Dynasty Warriors: Origins Dev Team Was Instructed to “Go Kill The Player”

Dynasty Warriors: Origins delivers a significantly more challenging experience, thanks to producer Tomohiko Sho's directive to the development team: "Go and kill the player." This instruction resulted in tougher, more aggressive enemies, a notable shift in the series' gameplay. Let's delve into the details of these impactful changes.

A Deadlier Battlefield: Increased Enemy Difficulty

The heightened enemy strength in Dynasty Warriors: Origins isn't merely a random increase in difficulty. Producer Sho aimed for a heightened sense of realism, emphasizing that the struggle for survival isn't limited to the player character; enemy soldiers and generals are equally desperate. This design choice enhances the intensity and immersion of the battlefield.

While the challenge is undeniably greater, Sho ensured the difficulty remained balanced, offering rewarding challenges rather than insurmountable obstacles. He stated that the game's progression is designed to allow players of varying skill levels to experience a sense of accomplishment. This careful balance aims to maintain the series' signature exhilarating combat while injecting a more realistic war atmosphere.

A Return to Roots: "Origins" and a Focused Narrative

Dynasty Warriors: Origins marks a significant departure from the series' traditional numbering system. Instead of Dynasty Warriors 10, the game adopts a new title, emphasizing its focus on the early stages of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms story.

The "Origins" subtitle reflects the game's narrative scope, covering events only up to the pivotal Battle of Chibi (Battle of Red Cliffs). This concentrated narrative allows for a more detailed and immersive portrayal of this crucial period, a deliberate choice by Sho to deliver a more intense and thorough storytelling experience.

A New Era in Dynasty Warriors

Arriving seven years after its predecessor, Dynasty Warriors: Origins represents a fresh chapter in the long-running franchise. Based on the classic Chinese novel, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the game introduces an original protagonist, the Nameless Hero, navigating the tumultuous power struggles of Han Dynasty China.

Released on January 17th, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is now available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

For a comprehensive review, check out Game8's analysis!