Summary
It’s incredible to think that Koei Tecmo’sDynasty Warriorsfranchise has been around since 1997. The hack-and-slash series has spanned numerous console generations, spin-offs, and even a movie, butDynasty Warriors 9, released back in 2018, marks the last time a mainline game was released. That’s set to change in 2025 with the release ofDynasty Warriors Origins, a prequel title that puts players in the shoes of an unnamed protagonist, which will be a brand-new approach to an aging formula that needs a fresh coat of paint. If executed correctly, this could bring a whole new audience to the niche series.
Despite being best known as a musou hack-and-slash series that lets the player play as one of the infamous Three Kingdoms generals fighting against hordes of enemy soldiers, theDynasty Warriorsseries actually started life as a more traditional fighting game. 1997’s debut title was a somewhat tepid brawler not offering too much in the way of creativity or innovation. However, starting with the 2000 sequelDynasty Warriors 2, the series swiftly transformed into something else entirely, and, aside from a few more tactical spin-offs along the way, has remained rooted in the third person action hack-and-slash genre ever since.Dynasty Warriors Originsoffers a chance for a fresh take on the Three Kingdomssaga.
Dynasty Warriors Origins Represents a Fresh Start for the Franchise
As a prequel title,Dynasty Warriors Originsis actually set just before the Three Kingdoms period. The nameless protagonist has amnesia, and will presumably try to piece together his memories by interacting with and fighting alongside (or against) other established characters such as Guan Yu, Cao Cao, and thelegendary Lu Bu. The large-scale battles promise to be some of the series' biggest ever thanks to current-gen technology, which should allow for visuals that comfortably surpass anything it has previously offered. It’s the nameless main character, though, that should really set the game apart from its predecessors.
Traditionally,Dynasty Warriorsplayers can choose from a large roster of charactersto play through a campaign, acquiring new weapons and abilities for that particular character as they play. Depending on the specific title, players can sometimes also switch between other warriors from the same faction in between missions. Each fighter has a traditional style of weapon and move set, such as Lu Bu using a Halberd, meaning once the player has settled on a character, it doesn’t leave much room for creativity. A nameless protagonist, with no set style, could be the perfect remedy to this.
Character Switching Could Keep Dynasty Warriors Origins Feeling Fresh
It’s unclear how customizable the protagonist will be, but it seems that he will be male, and will have a name of the player’s choosing.Footage ofDynasty Warriors Originshas shown him wielding a sword, but hopefully, the player will be able to choose from a range of other weapons depending on preference. Should certain conditions be met in battle, players can also switch to other generals who they are fighting alongside, such as Guan Yu, known for his fearsome strength and imposing size. This option to switch between characters mid-fight should keep battles feeling fresh and engaging.
There’s no concrete information concerning a release date as yet, but it seems likely that the game is targeting the first half of 2025. This will represent the longest gap between entries in theDynasty Warriorsseries to date. Despite this, otherWarriorsspin-offs, such as theNintendo Switch’sHyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, have shown that there is still an appetite for this specific genre. Fans will be hoping that Koei Tecmo has made good use of the time since the last entry, to create an innovative, modern experience that helps showcase the niche series to a whole new audience.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins
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Fueled by exhilarating 1 vs. 1,000 action and the rush of massive armies, DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS delivers an unrivaled sense of realism to the battlefield! A nameless hero conquers the turbulent and chaotic Three Kingdoms alongside legendary figures in the latest entry of the DYNASTY WARRIORS series.The most exhilarating action in the series’ history: Tension-filled battlefields where you are challenged by a massive, endless army as far as the eye can see. How will you face the onslaught of enemies? In addition to your own military prowess, you’re able to fight in tandem with your allies’ armies in tactical battles unique to the DYNASTY WARRIORS franchise and experience the most exhilarating action in series’ history.A new Three Kingdoms from the perspective of an original protagonistThe Three Kingdoms story is set in the vast Chinese continent, where beliefs of heroes intersect. See how this magnificent and alluring world is newly depicted through the eyes of the original protagonist, a “nameless hero”.
