The Dynasty Warriors franchise has been a cornerstone of the hack-and-slash genre for over two decades, allowing players to step into the shoes of legendary warriors from the Three Kingdoms era. With the upcoming release of Dynasty Warriors Origins, Koei Tecmo and Omega Force aim to rejuvenate the series by blending modern gameplay mechanics with the classic elements that fans have cherished since the beginning. We sat down with Tomohiko Sho, Head of Omega Force and Producer of Dynasty Warriors Origins, to delve into how the game bridges the gap between tradition and innovation.
Returning to the Roots While Embracing New Players
When asked about the inspiration behind Dynasty Warriors Origins, Sho-san emphasized a desire to make the game accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers. “The series has a long history, and with each installment, the main user base has aged. Many players have been following the series for years, and some have started feeling a bit fatigued with how things currently are,” he explained. “Our aim is to both satisfy long-time fans and attract new players to the series. We were very conscious of creating something accessible to all ages during development. This was a key challenge we wanted to overcome with this game.”
By revisiting the core elements that made the early games so captivating, the development team hopes to rekindle the excitement that players felt when they first stepped onto the battlefield. “The concept behind this game was to return to the roots of the series. When we first created Dynasty Warriors 2, this was the kind of game we envisioned. However, technical limitations at the time meant we couldn’t fully realize that vision,” Sho-san recalled. “Now, with Dynasty Warriors Origins, we’ve been able to create what we originally wanted.”
Revamped Combat and Tactical Depth
One of the standout features of Dynasty Warriors Origins is its overhauled combat system. Drawing inspiration from other successful titles, including Koei Tecmo’s own Nioh, the team sought to enhance the gameplay experience significantly. “We’ve drawn inspiration from other games, including those developed within Koei Tecmo. We looked at the best aspects of various action games and incorporated those ideas,” Sho-san shared. “This has significantly enhanced the gameplay.”
The revamped action system introduces a variety of new mechanics, such as Arts, which are powerful and unique attacks that players can unleash after building up their “Bravery” through repeated attacks. The inclusion of Parry and Evasion mechanics adds a rewarding layer of depth to combat, encouraging players to master both offensive and defensive strategies.
“In previous games, enemy soldiers were often passive—just standing there as part of the scenery. This time, we’ve made individual troops more aggressive, so they feel like an actual threat,” Sho-san noted. “Players need to be mindful of both enemy officers and surrounding troops, adding an extra layer of strategy to encounters.”
Additionally, the game reintroduces significant tactical elements that had taken a backseat in recent entries. “In recent titles, we leaned heavily on action, and the tactical aspects of the series took a backseat. With Dynasty Warriors Origins, we’ve brought back the tactical elements in a meaningful way, combining them seamlessly with action,” he explained. Players can now command allies using Tactics, engage in large-scale Grand Tactics, and experience dynamic battlefield conditions that require strategic decision-making.
A Fresh Narrative Perspective
Dynasty Warriors Origins offers a new narrative approach by introducing a nameless hero as the protagonist. This character provides a fresh lens through which players can experience the familiar events of the Three Kingdoms era. “The Dynasty Warriors series has always followed the same storyline, based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms. While this is familiar to many players, especially in Asia, some fans have grown bored with the repetition,” Sho-san acknowledged.
By focusing on a shorter, more detailed portion of the story—events up to the Battle of Red Cliffs—the game delves deeper into character relationships and historical events. “The new protagonist offers a fresh perspective, showing familiar events in a new light,” he added. This approach not only revitalizes the narrative for veterans but also makes it more approachable for newcomers unfamiliar with the extensive lore.
Balancing Accessibility and Challenge
Creating a game that caters to both new players and series veterans is no small feat. Dynasty Warriors Origins addresses this by offering adjustable difficulty settings and refined gameplay mechanics. “Our main goal was to create a fun experience, and while the game turned out to be somewhat difficult, we implemented fine-tuning to ensure it remains enjoyable for everyone,” Sho-san said.
“For new players, we’ve designed systems to guide them and keep them engaged, even if they’re initially intimidated by the challenge. At the same time, we maintained enough complexity to satisfy seasoned players,” he continued. “We want players who don’t typically enjoy action games to feel like they can succeed and have fun.”
Conclusion
Dynasty Warriors Origins is poised to breathe new life into the series by honoring its legacy while embracing modern gaming sensibilities. Sho-san’s passion for the project is evident, and his dedication to both new and returning players shines through.
“For long-time fans, this is a refined version of the series that goes back to its origins,” he concluded. “For new players unfamiliar with Dynasty Warriors or the Three Kingdoms story, we’ve made this game approachable and enjoyable for everyone. We hope everyone gives it a try!”
Set to release on January 17, 2025, Dynasty Warriors Origins will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or new to the battlefield, this game promises an exhilarating experience that stays true to the heart of the Dynasty Warriors legacy.
In case you missed it, check out our interview with the producer.
