The most epic (and really fun) entrance

Our practical visualization for Dynasty Warriors: Origins highlights what makes the latest entry in the long-running series the most ideal version of the series to date. The hack-and-slash franchise is one of Koei Tecmo’s defining series, a collection of action games that draw on historical events and reimagine them as massive, action-packed battles. THE Dynasty Warriors The series has always benefited from making players feel like a hero in the midst of countless battles, a lone soldier capable of turning the tide of a war on his own.

The latest adaptation of the Three Kingdoms epic takes things further than ever before. Dynasty Warriors: Origins It benefits from the graphical power of the PS5 and modern PCs, with stunning visuals and tight controls creating an idealized version of the game. TelaRant was invited to play the game in a hands-on preview of Dynasty Warriors: Origins ahead of its release on January 17, 2025, where I interviewed the head of Omega Force and Dynasty Warriors: Origins Producer Tomohiko Sho on how the game realizes this long-held potential.

An ideal dynasty warrior for veterans and newcomers alike

Dynasty Warriors: Origins Aimed at all players

During practical viewing of the Dynasty Warriors: OriginsI was impressed by how the game’s compact action amplifies the game’s impressive technical elements. The action feels familiar to previous ones Dynasty Warriors games, with a natural flow to the rhythm of combat that also makes it easier for beginners. Players can deploy powerful combos with relative ease, sending dozens of soldiers flying. There’s a natural sense of danger due to the overwhelming nature of the game’s combat. However, players never feel weak, thanks to tight controls, fast movements and a greater amount of combat style options.

According to Tomohiko Sho, finding this balance was vital. Looking back Dynasty Warrior: Origins‘production, Tomohiko reflected how “It was really a matter of trial and error. It was something that our team was really challenging themselves to try and do… over time there were a lot of tests.” He continues:

“I think we’ve overcome that trial and error. We wanted to make something that was tactical and action-based. Even with the difficulty, it might seem a little more difficult, but we wanted to make sure it’s something that really shows off those tactical and action elements.” “

Controlling the battlefield

Tactical action forces Dynasty Warrior: Origins Players to adapt in the best way

The tactical action in Dynasty Warriors: Origins leans more heavily towards the latteras the game still relies moment to moment on the player’s absurd action skills. There is a natural sense of tension in each fight, thanks to the tactical approach to the conflict in general. Players can explore a large battlefield, with countless skirmishes taking place around them. There are times when the player must make a genuine decision in which direction to take the battle, as each defeated NPC leaves the others free to press their advantage.

This means that every minor conflict seems more importanthelping to keep the player’s attention on the tactics of the larger battle. “In the past, in the Dynasty Warrior series in general, the tactical elements have been toned down slightly.” Tomohiko explained.

“It’s been more action-focused. It’s about making sure it’s exciting. That’s something audiences really like. We’ve also heard some negative notes where people say it’s a little too simplistic. It doesn’t feel like there are enough tactics there… We took that feedback and those suggestions and incorporated it into the game.”

Making your way through history

Dynasty Warriors: Origins Drops players into a massive real-world conflict

One of the fun draws Dynasty Warriors Series is the way games use real-life stories and figures in their adventures. Set earlier in the timeline than many other games in the series Dynasty Warriors: Origins takes place in the year 183 AD, on the eve of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. With famine ravaging the Chinese Han Dynasty, players take on the role of an amnesiac warrior who finds himself fighting powerful warlords and marauding armies. Working alongside other warriors like Guan Yu and Zhang Jiao, this mysterious warrior becomes an unexpected hero.

The decision to focus on the Yellow Turban Rebellion reflected its timeless qualities, according to Tomohiko.

“I think when you see that, you can see that there are a lot of people suffering from this. At the beginning of the story, it’s actually something that can really draw you in. That struggle, being in a difficult position and being able to overcome it, that’s very familiar. I think people want to make things better. I think this motivation also resonates with people… It really works as a storytelling element.

A whole world of warriors

Modern graphics can introduce entire wars around players’ warriors

The most impressive element Dynasty Warriors: Origins It’s the look. Games have always benefited from graphics that are attractive in their scale and Origins supports larger battlefields and larger armies than its predecessors. Dynasty Warriors: Origins takes this concept further than ever before, with modern gaming technology and hardware allowing for over 1,000 characters on screen at any given time. Some of the battles that were available in our hands-on preview looked remarkably cinematic as a resultwith our character, a single figure, rushing into battle alongside a literal army. It’s the central dream of the series, fully realized thanks to modern advances.

It’s a dream come true for Tomohikowho has been part of the franchise for years. “We always wanted to do that with the Dyansty Warriors series. Over twenty years ago, we always knew we wanted you to be surrounded by a bunch of soldiers. The technology just wasn’t there. Now, with the current generation of consoles, I think with the latest technology, we were able to truly implement that vision we had so many years ago,” explains Tomohiko. This simple scope naturally lends itself to Dynasty Warriors: Origins‘gameplay and provides an exciting experience.

What Makes Dynasty Warriors: Origins Work

One of the best Dynasty Warrior Games still

Dynasty Warriors: Origins It’s a delight to playand our preview showcased a stunning first look with great graphics and engaging gameplay. Seeing your own allies taken down by powerful enemies makes dueling with them even more rewarding. Fierce combat and explosive action make every minor conflict fun, especially when one-on-one duels take place in the middle of the battlefield. It’s the ideal version of a Dynasty Warriors game and a true realization of the series’ potential.

“[Games] never end as you initially imagined”, Tomohiko noted. “With this game, we were able to do something that we were planning. This is really thanks to the team’s hard work, not only implementing these ideas, but being able to go beyond that and provide even more of what I hope for and what I could imagine. I think I was very lucky this time. I’m very lucky that we were able to create [the Dynasty Warriors: Origins] that we’ve been thinking about doing for a long time.”