Dynasty Warriors: Origins ups the ante with significantly more challenging enemies. Producer Tomohiko Sho's directive to the development team? "Go and kill the player." This article delves into the design choices behind this increased difficulty.
A Deadlier Battlefield: "Go And Kill The Player"
In an interview with PlayStation.Blog, Sho revealed the reasoning behind the tougher opponents: a heightened sense of realism. The developers aimed to convey the brutal reality of war, where both player and enemy alike face life-or-death struggles.
While increasing the difficulty, Sho emphasized the importance of balanced challenge. The game avoids frustrating difficulty spikes, instead offering rewarding encounters that instill a sense of accomplishment. He aimed to strike a balance between the classic "musou" exhilaration of overwhelming enemies and the grittier realism of a battlefield.
A Return to Roots: "Origins"
The absence of a sequential number in the title – a first for the series – is a deliberate choice. Instead of Dynasty Warriors 10, the game is titled Dynasty Warriors: Origins, signifying its focus on the early stages of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
In a separate interview at the 2024 Tokyo Game Show with TheGamer, Sho clarified that Origins covers the narrative only up to the Battle of Chibi (Red Cliffs). This focused approach allows for a more in-depth and intense portrayal of this pivotal historical event.
Seven years in the making, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the latest mainline entry in the franchise. Based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the game introduces an original protagonist, the Nameless Hero, navigating the power struggles of Han Dynasty China.
Released on 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!
