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0 I don’t know about you guys but I found Dynasty Warriors 9 terrible with the open-world side of things. But KOEI TECMO seems to have changed their approach with the newest entry to the franchise Dynasty Warriors: Origins. I played the initial demo released prior to launch, and I really enjoyed the gameplay, so here’s hoping the full release is the same! The game has two versions available on PS5. One is the base game (costing £64.99) and the other is the digital deluxe. The deluxe nets you the soundtrack, 72-hour early access, letters, and the official art book. However, it will also set you back £79.99.
Warning! Gifs used in this article might contain flashing imagery.
Someone has to play mediator to the three kingdoms.
I’ve played the Dynasty Warrior franchise since the good old on PS2 days, thanks to my cousin who introduced me to the large roster. Back then I wasn’t bothered about the story and was more concerned about the action, with my favourite faction being Wu (the red one). As I got older and have played through the games, my thoughts and tastes changed to support more of Shu (green) as their ideals made more sense to me. And that, for me is the best thing about the franchise, playing through each army and seeing each ideal come to fruition. That is also why Dynasty Warriors: Origins caught my eye, as we are now get to play as a new character with no real ties to each and seeing how they will support each faction. The action looks promising as well. So, let’s get into this review.
Gameplay
Unlike other entries in the franchise, (I don’t really play the Empires side of the series) we play as a new nameless character, who can’t recall his name or origins. This leads him to wander around as a sword for hire until he eventually gets offered to help fight against the Yellow Turbans. While aiding against them, we meet more iconic characters such as Zhang Fei, Xiahou Dun, and Huang Gai, as well as their respected leaders. Of course each has their own Ideals of peace for the land.
I think it’s great that we get to talk to them, and I really enjoyed that later on in the game you can unlock bonding moments with each character. Before that, players do get to have some say when spoken to directly. You have to wait until reaching chapter three, to actively get to choose which faction you wish to join. *cough* Shu *cough*.
Weapons, Battle Arts, and Skill trees.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins starts us off with a sword, but later we can obtain other weapons to use. Each weapon type has specific moves called Battle Arts. These are a new feature to the games that gives the player more options for attack combos and I love them. Firstly, you have to build up bravery which is easily gathered from attacking and defending against enemies. You can equip four Battle Arts at once and after a while can master them. Using weapons will gain your proficiency through slaying enemies with them. Raising your rank is not done through traditional experience, but rather by levelling up the weapons.
Combat is way more engaging.
Once you raise your rank, you’ll unlock skill trees. They provide buffs such as HP, Attack and defence boost to your stats. Other bonuses include more item slots or new Battle Arts to use in combat. I will admit initially the skill points needed for later bonuses surprised me in how much they cost. However, this was quickly dismissed after how quickly I found skill points were to accumulate. Skill points themselves are earned via bond missions and killing at least 100 enemies in battle. Every 100 kills then grants at least three skill points.
Overworld.
One big change Dynasty Warriors: Origins does/improves on, is the open-world side that 9 introduced and fumbled with. Instead, we get an exceptional looking Overworld that looks reminiscent of classic games like Final Fantasy 7, Chrono Trigger, and Dragon Quest. We can head to cities to access shops and the inn. Shops will have new weapons for you to buy, and the inn is where you can check letters you receive from NPC and heroes you fight with.
Walking around the Overworld, crystals are found which are used to create gems. There aren’t many gems to create but each will help with your prefer play style. The crystals respawn quite frequently, so no need to worry about finding them.
Prep for battle.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins has different battle missions for you to take on, and missions will have a recommended level next to the name. For example:
- Skirmishes – Small scale battles that need little to no strategy.
- Bonding/Training – These are given tasks by heroes, for example, Liu Bei. Usually kill a certain way in battle.
- Missions – Medium scale battles that offer decent rewards but don’t appear in the Overworld as often as Skirmishes.
- Story Missions – Like the name, these are the major battles you need to finish to progress the story.
- Requests – Given by heroes and create a special mission they want you to take on.
Before entering story mission battles Dynasty Warriors: Origins gives you a chance to prepare and a brief of the battle conditions just like the other games. For those who are new, battle conditions are the missions win/lose goals. They are things like “don’t let (insert name here) die” or sometimes don’t let a foe escape. Battle prep gives you time to sort gear and Battle Arts before going in.
Fight smart and win.
I’ve already mentioned what the battle conditions, but now it’s time for some more in-depth look at the battles themselves. Similar to the old games, you run across the battlefield slaying enemy officers and generals (mini-bosses) to help win objectives. The battles themselves have been given a massive overhaul. The morale bar feels way more fleshed out with it actually providing more strength to the troops. And the best addition are the charge formations that happen when helping your allies. The officers have also been buffed and fight way better than before. Beware though, your officers will need aid or they will die, leaving you one step further away from victory.
The enemy officers can pull off new unblock-able moves and use army tactics, while bravery (a new feature) acts as a stagger bar. In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the army tactics are new, that you and enemies can make use of. These tactical skills let you send troops to do fun skills like charge attack or a volley of arrows.
Graphics & Audio
Longevity
If the hours on my PlayStation are accurate, I’ve played Dynasty Warriors: Origins for over forty hours. And yet at the time of writing this review, I’ve only just reached the point of choosing who to side with. There is still so much more gameplay I haven’t yet mentioned or discovered! So if you’re looking for a meaty game I’d say this is well worth your money and time.
Final Thoughts
I feel like saying I enjoyed Dynasty Warriors: Origins is an understatement. The game is excellent and really brings back the same feelings I had as a child. Battles are way more epic than I imagined, even after playing the demo. Combat flows really damn well and makes pulling fun combos enjoyable. Using the different weapons brings a fun style of gameplay without seeming like a chore. My only minor complaint is that I sometimes felt levelling up weapon proficiency could seem like a chore.
I confess, personally I don’t use the squad/army tactic skills enough, but that’s more on me. The overhaul of everything makes it feel like a brand new game without saturating what it used to be. My biggest source of enjoyment so far in the game (and easily the part that had me grinning stupidly) was the battle at Hulao Gate. It’s exactly how I pictured it in my mind when playing the older entries of the franchise. Tie that all in with an amazing soundtrack and simple yet fun level design, and I am awestruck.
Now, I know it sounds like I’m preaching from a gospel, but honestly, if you love the franchise, I feel you will love this addition. And if you’re new to it, then you’re in for a great experience.
That is why I’m awarding Dynasty Warriors: Origins the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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