story battles. A large cast to get to know with some rather touching moments of friendship. From all I’ve experienced so far, these are reasons I can easily recommend Dynasty Warriors: Origins. There’s a lot to get stuck into with this one.
Images Taken From:
Dynasty Warriors: Origins | Xbox Series S
