If you're a fan of the Dynasty Warriors series, you're in for a thrilling ride with the latest installment, Dynasty Warriors: Origins. This time around, the waves of enemies are tougher and more challenging than ever before. Why? Because producer Tomohiko Sho gave a clear directive to his development team: "Go and kill the player." Intrigued? Let's dive into the details of these significant changes in the series' latest entry.
In an exclusive interview with PlayStation.Blog, producer Tomohiko Sho revealed the driving force behind the increased difficulty in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. The goal was to enhance the "sense of realism" on the battlefield. Sho emphasized that it's not just the player character fighting for survival; the enemy soldiers and generals are equally determined to win. This shift aims to create a more immersive and intense experience for players.
Despite the heightened challenge, Sho ensured that the game remains approachable. He stated, "Even if you're not that good at action games, if you learn them in order, you can play comfortably and feel a sense of success." Balancing the traditional "musou" genre's exhilarating mass enemy battles with the gritty realism of a war-torn battlefield was a significant challenge, but one that Sho and his team embraced wholeheartedly.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins breaks from tradition by dropping the series' customary numbering. Instead of being titled Dynasty Warriors 10, this entry is the first non-numbered title in the franchise's history. The "Origins" moniker highlights a focus on the first half of the classic Chinese novel, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, up to the pivotal Battle of Chibi, also known as the Battle of the Red Cliffs.
In an interview with TheGamer at the 2024 Tokyo Game Show, Sho explained the reasoning behind this narrative choice: "We really wanted to be thorough and intense in telling this story; it’s one of the epic points, so we’re only focusing on up until that point." This focused approach allows for a deeper exploration of the early events of the novel, providing a fresh perspective for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins marks the first main installment in the series in seven years. Set against the backdrop of the Han Dynasty-era China, the game introduces an original protagonist, the Nameless Hero, who navigates the tumultuous landscape where various factions vie for power.
Released on January 17th, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is now available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Whether you're a seasoned warrior or a new recruit, prepare to face the toughest enemies yet in this gripping new chapter of the Dynasty Warriors saga.
For an in-depth look at the game, be sure to check out Game8's review below!