"Dynasty Warriors: Origins Team Told to 'Kill the Player'"

Dynasty Warriors: Origins Enemies Are Tougher To Beat

Programmed To "Go And Kill The Player"

In the latest installment of the iconic Dynasty Warriors series, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, players are in for a tougher challenge. The game's producer, Tomohiko Sho, set a clear directive for his development team: "This time, go and kill the player." This bold instruction has led to the creation of more formidable and aggressive enemies, pushing the action gameplay to new heights.

In an insightful interview with PlayStation.Blog, Sho elaborated on the philosophy behind this change. He aimed to instill a "sense of realism" into the game, reflecting the desperate struggle for survival on the battlefield not just for the player, but for the opposing soldiers and generals as well.

Despite the increased difficulty, Sho ensured that the game remains accessible and rewarding. He stated, "Even if you're not that good at action games, if you learn them in order, you can play comfortably and feel a sense of success." Balancing the traditional "musou" genre's exhilaration of defeating hordes of enemies with the gritty realism of a war-torn battlefield was a significant challenge, but one that the team embraced.

Returning To Its "Origins"

Dynasty Warriors: Origins marks a significant departure from the series' traditional numbering convention. Instead of being titled Dynasty Warriors 10, this entry is the first non-numbered title in the franchise's history. The name "Origins" underscores the game's focus on the initial half of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel, a departure from previous titles that covered the entire storyline.

During an interview at the 2024 Tokyo Game Show with TheGamer, Sho explained that Origins concentrates on the narrative up to the Battle of Chibi, also known as the Battle of the Red Cliffs. He emphasized the team's desire to deliver a thorough and intense portrayal of this pivotal moment in the story: "We really wanted to be thorough and intense in telling this story; it’s one of the epic points, so we’re only focusing on up until that point."

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the latest main installment in the franchise after a seven-year hiatus. Set against the backdrop of the Han Dynasty-era China, the game draws from The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, blending historical and fictional elements. Players follow the journey of the original protagonist, the Nameless Hero, as he navigates the tumultuous landscape where various factions vie for dominance.

Released on January 17th, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is now available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Dive into the action and experience the enhanced challenge and storytelling that this new entry brings to the beloved series.

For a detailed review of the game, check out Game8’s analysis below!