Dynasty Warriors: Origins Rises from the Ashes of a Canceled Predecessor
The upcoming release of Dynasty Warriors: Origins on January 17, 2025, marks a significant moment for the franchise. However, the game's development has a unique backstory: the cancellation of its planned tenth mainline installment. This decision, driven by technological advancements, ultimately paved the way for a more modern and strategically rich experience.
The game retains the series' signature hack-and-slash combat, set against the backdrop of China's Three Kingdoms Era. Players assume the role of an amnesiac protagonist, navigating a world populated by iconic historical figures. While Deluxe Edition players have already experienced the fast-paced action, the game's genesis lies in a significant technological shift.
Omega Force, the development team, recently revealed in an interview with 4Gamer (translated by SiliconEra) that a "phantom" tenth Dynasty Warriors title was in development before being scrapped. This unannounced game, similar in structure to Dynasty Warriors 7, was abandoned to fully leverage the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and other contemporary consoles.
A Necessary Sacrifice for Innovation
Producer Tomohiko Sho explained that witnessing the potential of next-gen consoles prompted a strategic shift. While abandoning the tenth installment was a difficult decision, the team salvaged key elements for Origins. Producer Masamichi Oba highlighted the integration of free-roaming map exploration, a feature originally intended for the canceled game, and a more in-depth narrative focusing on the Three Kingdoms period. These salvaged elements, combined with the power of modern hardware, have resulted in a more refined and immersive Dynasty Warriors experience. The cancellation of Dynasty Warriors 10 ultimately allowed the team to create what they believe to be the best Dynasty Warriors game yet.
