Dynasty Warriors: Origins ups the ante with significantly more challenging enemies. Producer Tomohiko Sho's directive to the development team? A simple, yet impactful, "Go and kill the player." This article delves into the design choices behind this increased difficulty.
A Deadlier Battlefield: "Go and Kill the Player"
The heightened enemy strength in Dynasty Warriors: Origins isn't arbitrary. In an interview with PlayStation.Blog, Sho explained the aim was to inject greater realism. The struggle for survival isn't limited to the player; enemy soldiers and generals are equally desperate.
While boosting the difficulty, Sho emphasized avoiding unnecessary frustration. The challenge is designed to be rewarding, fostering a sense of accomplishment. He aimed for a balance, stating, "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." This reflects the challenge of merging the classic "musou" exhilaration with the gritty realism of war.
A Return to Roots: The Significance of "Origins"
The absence of a numerical title – a first for the series – is deliberate. Instead of Dynasty Warriors 10, we have Origins. This reflects a focus on the first half of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, unlike previous entries which covered the entire narrative.
At the 2024 Tokyo Game Show, Sho clarified to TheGamer that the story concludes with the Battle of Chibi (Red Cliffs). He explained, "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."
Seven years in the making, Dynasty Warriors: Origins marks a significant new entry in the franchise, based on the classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It introduces an original protagonist, the Nameless Hero, navigating the power struggles of Han Dynasty China.
Released January 17th, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Check out Game8's review for a more in-depth look!