Dynasty Warriors Origins Review – The Rise of the Musou Legend

As Ziluan, a young and fearless warrior, players embark on an epic journey in Dynasty Warriors Origins, weaving through a tale steeped in strategy, heroism, and the untold origins of the Three Kingdoms. This newest installment by Koei Tecmo and Omega Force offers a thrilling narrative, blending familiar elements with refreshing innovations that will captivate both long-time fans and newcomers to the Musou series.

A Legacy Born in Shadows

Ziluan’s story is deeply rooted in a secretive lineage, a village known for producing the Guardians of Peace. These enigmatic figures operate from the shadows, influencing the course of battles to ensure tyrants do not tip the scales of power unjustly. While their ultimate purpose remains a mystery, their integration into the formation of the Three Kingdoms brings an exciting new perspective to the classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms mythos. Even seasoned fans of the series will find familiar story beats revitalized by this unique angle.

The journey begins with Ziluan as a wandering mercenary, loyal only to the Emperor. Early encounters introduce him to legendary figures like Guan Yu and other prominent leaders from the factions of Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Bei. True to the series’ traditions, the pivotal defeat of Zhang Jiao and the Yellow Turban Rebellion serves as the launchpad for a saga that spans the rise of the Three Kingdoms. The first three chapters cover the Yellow Turban Rebellion to Cao Cao’s rescue of Emperor Xian, with players choosing their faction allegiance in the final chapters. This choice unlocks replayability, allowing players to explore alternate scenarios and “What if?” endings that deepen the game’s lore.

Gameplay That Balances Tradition and Innovation

At its core, Dynasty Warriors Origins preserves the signature Musou formula: battling waves of enemies in grand, cinematic skirmishes. Players command Ziluan as he decimates thousands of foes, fulfilling the series’ hallmark power fantasy. Yet, the game introduces new mechanics to keep the experience fresh.

Two key systems, Morale and Fortitude, play a vital role in shaping battles. Morale reflects the overall advantage of each faction, influencing the strength of enemy officers. Higher enemy morale adds Fortitude bars, making officers tougher adversaries. To overcome them, players must deplete Fortitude using repeated attacks, perfect parries, or well-timed dodges, culminating in devastating Assault attacks. These mechanics add a strategic layer, rewarding skillful play and tactical decision-making.

Midway through the game, Ziluan gains the ability to command a squad of AI-controlled units. These squads, guided by Tactics on cooldowns, can unleash abilities like fiery arrow volleys or cavalry charges. This feature adds depth to battles, enabling players to influence the battlefield beyond Ziluan’s direct actions.

A Fresh Take on Familiar Battles

The story missions follow key events from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, including iconic battles like the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the Battle of Chibi. While some familiar faces and events, such as Meng Huo and his elephants, are absent, the narrative’s focus on Ziluan’s personal journey and the origins of the Three Kingdoms provides a compelling experience.

Between missions, players explore an open world—a feature that bridges the gameplay of traditional Musou titles with the experimentation seen in Dynasty Warriors 9. The open world is populated with random skirmishes and side missions, offering opportunities to earn upgrades, resources, and experience. These bite-sized encounters, lasting just a few minutes, provide variety without overshadowing the main story.

Progression and Customization

Character growth in Dynasty Warriors Origins takes a unique approach, blending weapon proficiency with traditional leveling systems. Ziluan’s strength increases as he masters different weapon types, gaining HP, attack, and defense boosts. Skill points, earned by defeating enemies, unlock new abilities, encouraging players to experiment with various weapons.

The weapon system also features crafting and upgrading mechanics. Completing the main story unlocks advanced options, such as skill transfers and weapon fusion, allowing players to optimize their arsenal for tougher post-game challenges. These systems enhance replayability, encouraging players to refine their strategies and tackle higher difficulty modes.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Koei Tecmo and Omega Force have delivered a visually stunning experience with Dynasty Warriors Origins. The environments capture the grandeur of ancient China, while the character designs exude personality and detail. The cinematic presentation elevates key moments, immersing players in the drama and intensity of the Three Kingdoms’ conflicts.

The soundtrack complements the gameplay with a mix of traditional and modern themes, amplifying the emotional impact of battles and story sequences. The voice acting and dialogue further bring the characters to life, making Ziluan’s journey all the more engaging.

Final Thoughts

Dynasty Warriors Origins strikes a masterful balance between honoring the series’ legacy and introducing meaningful innovations. The combination of strategic gameplay, a compelling narrative, and polished presentation ensures that this title stands out as a highlight of 2025. Whether you’re a veteran of the Musou series or a newcomer eager to dive into the chaos of the Three Kingdoms, this game offers an experience that’s both accessible and deeply rewarding.