Dynasty Warriors: Origins on Switch 2: A Triumph Despite the Frame Rate Debate!
Let's cut to the chase: the biggest pre-release buzz around Dynasty Warriors: Origins on the Switch 2 has been about its frame rate. The burning question everyone's asking is: can the Switch 2 handle the massive battles this game is known for? It's true, it doesn't hit that silky-smooth 60fps mark that some other platforms boast, and yes, that might initially seem like a deal-breaker. But hold on! If you're letting that deter you from experiencing this Musou masterpiece, you're genuinely missing out on one of the best Dynasty Warriors entries in years. This game is a fantastic refresh of the series that plays incredibly well on the Switch 2, whether you're docked or playing on the go.
I sank countless hours into the PS5 Pro version when it launched back in January 2025. So, knowing full well what the game feels like at a buttery-smooth 60fps, I can still wholeheartedly recommend this Switch 2 port. Why? Because the convenience of portable play, coupled with the fact that the frame rate dip is honestly barely noticeable after a few minutes, makes this version incredibly appealing. It’s the perfect game for quick bursts of action on your commute or during a lunch break. Once you adjust to the 30fps, which takes all of about ten minutes, it feels consistently smooth and responsive.
Koei Tecmo even included a "variable" unlocked frame rate toggle, giving you the option to experiment. But here's where it gets controversial... I strongly suggest leaving it off. Trust me on this one. The variable frame rate introduces occasional stutters that can be distracting. You don't want those little hiccups pulling you out of the immersive story and the exhilarating '1 VS 1000' battles that are the heart of Dynasty Warriors: Origins. This game represents a significant refocusing of the usual Warriors formula, resulting in an exceptionally exciting and stylish reboot.
Now that we've addressed the elephant in the room - the frame rate - and established that there are no game-breaking issues like awful image blurring or crippling stutters, I can freely sing the praises of everything this game does so remarkably well.
As someone who unabashedly loves Musou games, and with recent gems like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment raising the bar, I was thrilled to see Dynasty Warriors: Origins finally give the Romance of the Three Kingdoms core of the franchise the love and attention it deserves.
I'll always defend Musou games against accusations of being repetitive or simplistic. The trance-like state you enter while mowing down hordes of enemies has always been a source of relaxation and enjoyment for me. But even I had to admit, the series needed a shot in the arm. And this is the part most people miss... Dynasty Warriors: Origins delivers that kick with gusto! It's a real game-changer.
For the first time in the series, you play as a nameless, wandering warrior. I'll admit, this avatar is a bit bland initially, but there's a good reason for it. The narrative approach here is to slow down the pace and provide breathing room amidst the complex events, character introductions, and storylines of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms saga. Instead of constantly switching between a massive roster of protagonists, you stick with this one highly customizable character.
You do get to control other characters in side missions and at specific points, and more of this is coming in the DLC that launches alongside the Switch 2 port. However, sticking with a single character for the main story grounds you in a fixed perspective, making it easier to keep track of the numerous historical figures and political events. I never felt lost or overwhelmed. I remembered characters when they reappeared, which significantly enhanced the overall narrative. The game focuses on a specific part of the Romance saga, avoiding the pitfall of trying to cram too much history into one game, as previous installments sometimes did.
I won't spoil any plot details, but this focused approach works wonders. This is genuinely my favorite game in the main franchise regarding both its narrative and its slightly darker, more brutal tone. It also introduces welcome RPG elements, made possible by focusing on a single main character, adding more depth than ever before. You can level up and master ten different weapons, unlocking new battle moves and skills for each. It all feels much more personal, and the sense of progression is more pronounced due to the narrower scope and roster.
The combat's main selling point, even before release, was the sheer number of enemies on screen. The PS5 version genuinely wowed me, even though I'm accustomed to battling through enormous Musou crowds.
On the Switch 2, especially in handheld mode, that wow factor hasn't diminished one bit. It genuinely feels like a new benchmark for portable gaming. The scale of what's happening on screen, without any significant technical hiccups, is remarkable. Enemies are everywhere, so it's fortunate you have a plethora of cool new tricks and skills to unleash on them.
Starting with a trusty sword, you'll soon discover gauntlets, lances, and a variety of other weapons, each excelling in different situations. The lance, for example, is fantastic for clearing large crowds, while the gauntlets are my weapon of choice for juggling bosses like the clueless fools they are.
Each weapon feels unique, and the enemy AI is noticeably improved, requiring you to utilize perfect dodges and parries. You'll have ample opportunity to experiment and find the weapons that suit your playstyle.
And that's before you even factor in the series' signature screen-shaking Musou attacks. They're as satisfying as ever, and watching hundreds of enemies fly into the air in unison never fails to brighten my day. It is what it is.
Over the course of the main campaign's five chapters, and through numerous side skirmishes and missions scattered across the game's charming mini-world map (the kind you can walk around), the story unfolds at a satisfying pace. It provides enough context to keep you engaged while the combat continually introduces new gear, moves, and tactics to maintain your interest.
You also have access to larger-scale tactical options on a drop-down menu with cooldown timers. These allow you to dramatically shift the tide of battle (providing a significant morale boost) by calling in catapult barrages, fiery arrow volleys, and chariot charges. At certain points, your main character will need to choose sides and align with a particular faction. This not only enhances the immediate immersion but also adds significant replayability with multiple endings, including a 'true' ending to unlock.
Honestly, with the story alternating between the main Romance saga narrative and our hero's amnesia subplot (I know, it sounds cheesy, but it works), you'll feel far more invested than you might expect from the genre. The combat is incredibly addictive, practically guaranteeing multiple playthroughs to experience those alternative endings.
In terms of negatives, the loading times when starting a mission are slightly longer, and the cutscenes that appear before and after battles, as well as when exploring the map, can exhibit minor 30fps stutter. It's minimal and only occurs during cutscenes, but it's noticeable. Related to this, I couldn't get comfortable with the variable graphics mode at all; the fluctuations are too noticeable as the camera moves. Hopefully, this will be improved in a future update.
Other than that, and the questionable English voice acting (which I highly recommend switching to Japanese with English subtitles immediately), Dynasty Warriors: Origins on Switch 2 is just as good as on other platforms, which is saying a lot! It feels like a watershed moment, especially for someone who has reviewed numerous action games on both Switch consoles. This game, especially in portable mode, feels almost magical in how good it looks and feels while delivering massive and visually stunning battles to the palm of your hand.
Conclusion:
Dynasty Warriors: Origins on Switch 2 is a rock-solid port of a fantastic reboot for the franchise. The focus on a single protagonist and the improved storytelling result in a captivating adventure that delivers massive enemy counts to slice through while avoiding overwhelming players with historical names and events.
The 30fps frame rate is a minor disappointment, but it's a smooth and responsive 30fps – the good kind – making this game a worthy addition to the Switch 2 library, offering plenty for both seasoned Musou veterans and newcomers alike. What do you think? Are you willing to sacrifice a bit of frame rate for the portability and convenience of the Switch 2? Let me know in the comments below!
