“Dynasty Warriors: Origins” has finally dropped, breaking a seven-year hiatus since its predecessor, “Dynasty Warriors 8”. Beloved yet frequently dubbed as a mere “lawn-mowing game” due to its repetitive hack-and-slash gameplay, the Dynasty Warriors series seemed to be losing its way. The creators, in attempts to spice things up, kept rolling out new characters and surprising weapons to buzz up discussions. However, the open-world design introduced in “Dynasty Warriors 8” not only failed to refresh the franchise but actually made it a drab, dull affair, marking it as the least impressive installment in the saga.
However, this time Tecmo Koei really catered to gamer expectations, launching the brand-new “Dynasty Warriors: Origins.” While I haven’t yet tackled the top difficulty on my second playthrough as I pen this review, just the vibe of my first conquest was enough for me to proudly proclaim: Dynasty Warriors is back, baby!
Story and Main Plot
“Dynasty Warriors: Origins” is seriously a blast and could be touted as the pinnacle of the series. Gone are the days when the narrative focused solely on tribal chiefs. This time around, players step into the shoes of an “outsider,” teaming up with elite warriors from various factions. This fresh perspective provides a unique insight into the storyline, making it a revolutionary experience.
In the game, players join the ranks of “The Pillars of Tranquility,” a group sworn to uplift the Han dynasty and remain loyal to the emperor. But as they navigate a landscape where royal power wanes and corruption pervades, their cause is doomed to crumble. Players step into the shoes of “Nameless,” awakening with no memories and no allegiance, yet equipped with fierce martial skills to freely dive into various rebellions brewing across the land. As the game unfolds, players are thrust into the thick of it, faced with the pivotal choice of which faction to pledge their sword to.
While “Dynasty Warriors” isn’t exactly “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”—you can’t go rogue or pick a side other than Wei, Shu, or Wu—getting chummy with different generals and diving into their worldviews is a key part of the gameplay. Meanwhile, the game takes character development to the next level with nuanced portrayals, from Chen Gong’s reasons for betrayal to the lovably tyrannical Dong Zhuo, and Zhang Jiao, who, despite his patriotic ambitions, sadly lacks the management chops. These setups breathe soul into the characters, making them much more than mere pixels on your screen.
Combat System
作為《起源》的標誌性元素，Combat System依然充滿爽快感，但挑戰性也隨之而來。九種可解鎖的武器設計平實易懂，包括劍、長槍、朴刀等，每種武器都有其特性和技能，隨著玩家的進展，武器會逐漸解鎖更多技能。
The combat, mingling martial prowess with slick skills, flows irresistibly, encouraging players to hone their reflexes even as they face hordes of enemies. Like nailing the perfect timing for a clapback during an enemy’s attack, this ups the thrill factor big time. But it’s not all about solo heroics; the tactics you craft with your army are just as vital, turning each skirmish into a showcase of collective smarts.
The “IF” Route to Stylish Rebellion In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends come and go with the blink of an eye, the “IF” route is proving to be a delightful disruption for the fashion-forward crowd. Not just a trend, but a movement, “IF” stands for “Innovative Fashion,” but with a twist—it’s all about what ifs and challenging the norm. What’s the Buzz? At its core, the “IF” route embraces the essence of experimentation. Think of it as the fashion equivalent of asking “What if?” before every style decision. It’s about mixing prints that “shouldn’t” go together, wearing pieces “the wrong way,” and essentially flipping the script on conventional style rules. Who says you can’t sport a ball gown with sneakers? Or pair haute couture with vintage thrift finds? “IF” screams bold, it whispers rebellion. Who’s Riding the Wave? This style surge isn’t just for the rule-breakers and the avant-gardists. It’s catching on among a broader spectrum of youth who are tired of the cookie-cutter molds of mainstream fashion. From style influencers on Instagram to the cool-kids in underground fashion circles, “IF” is making its mark everywhere. Even celebs are getting in on the action, stepping out in outfits that defy traditional fashion dictums, serving up new looks that spell out individuality with a capital “I.” The Cultural Spin Part of what makes “IF” resonate so deeply is its cultural relevance. In today’s world, self-expression and identity are front and center in the social conversation. “IF” ties into this beautifully by empowering people to use fashion as a form of personal storytelling. It’s not just about being different; it’s about being you, but louder. All the Feels The emotional connect here can’t be underestimated either. Dressing “IF” style isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling fearless in the face of fashion judgements. It’s the adrenaline rush of breaking the mold and the satisfaction from the nods of approval from those who get it. It’s fashion-forward thinking, but with an emotional quotient. Spotlight on the Street Scene Take a stroll through any bustling urban center teeming with youthful energy—be it Tokyo’s Shibuya, New York’s SoHo, or London’s Shoreditch—and you’ll see the “IF” manifesto in full display. Street fashion, with its raw, unadulterated vibe, serves as the perfect canvas for “IF” expressions. You’ll spot everything from deconstructed denim to asymmetric silhouettes strutting down the sidewalks, each piece telling its own story of stylistic audacity. What’s Next? The “IF” route is not just a passing fad; it’s evolving into a permanent fixture in the landscape of contemporary fashion. As we move forward, expect this trend to dive deeper into the realms of sustainability and ethical fashion, integrating more eco-conscious choices that align with the values of its followers. After all, what’s more rebellious than challenging the industry norms while saving the planet? So, why follow the beaten path when you can blaze a trail with “IF”? Remember, in the realm of Innovative Fashion, the only rule is that there are no rules. Flip that norm, style that crazy combo, and redefine what fashion means to you. After all, why not?
A shoutout is in order for the “IF Route,” where players can sway the storyline by tackling the “IF” missions from different factions, unlocking the “True Ending.” Although taking on these missions in the first round is a real challenge, if you’re gunning for the “Ultimate Weapon” and the legendary “Red Hare” steed, embarking on a second playthrough is an absolute must.
Exploring the Open Map
《起源》還加入了Exploring the Open Map的功能，讓玩家自由走動於各地，收集「輝石」並完成隨機戰鬥，這無疑增加了探索樂趣。無論是觀察版圖或提升治安，並非劇情必需，但卻是一種輕鬆選擇，增加了遊戲的自由度。
All in all, I’m pretty stoked about the overall execution of “Dynasty Warriors: Origins.” The gameplay was a total joyride. If there’s a gripe, it would be that the dialogue between commanders sometimes scattered my focus—those ambiguous exchanges and intense gazes loaded the narrative with layers of raw, uneven emotions.
The Battle of Red Cliffs is just the opening chapter in the epic saga of the Three Kingdoms, and I’m really hoping Koei will drop a sequel with a vibe just as killer as this.
The editorial team is buzzing about “True Three Kingdoms Unrivaled: Origins,” giving it glowing recommendations for both newbies and seasoned gamers alike. With its stunning visuals and smooth gameplay, plus barely a bug in sight – even on the Xbox Series X, you hardly see any frame drops – this game comes with a no-reservations-needed stamp of approval for those yet to get their hands on it!
