Summary
- The 10th mainline installment in the Dynasty Warriors franchise was canceled due to technological advancements.
- The canceled Dynasty Warriors 10 led to the incorporation of elements into Origins, enhancing modern and strategic gameplay.
- Dynasty Warriors: Origins is scheduled for release on January 17, 2025, and features hack-and-slash combat set in the Three Kingdoms Era.
The journey of Dynasty Warriors: Origins began in a unique and poignant manner. The game's developers at Omega Force had been working on what would have been the 10th mainline installment in the series before deciding to cancel it in favor of developing the new title. Deluxe Edition players have already experienced the fast-paced combat of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, a game that might not have existed without the significant technological advancements of the past four years.
For those who haven't opted for early access, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is slated for release on January 17, 2025. The game retains the beloved free-roaming hack-and-slash combat style that has defined the series since its second mainline installment in 2000. Players will take on the role of a mysterious, amnesiac character, navigating the rich historical backdrop of China's Three Kingdoms Era and interacting with some of its most iconic officers.
While some fans have already stepped into the shoes of Dynasty Warriors: Origins' nameless protagonist, the development team at Omega Force recently shared insights into the series' evolution. In an interview with the Japanese site 4Gamer, translated to English by SiliconEra, development producer Masamichi Oba disclosed that the studio had been working on a "phantom number title" under the Dynasty Warriors brand. This canceled project, which would have followed a stage-clearing format similar to 2011's Dynasty Warriors 7, was set to diverge significantly from the gameplay style of Dynasty Warriors: Origins.
Dynasty Warriors 10 Was Canceled to Make the Best Dynasty Warriors Possible
The decision to cancel the 10th named game in the series stemmed from the team's exposure to the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and other current-generation consoles, as explained by producer Tomohiko Sho in the same interview. Witnessing the potential of these modern systems prompted the developers to pivot their strategy, though they retained some of the best elements from previous Dynasty Warriors games.
According to Oba, despite the difficulty of abandoning the previous project, the team successfully integrated some of its features into Dynasty Warriors: Origins. This includes the addition of a free-roaming map, which Oba had long desired to implement, and a deeper exploration of the Three Kingdoms Era's narrative. These enhancements contribute to a more immersive and strategic gameplay experience, setting Dynasty Warriors: Origins apart as a fresh yet familiar addition to the storied franchise.