Dynasty Warriors: Origins review

• Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
• Released on 13 January 2025
• Developed and published by Koei Tecmo

After the lukewarm reception of Dynasty Warriors 9, it’s no surprise Koei Tecmo decided to hit the reset button. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a fresh take on the long-running series — essentially a reboot — that shifts the spotlight to a mysterious martial artist with no memory. And while you’re still battling it out across ancient China, things feel surprisingly new this time around.

Instead of letting you pick from dozens of historical warriors, you now stick with your central character throughout the story. That might sound like a downgrade, but it actually works in the game’s favor. By focusing on a single protagonist, the narrative feels more personal and grounded. Don’t worry though, you still get access to a wide variety of flashy and satisfying weapons to experiment with.

The story is spread across multiple chapters and plays out on a world map that feels like it’s been lifted from a JRPG. You’ll visit towns to rest and shop, fast travel between provinces, and find missions and skirmishes scattered throughout the map. It’s a nice blend of structure and exploration that makes the game feel more immersive.

Combat will feel familiar if you’ve played a Dynasty Warriors game before. You’ll string together combos using standard and strong attacks, unleash devastating Musou attacks, and plow through hundreds of enemies in classic hack-and-slash style. But this time around, there’s a twist.

Enter Battle Skills. These powerful moves require Bravery to activate, which you earn by staying aggressive in combat. Whether it’s a flying kick to close distance or a flurry of strikes to interrupt an officer’s charge, these skills add tactical depth and keep combat feeling fresh. You can parry, dodge, and even counter, which makes battles, especially boss fights, feel much more dynamic than in past entries.

And speaking of boss fights, they’re a highlight. Thanks to the revamped combat, these one-on-one duels are some of the most thrilling moments in the game. Add in massive scale battles with tons of enemies on screen, and you’ve got a game that feels truly epic.

There’s also a neat mechanic where you can temporarily switch to a companion during certain fights. Once a special gauge is filled, you can unleash a burst of power using War God Rage, extending your combos and giving you unlimited access to Battle Skills for a limited time. It’s fast, flashy, and incredibly satisfying, especially when it all ends with a screen-clearing Ultimate Musou attack.

Of course, no game is perfect. Some long-time fans might be disappointed by the removal of co-op features or the fact that you can’t play as a huge roster of characters anymore. But the trade-off is a tighter, more focused experience that tells a better story and delivers more refined combat.

All in all, Dynasty Warriors: Origins breathes new life into the series. It’s still packed with massive battles and over-the-top action, but this time it adds a sense of strategy, story, and polish that was sorely missing before. Whether you’re a series veteran or totally new to the franchise, this one’s worth your time if you’re ready to dive back into the chaos of the Three Kingdoms.