Preview of Dynasty Warriors Origins: First Impressions on Omega Force’s Ambitious PS5 Hack-and-Slash

For nearly three decades, the Dynasty Warriors series has been a staple of the PlayStation library, debuting on virtually every Sony console since the PS1, including the handheld PSP and PSVita systems. However, fans have patiently awaited a main series entry since 2018’s Dynasty Warriors 9 on the PS4.

Drawing inspiration from the historic and tumultuous Three Kingdoms period in China, Omega Force Studios has consistently taken the reins for each mainline installment. Earlier this month, we had the chance to dive into their upcoming release, Dynasty Warriors Origins, which is scheduled for a January 2025 launch.

From the outset, what immediately stands out with this new game is the departure from the franchise’s traditional numbering. At a recent preview event, I caught up with Tomohiko Sho, Producer and head of Omega Force, who shed some light on why they opted for a new naming direction:

“One of our aims was to welcome newcomers to the franchise by avoiding intimidating numbers like ten in the title. We want to simplify the entry point by calling it ‘Origins’,” Sho explained. “Moreover, earlier installments were designed as tactical action games. Over time, there was an increased emphasis on the action, but with Origins, we want to bring back the excitement of a tactical action identity.”

Chatting with Sho-san about Dynasty Warriors Origins, it was clear that his enthusiasm for the project was infectious. When I asked about the possible impact of modern games such as Ghost of Tsushima, he shared:

“I personally loved Ghost of Tsushima. Right from the first battle, it immerses you with its realism. That feeling of being present in the midst of battle is something we hadn’t captured in Dynasty Warriors until now, despite having massive troops on screen.”

Experiencing the game firsthand, there’s a distinct shift from previous titles. While the essence of “Dynasty Warriors” remains, the cinematic and emotional depth is noticeably enhanced – a reflection of Sho-san’s vision for realism and emotional resonance in warfare. The game isn’t merely about fierce combat; it delves deeper into the decisions, consequences, and emotions of war – and Origins nails this aspect perfectly.

The gameplay mechanics and narrative intricately mesh together. Players can level up their hero and customize weapons, which deepens engagement and strategy. Set on sculpting a character that fits your style, the progression system is thoughtfully designed. Whether it’s your hero or the allies you fight alongside, the sense of comradeship on the battlefield is palpable.

Leveraging the power of the PS5, battles can unfold across multiple locations simultaneously – keeping players on their toes. This strategic layer ensures that you’re always considering where your support is most needed, beyond just executing stunning combos and counterattacks.

Moreover, the game enhances player connection with its intricate systems. The option to command troops and switch to other allied characters during battles amplifies attachment levels. The morale system becomes crucial, as your strategies can significantly influence the tide of combat.

In contrast to the intense, riff-driven combat sequences, the game offers serene moments that balance the emotional journey. The world map, a faithful representation of The Three Kingdoms era, presents a distinct visual and auditory experience from the battlefield chaos.

As you progress, the map reveals a slower-paced exploration component with calming traditional Chinese music. This enriches the RPG aspect of the game, offering side missions, skirmishes, and character encounters that allow for item and upgrade collection.

In capturing the allure of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the game utilizes beautifully crafted, stylized animation for storytelling. These artistic pieces provide a different narrative focus than the in-game cutscenes, ensuring that both series veterans and newcomers are captivated.

Dynasty Warriors Origins combines an engaging gameplay loop with captivating storytelling, setting it up to potentially be the pinnacle of the series. After spending just a few hours with it, I found myself deeply engrossed and hesitant to put the controller down. Although the full release is hit for January 17, 2025, enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to get a taste of the action, as a demo is available now.

Anticipate Dynasty Warriors Origins to hit PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S on January 17, 2025.