Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Review

Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Review

January 19, 2025 Off By Walber Carbone

For many years, the Dynasty Warriors series has been synonymous with massive action, epic battles, and a unique blend of story and over-the-top fantasy. I admit that I’ve always been a fan of the idea of ​​traversing crowded battlefields, facing hordes of enemies with unbelievable combos and Musou moves that defy all logic. But over time, the formula began to feel worn out. When I heard about Dynasty Warriors: Origins , I was skeptical. Could a “reboot” bring back the magic and still deliver something new? After dozens of hours of playing, I can safely say: Dynasty Warriors: Origins is not just a return to the series’ origins, but a true evolution. Let’s dive into this in-depth review.

Mechanics and Gameplay

If there’s one thing Dynasty Warriors has always delivered consistently, it’s fast-paced, accessible combat. In Origins , the Musou formula not only returns, but is reinvented with surprising depth. The core system of fast attacks, strong attacks, and combos remains intact, but is elevated with the introduction of Battle Arts , special abilities that consume Bravery points . These abilities are unlocked as you utilize your weapons and customize your arsenal, allowing for dynamic and strategic gameplay.

The great thing here is how the game encourages you to experiment with different weapons, each with its own unique set of moves and combat styles. My favorite moments were with the ring-shaped blades, which turned the battlefield into a choreographed spectacle, and the gauntlets, which made me feel like a real boxer challenging generals. Additionally, the ability to parry and dodge brought an element of precision that was missing in previous games. Each duel against enemy generals felt like a deadly dance, especially on higher difficulties.

Battlegrounds have also been given a dose of strategy with the morale system and cinematic ambushes. Controlling your armies’ morale is crucial; keeping your allies motivated means less pressure on you and more chances of victory. At one point, leading a cavalry charge up a hill was as visually impressive as it was tactically satisfying.

Graphics

Visually, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the best-looking game in the franchise. The textures, character models, and weather effects help bring the battlefields to life. From the softly falling snow on the mountains to the rays of sunlight breaking through clouds in a wheat field, each scene is an invitation to immerse yourself.

The biggest surprise was the attention to detail in the soldier models. Although they are part of a large crowd, they feature distinctive armor that reflects the armies they belong to. The generals, on the other hand, have an even more detailed design, mixing realism with the series’ traditional stylization. Cao Cao, for example, exudes authority, while Sun Shangxiang shines with energy and charisma.

Even amidst the chaos of thousands of soldiers on screen, the game maintains a clean and fluid aesthetic. The cinematic in which I lead my soldiers at dawn, with arrows crossing the sky and swords clashing at a frenetic pace, is one of the images that will remain etched in my memory for a long time.

Sound

The game’s soundtrack lives up to the epicness of embodying a legendary hero. The return of the electric guitar as a central element brings a nostalgic feel, while orchestral pieces build tension in the most dramatic moments. Marching into battle to the sound of frenetic drums and guitar riffs made me feel invincible.

The voice acting, both in English and Japanese, is also noteworthy. The actors bring the generals to life, bringing emotion and gravity to the dialogue. I chose to play in Japanese to maintain the theatrical tone, and the combination of intense voices and philosophical dialogue from the generals was perfect for creating the epic atmosphere that the story demands. On the other hand, the dialogue boxes that appear during combat can be distracting, especially if you’re playing with subtitles.

Fun

Few games capture the feeling of power like Dynasty Warriors: Origins. From the moment I first stepped onto the battlefield, cutting through enemies like leaves in the wind, I felt the pure and simple joy that defines the series. However, it’s not just the combat that shines. The narrative, focused on choosing allies and historical events, kept me engaged from start to finish.

Choosing between Shu, Wu, and Wei adds a layer of tension and replayability. Following Liu Bei and his altruistic philosophy on one path, only to later ally myself with Cao Cao and explore his calculating and pragmatic outlook, made each playthrough unique. The relationship system, which allows you to deepen bonds with other characters, was the icing on the cake, offering intimate dialogues that further humanize the generals.

Performance and Optimization

Even in extreme situations, like facing 1,000 soldiers while lightning bolts and arrows streak across the sky, the game maintains impressively solid performance. On PS5, I played the game at a constant 60fps, and even in the most chaotic moments the game remained firm and strong. The option to switch between performance and quality modes is a welcome touch, allowing you to prioritize resolution or fluidity.

Loading times are incredibly short, and the game didn’t experience any significant bugs during my playthrough, demonstrating Omega Force’s dedication to delivering a polished and accessible experience.

Conclusion

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the triumphant return the franchise deserved. With refined mechanics, stunning graphics, and a narrative that respects both old and new fans, the game sets a new standard for Musou. If you’re a fan of epic battles, tactical strategies, and a healthy dose of stylized action, this is the game for you.

While there are some minor flaws, such as repetitive aspects of combat against generals and lengthy dialogue, they don’t detract from the overall experience. With a robust campaign, high replay value, and stunning visuals, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is an irresistible invitation for those looking to get started.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the perfect example of how to revitalize a classic franchise without losing its essence. If this is the standard that Omega Force intends to maintain, the future of Musou has never been brighter.

Positive Points:

  • Dynamic, strategic combat with depth.
  • Stunning and detailed graphics.
  • Engaging narrative with faction choice.
  • High replayability with multiple endings.
  • Epic soundtrack and quality voice acting.
  • Solid performance and impeccable optimization.

Negative Points:

  • Repetitiveness in combat against generals.
  • Long dialogues can be tiring.
  • Lack of cooperative modes.

Rating :
Graphics: 9.5
Fun: 9.0
Gameplay: 9.0
Sound: 8.5
Performance and Optimization: 9.5
FINAL GRADE: 9.1 / 10.0

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