Dynasty Warriors: Origins, developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD, revives one of gaming’s most renowned hack-and-slashers, out 17th January 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam. Welcoming a new direction for its long-running series, Origins aims to rekindle its epic battles, a staple for its fan base, but with new additions and next-gen twists in tow. But will its new addition manage to capture the heart and soul of its series, or will it simply be an exercise in familiarity?
Launch Trailer
Big Battles and Fun Combat
The combat is smooth, fast, and really fun, making you feel powerful as you cut through waves of enemies. While there are other characters in the game, you mostly stick with your own and use different weapons to fight. Since each weapon feels unique, you can try out different styles and find the one that suits you best. Just when you think you’ve found your favourite, another one comes along that’s even more exciting to use.
Every weapon has its own set of moves, so the same button presses don’t always do the same thing. For example, pressing the heavy attack button with a sword makes your character swing hard, while using the same button with another weapon might let you stay in place and unleash a rapid combo. The fun part is figuring out how each weapon works and discovering new ways to fight.
There are nine weapon types in total, which unlock as you progress. The game encourages you to keep switching weapons, as using them more often makes them stronger. The more you fight with a weapon, the higher your skill level with it becomes, helping your character level up. There are also side missions that focus on certain weapons, giving you points to upgrade your character’s abilities. While you don’t have to keep changing weapons, doing so keeps the combat fresh and exciting.
There’s also a morale system that shows how well your army is doing in battle. This helps you see if you’re winning or if the enemy is pushing back. The best moments happen in the big fights where thousands of soldiers clash, and enemy officers join the battle. These fights often have smaller challenges, like defeating a certain number of enemies in a short time, making them even more exciting.
You can change the difficulty at any time, choosing from three levels at the start. Whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan, the combat is easy to pick up but still deep enough to stay fun. I found myself a few hours in the game, changing the difficulty. It’s been a long time since I last delved into a Dynasty Warriors game, it became a little overwhelming for me.
Smaller fights pop up on the map. These moments make you feel unstoppable as you take on what seems like a thousand enemies at once. However, the main story battles feel even bigger and more important, adding to the excitement. No matter where you are in the game, Dynasty Warriors: Origins makes sure every fight is thrilling and full of action.
Pushing Limits – Dynasty Warriors: Origins Delivers on PC
Playing Dynasty Warriors: Origins on Steam has been an awe-inspiring experience. With everything maxed out, DLSS and Frame Generation enabled, and running at 3440 x 1440 resolution, the sheer scale of battles is breathtaking. Seeing hundreds of units on-screen at once while maintaining flawless performance is a technical marvel, reinforcing the game’s grand battlefield immersion.
The sheer density of action, with characters surrounded by waves of enemies, delivers a truly cinematic feel. Additionally, this marks the first time the franchise has featured an English dub, though some performances—particularly from minor characters—feel somewhat flat. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall epic presentation.
A Triumphant Return to Romance of the Three Kingdoms
It’s been a long time since I was excited at the prospect of a new Dynasty Warriors game, I’m happy that Origins has managed to hold up to my expectations. I’ve always enjoyed the genre, but it’s usually been games like Hyrule Warriors or Fire Emblem Warriors. Taking a franchise which I love, and reinvented it, but maintaining it’s core identity.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins delivers an exhilarating experience that captures the essence of large-scale warfare while refining its combat mechanics for a modern audience. The fast, fluid, and deeply satisfying combat system ensures every battle feels dynamic, with nine distinct weapon types offering a variety of playstyles. Experimenting with different weapons keeps the action fresh, and the morale system adds an extra layer of strategy to the chaos.
Visually, the game is stunning—especially on PC, where the sheer scale of combat is breathtaking. Seeing hundreds of enemies on-screen at once while maintaining a flawless frame rate is an impressive technical feat. While the introduction of an English dub is a welcome addition, some performances fall flat, though this is a minor blemish on an otherwise spectacular presentation.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Dynasty Warriors: Origins delivers thrilling, large-scale battles, rewarding progression, and a fresh take on the franchise’s signature gameplay. It’s a triumphant return that solidifies its place as a must-play for action and hack-and-slash fans alike.