Dynasty Warriors: Origins arrives January 17. An incredible addition to the Dynasty Warriors series on PlayStation 5, we recently had the opportunity to play this hack-and-slash with tactical elements ahead of its release.
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Dynasty Warriors: Origins follows the events surrounding China’s Three Kingdoms period, from the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the Battle of Red Cliff. At the start of the game, the protagonist finds himself in a battle between Guan Yu and a troupe of corrupt officials. The Yellow Turban Rebellion had never been described in detail in previous games. However, this game goes in-depth into the origins and misfortunes of the Yellow Turbans, as well as the perspective of each general belonging to the defeated troops.
The protagonist is a nomadic martial artist suffering from amnesia. However, his body has not forgotten how to wield weapons, allowing him to fully utilize his skills during each battle. Since he is not loyal to any kingdom or ruler, he can strengthen his ties with many forces and join them on the battlefield. However, the protagonist will face a crucial choice – serve and support the goals of Cao Cao, Sun Jian, or Liu Bei. Being all three brilliant warriors, the choice will only be more difficult.
All three are intriguing, you will develop special bonds with them throughout the story. Choosing who to support will be even more difficult, as everyone will try to convince you to join them. After much thought, I have decided to support Liu Bei, as I have fought alongside him since the beginning of the game. It is a difficult decision, because choosing a side means that you will have to cross swords with those you have shouldered previously.
In this game, players will not only have the pleasure of enjoying incredible 1v1000 battles, hallmarks of the Dynasty Warriors series, but also large-scale tactical battles that are just as rewarding.
Just like previous installments, you can dominate basic enemies by mastering simple and quick attack combos, as well as powerful attacks. However, generals and leaders are surrounded by a protective aura called Resolve, which prevents you from dealing significant damage to them. You will have to use Arts, attacks unique to each weapon, or parries, which are powerful counterattacks making the enemy vulnerable, to lower their resolution.
Powerful Musou Attacks can be used when your Musou Gauge reaches a certain level, and they can be used to eliminate enemies over a wide area. Additionally, you can activate War God Rage mode when you fill your Musou gauge twice, or the super powerful True Musou attack. You can directly control your companion by switching on them to use their unique attacks. You can also activate the Extreme Musou Attack in tandem with your companion, which is extremely fun to use.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins leverages the power of the PS5 to deliver a scale of battle unprecedented in the franchise’s history. During some battles, you will see huge groups of enemies fighting on the field, providing a breathtaking spectacle. Every soldier on the battlefield has their own strategy, whether under the orders of a leader or on their own, changing the course of the battle at any time.
Morale is an important factor during combat. Morale increases when enemy generals are defeated or when you capture enemy strategic points. When morale is high, the power of your soldiers is increased to your advantage. However, allied morale can drop when an allied general is defeated or your own strategic points are conquered. There were stressful times where I had to be in multiple places at the same time, but overcoming these challenges was extremely satisfying.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins marks the return of the bodyguard system. Using Strategies, you can have your bodyguards perform certain actions, such as showers of arrows or spear charges. Additionally, when many soldiers band together, a large army is created. These large forces can use grand strategies to change the course of a battle. These intense assault groups involve troops charging one after the other with their spears or stone throwers throwing incendiary bombs. While these attacks are a spectacle, they deal significant damage to your allies, so use them sparingly.
The story in this latest installment offers a unique perspective of this historical tale from the point of view of an unknown hero, and the intense battles and unprecedented scale of the battlefields are gripping and immersive. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is aimed at the franchise’s biggest fans, as well as newcomers eager to explore the epic tales of the Three Kingdoms and its heroes. Experience this great battle on January 17 on PS5.
