Summary
TheDynasty Warriorsseriesstarted life over two decades ago as a one-on-one fighting game, but developers Omega Force quickly opted for a more hack-and-slash style in the sequel, and they never looked back. Its Japanese title is where the term ‘Musou’ comes from, meaning unrivaled, and has become synonymous with the overall genre.Musou gamesare known for their large-scale battles, fast-paced action, and array of playable characters.
Several other franchises have already gotten involved. The likes ofHyrule Warriors,Persona 5 Strikers, and theOne Piece: Pirate Warriorsseries have all achieved critical and commercial success, rivaling even that ofDynasty Warriors, so there is no reason to doubt thatother franchises may be looking to branch out in this direction and try a Musou spin-off of their own.
10Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy Warriors
A franchise that is not afraid of a spin-off, and certainly not afraid of adapting,Final Fantasyseems to be the most requested franchise for a Musou game. It’s not unrealistic either, since developers Square Enix have previously seen theirDragon Questseries get a Musou makeover.
The combat systemhas already been real-time action for a few entries in the mainline series now, not that turn-based combat can’t be transitioned to a Musou game, asFire Emblem Warriorsproved. The roster of characters from three decades of games is huge and the possibilities for settings, stories, and weaponry are incredible.
9Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Warrior Turtles
TheTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtleshave been a pillar of the beat-em-up genre of video games, even rivaling classic series likeDouble DragonandStreets of Rage. The bright color palette and unique premise really lend itself well to these sorts of games.
Swapping between the four main turtles and beating up Shredder’s ninja army ‘The Foot’ on the streets of New York City would be perfect for a Musou game. Each member of the reptilian gang has their own unique weapon, opening the door for different playstyles and tactics.
8Star Wars
The Empire Strikers Back
Nothing could replicate the true Jedi or Sith experience like a swarm of enemies acting as fodder while players slash through them with lightsabers and Force powers. Across the many films, TV series, books and other media, the lore ofStar Warsis rich with eras, characters, and a multitude of planets to battle on.
Imagine storming the front lines during the Clone Wars, helping to take down the Empire, or even going back to be part of the formation of the Sith. Using Darth Maul and his iconic dual-blade lightsaber ordual-wielding lightsabersas Ahsoka Tano would really make players feel God-like in a Musou game.
7SoulCalibur
Soul Strikers
A one-on-one fighting game receiving the Musou treatment is not unheard of, since that is exactly howDynasty Warriorsstarted its life. Of the many options from the fighting genre,SoulCaliburseems the most obvious choice, sinceweapon-based offenseis already a major part of the series.
The gameplay mechanics are already there, with ridiculous combos inflicting high levels of damage on enemies. The only difference is that hordes of grunts on an open battlefield need to be added. The story is already there too, with a gripping good vs. evil plot involving the legendary swords Soul Calibur and Soul Edge.
6The Lord Of The Rings
Middle-earth: Shadow Of Warriors
Many fans would argue that the classic movie tie-in games forThe Two TowersandThe Return of the Kingwere similar to Musou games themselves. While aspects of them may be outdated today, they are still a fantastic building block to go all out on aLord of the Rings, or even a widerMiddle-earth, Musou game.
There are many Ages in the lore of Middle-earth that could be utilized, each with its owninteresting battles, characters, and locations. Recent related media such as theHobbitfilms,The Rings of PowerTV series, and aMagic: The Gatheringexpansion show that there is still an appetite for this thriving franchise.
5Pokemon
Gotta Slash ‘Em All!
Another franchise not afraid to branch out,Pokemonhas seen many mainline titles and countless spin-offs. There are now over one thousand unique Pokemon, coming in all shapes and sizes with different attacks depending on their type.
Developers Game Freak would have to come up with a somewhat creative reason for large-scale battles involving everyone’s favorite monsters, but surely it would be something involving a dastardly plan from the evil Team Rocket. The interesting movesets could provide a new style of Musou game, moving away from melee combat and into more elemental and magical attacks.
4Hades
Warriors Of The Underworld
A smash hit that has outperformed its indie credentials, this franchise may seem like an odd choice at first glance. Lending from the rich mythology of Ancient Greece, there are myriad characters to choose from, such as the Olympic Gods, Titans, and other deities, as well as mortal heroes like Ajax or Patroclus.
The unique weaponry on display in the mainlineHadesgames leads to distinctive playstyles, and the three-headed dog Cerberus could even be a playable hero in one of the many epic battles of the Underworld. The story possibilities are almost limitless, and the hellish setting would be very intriguing.
3Xenoblade
Xenowarriors
Another action RPG with real-time combat, Monolith Soft’sXenobladeseries is not too far from Musou-style gameplay. Mostly taking place on Titanic beings and having abundant story elements, the franchise would offer a different perspective on the genre.
The fact that the characters Shulk, Pyra, and Mythra have now appeared in theSuper Smash Bros.series,and that there are references toXenobladeinBreath of the Wild,means that fan appeal for this sort of crossover exists. Wielding Shulk’s powerful sword Monado inthe various unique settingsand fighting the Mechon, among others, would be spectacular.
2God Of War
God of War-riors
Kratos is renowned for his rampages through waves of enemies, so a Musou game involving him seems very obvious. The original games in theGod of Warseries were completely immersed in the Ancient Greek pantheon, and with more recent entries borrowing from the Norse Gods, there are plenty of options for enemies and settings.
Attacks are varied in the current games thanks to the large arsenal of their Spartan protagonist, and whipping up a tornado of humanity with the Chains of Olympus seems like a perfect fit for a Musou game. Plus, the bosses are some of the best battles in this genre, and what could be better than the Greek Titans and Norse Gods?
1Super Mario
Super MarioStrikersWarriors
The Italian plumber is not averse to a spin-off game, even some that were unexpected. Nobody could have predicted that anXCOM-style turn-based strategy game would work with Mario and friends, but along cameMario + Rabbids, and it was received very positively, even being creative with some game mechanics, as we so often see in theMarioseries.
With its large roster of characters, plenty of enemies who are easy prey, and established weaponry,such as Luigi’s Poltergustand Peach’s Parasol, a Musou game seems like a perfect fit for yet another great entry into theMarioseries.
