"Dynasty Warriors: Origins Team Told to 'Kill Player'"

The latest installment in the Dynasty Warriors series, *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*, introduces a significant shift in gameplay with its tougher and more formidable enemies. This change was driven by a direct instruction from the game's producer, Tomohiko Sho, who told his development team to "go and kill the player." This directive aimed to enhance the realism on the battlefield, where not only the player but also the enemy soldiers and generals are fighting for their lives.

In an interview with PlayStation.Blog, Sho discussed the development process behind this new approach. He emphasized the importance of balancing increased difficulty with rewarding challenges. Sho 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." The goal was to maintain the traditional "musou" genre's exhilarating feel of defeating numerous enemies while adding a layer of realism reflective of a war-torn battlefield.

Programmed To "Go And Kill The Player"

Sho's vision for *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* was to create a more immersive experience. He explained, "This time, go and kill the player," highlighting the shift towards a more challenging gameplay experience. This approach was designed to instill a sense of urgency and realism, making the battles more intense and engaging.

Returning To Its "Origins"

*Dynasty Warriors: Origins* marks a departure from the series' traditional numbering, opting instead for a non-numbered title, which is a first in the franchise's history. This change signifies a return to the roots of the series, focusing solely on the first half of the epic Chinese novel, *The Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. In an interview with TheGamer at the 2024 Tokyo Game Show, Sho elaborated on this decision, noting that the game would cover the story up until the Battle of Chibi, also known as the Battle of the Red Cliffs. He said, "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."

Set in the tumultuous period of the Han Dynasty-era China, *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* follows an original protagonist, the Nameless Hero, as he navigates through a land torn by warring factions vying for control. The game, released on January 17th, is available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

For a comprehensive review of *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*, check out Game8’s insights below!