Dynasty Warriorsdiehards were in for a treat this past January when Koei Tecmo took the franchise in a bold new direction with theexcellentDynasty Warriors: Origins. With an emphasis on deepening the series' core combat experience and expanding the depiction of the roots and early years of what would become known as China’s Three Kingdoms era, Origins trades a large roster of playable characters for a more focused tale.
As a result, it ends significantly earlier than past Dynasty Warriors installments. In a new video celebrating the hardy franchise’s 25th anniversary, however, fans have reason to hope we’ll soon see protagonist Ziluan’s story continue further into theRomance of the Three Kingdoms narrative. Plus, a remaster!
Koei Tecmo Looks To Dynasty Warriors' Past And Origins' Future
In their short but sweet anniversary trailer, Koei Tecmo revealed two big bits of news. First, Dynasty Warriors: Origins will receive “major DLC”. I think it’s telling that they’d bother classifying it as such - this is bound to be no simple slew of microtransaction-fueled cosmetics, but a rich infusion of brand-new content. Whether that means Ziluan’s journey will continue past the Battle of Chi Bi remains to be seen, but it’s certainly where I’m hedging my bets.
The video also reveals that a “remastered title” is in development. Some have speculated that the remaster will actually be for the very first Dynasty Warriors, which was a one-on-one fighting game rather than the one-on-a-thousand beat-‘em-up format seen from Dynasty Warriors 2 forward.The Japanese trailer,however, makes it clear that this project is for a “Shin Musou”, not a “Musou”. Dynasty Warriors 2 added the “Shin” to Japan’s name for the series, so that theory’s out the window.
DW is developed by Omega-Force, and the company’s foremost creator, Tomohiko Sho,shared a messageon Koei Tecmo of America’s official website. He’s joined by IP producer Akihiro Suzuki, and together, the two men reflect fondly on the franchise’s stunning longevity.
“The fact that the “DYNASTY WARRIORS” series has continued for 25 years is thanks to everyone involved in the series and all the fans who have supported us. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. And… now that we’ve reached this milestone, I want to keep celebrating together with everyone for the next big milestones—30th, 35th, and beyond. I will do my best to make that happen!” -Tomohiko Sho
Despite the excellent news that thecommercially successfulDynasty Warriors: Origins is getting robust post-launch support,Sho has previously told TheGamerthat any potentialsequelto Origins will likely involve a brand-new protagonist. Thus, if the current game’s expansion does push Ziluan’s adventures deeper into the Three Kingdoms era, they’ll probably be the last great stretch of the hero’s own journey, paving the way for someone new in an Origins 2.
Any guesses as to which Dynasty Warriors game will get the remaster treatment? How extensive a remaster do you reckon it’ll be? I began my own Warriors fandom with Dynasty Warriors 2, but I’ve got to tell you, I really hope it’s 3, 4, or 5 instead. They’re justbetter.
