Dynasty Warriors: Origins Introduces Deadlier Foes as Dev Team Was Told to “Go Kill The Player”
The latest entry in the Dynasty Warriors series, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, brings a fresh intensity to the battlefield. This time around, enemies are more dangerous than ever before, thanks to a bold directive from producer Tomohiko Sho: "This time, go and kill the player." Read on to learn how this philosophy reshapes the gameplay experience.
Enemies Programmed To "Go And Kill The Player"
In a recent interview with PlayStation.Blog, producer Tomohiko Sho revealed that he challenged his development team to create a more realistic and immersive combat experience. His instruction was clear: “This time, go and kill the player.” This mindset led to a reimagined enemy AI system, where waves of foes are more aggressive, coordinated, and deadly than in previous titles.
Sho explained that the goal was to instill a stronger sense of realism into the game. On the battlefield, both players and enemies are fighting for survival, and this new approach ensures that every encounter feels meaningful. Opponents now react more intelligently, attack in strategic formations, and pose a legitimate threat even to seasoned players.
Despite raising the difficulty bar, Sho emphasized that the intention wasn’t to frustrate players but to offer rewarding challenges. 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 classic "musou" gameplay style—where players mow down hordes of enemies—with the new realism was no small feat, but the team succeeded in blending exhilaration with immersion.
Reconnecting With Its Roots
Another notable change in Dynasty Warriors: Origins is its departure from traditional title numbering. Unlike past entries, which followed a numerical sequence (e.g., Dynasty Warriors 8, 9), this installment breaks the mold by adopting a thematic name instead. It marks the first non-numbered title in the franchise's history.
The word “Origins” isn’t just a stylistic choice—it reflects the game’s narrative focus. While earlier titles covered the entire story of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Origins narrows its scope to the first half of the novel. As producer Sho shared during an interview at the 2024 Tokyo Game Show, the game will conclude its story arc at the iconic Battle of Chibi (also known as the Battle of Red Cliffs), one of the most legendary conflicts in the saga. This focused storytelling allows for deeper character development and more intense battle sequences.
A Fresh Start For A Legendary Franchise
As the first major entry in seven years, Dynasty Warriors: Origins reinvigorates the beloved series with updated mechanics, enhanced visuals, and a gripping retelling of China’s warring states era. Set in the world of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the game blends historical events with fictional drama through the journey of the Nameless Hero—a customizable protagonist navigating the chaos of war across ancient China.
Featuring factions vying for dominance and a dynamic combat system, Origins offers a deep and engaging experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Released on January 17th, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is now available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Check out Game8’s full review of the game below!
