The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience traversing digital landscapes, I must say that the gaming scene in 2024 is nothing short of spectacular, especially for those who appreciate Chinese mythology and history.


Chinese folklore abounds with tales, boasting numerous legends and mythical beings that serve as inspiration for movies, novels, not just in China, but globally. For thousands of years, these myths populated with fantastic creatures, heroic conflicts, and divine entities have molded the cultural identity of a vast nation.

Chinese mythology is deeply ingrained in the nation’s culture, drawing from Eastern philosophies. It has shaped art, literature, religious beliefs, and modern forms of entertainment such as video games. Many games build on these mythical foundations to create intriguing narratives and epic conflicts showcasing distinctive features.

9 Monkey King: Hero Is Back

The Mighty Monkey King Comes to Video Games

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

As a gaming enthusiast, I recently got my hands on “Monkey King: Hero Is Back,” a video game that’s an adaptation of the 2015 movie. In this game, I step into the shoes of the Great Sage, Sun Wukong, who’s just been released after spending half a millennium in captivity. Alongside a young admirer, I’m setting off on a grand adventure, reminiscent of my exploits as portrayed in “Black Myth: Wukong.” Both the game and the film are inspired by the classic novel, “Journey to the West.”

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about the action-adventure game that continues the saga from the iconic movie. It weaves fresh chapters into the storyline, offering intriguing twists and deeper narrative depth. What makes it even more exciting is its focus on the martial arts element of the film, delivering high-speed combat sequences against diverse adversaries and formidable bosses.

8 Immortals Fenyx Rising: Myths Of The Eastern Realm

An Expansion Focused On China

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

In contrast to Immortals Fenyx Rising, which is set against the backdrop of Greek mythology, Ubisoft introduced a DLC in 2021 that delves into tales from Chinese mythology. This expansion introduces a new protagonist, Ku, whom players control as they embark on a quest to assist goddess Nuwa in reestablishing harmony between Heaven and Earth.

In this game, players can encounter and control a selection of renowned Chinese divine beings. They’ll engage in thrilling conflicts with fantastical creatures drawn from mythology, testing their abilities in intense battles to protect mankind.

7 The Rewinder

Solve Puzzles in Chinese Mythology

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

Chinese mythology extends beyond action games, as seen in “The Rewinder”, an intriguing blend of puzzle and adventure that draws inspiration from ancient Chinese folklore. This game showcases iconic figures like Spirit Wardens, the enigmatic Ox-head and Horse-face Guardians of the Beyond, and Tudi Gong, all artfully rendered in a captivating pixel art style.

The narrative of the game revolves around our main character, Yun, who possesses a unique power known as a “rewinder,” allowing him to delve into people’s minds and manipulate their behaviors. As the Spirit Wardens summon Yun to investigate a mysterious issue in a village concerning a spirit, the journey commences.

6 Xuan Yuan Sword 7

A Long-Running Historical Fantasy RPG

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PC
  • Released: October 6, 2020
  • Developers: SOFSTAR
  • Genres: RPG

In simpler terms, “Xuan Yuan Sword 7” is an action role-playing game (RPG) where you play from a third-person perspective. This game belongs to a series that started in 1990, with more than ten instalments, all centered around Chinese mythology. The story takes place during the late Western Han Dynasty and features various mythical beings like Hundun, Taowu, and others as inhabitants of the world.

In this thrilling escapade, players assume the identity of Taishi Zhao, a skilled swordsman, who sets off on a perilous voyage to safeguard his loved ones and expose the mysteries lurking within a turbulent realm. The game offers a seamless real-time battle system incorporating diverse aspects like Active Skills, Evasion, Parry, and Counterattack.

5 Enslaved: Odyssey To The West

A Journey to the West Outside of China

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

150 years from now, the setting for the game “Enslaved: Odyssey to the West” isn’t China or Chinese mythology, but it draws significant inspiration from the classic tale “Journey to the West“. The world in this game is a devastated landscape, where war and destruction have pushed humanity to the edge of annihilation. Slave ships roam freely, capturing people and transporting them away for good.

The narrative revolves around Trip, a gifted youth in technology, who is attempting to flee from one of these vessels, accompanied by Monkey, another detainee who frees himself using sheer force. Their shared goal is to return home, encountering perils and challenges as they strive for liberation along the way.

4 Honor Of Kings

A MOBA About Chinese Mythology

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

As a gamer immersed in the rich tapestry of Chinese lore, I can’t help but be captivated by my personal favorite game, “Honor of Kings.” This MOBA masterpiece, crafted by Tencent, weaves a world steeped in Chinese mythology that’s hard to resist. The roster of heroes in this game is nothing short of breathtaking, drawing inspiration from historical and legendary figures like Pan Gu, Nuwa, Nezha the Central Altar Marshal, Yang Jian, and countless others. Each one brings a unique flavor to the battlefield, making every match an exciting exploration of Chinese myth and history.

Similar to many well-known Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs), this game features a team fight involving five players against five others, each utilizing distinct skills to demolish the adversary’s base. Remarkably successful in China, it has risen to become one of the most played and financially lucrative games ever produced.

3 Dynasty Warriors Series

Enemies Flying Everywhere

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

In the “Dynasty Warriors” franchise, you’ll find action and hack-and-slash titles commonly referred to as Musou or Musō games. These games are unique because they allow players to engage in massive battles against vast groups of enemies using an array of attacks and combos that can simultaneously strike dozens, if not hundreds, of opponents.

This series often takes inspiration from the timeframe of ancient China’s Three Kingdoms period, which spanned roughly from 220 to 265 AD when the Chinese Empire was fragmented into three distinct regions. This era is vividly portrayed in “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms”.

2 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Discover the Dark Side of Chinese Mythology

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

Fallen Dynasty” is an action Role-Playing Game (RPG) that unfolds in ancient China during the Three Kingdoms era, combining real-world historical details with the mystical elements of Chinese folklore. Players assume the identity of a common soldier battling against a supernatural onslaught, struggling to stay alive amidst the gloomy depiction of the downfall of the Han Dynasty.

In this action-packed adventure, participants wield swords and employ moves inspired by traditional Chinese martial arts to fight diverse beasts and adversarial troops. As you progress, you’ll uncover fresh skills that correspond to distinct fighting methods.

1 Black Myth: Wukong

An Epic RPG About the Legend of Wukong

The Best Games Based On Chinese Mythology, Ranked

Among the standout games of 2024, “Black Myth: Wukong” is a role-playing game that takes inspiration from the timeless Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” This game is set in a magical universe steeped in Chinese mythology and follows the adventures of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. As he engages in epic battles against legendary adversaries, he endeavors to unveil the hidden secrets behind an ancient tale’s ominous origins.

In terms of enduring popularity, the game Black Myth: Wukong distinguishes itself with breathtaking graphics and exceptional game mechanics. It offers a variety of enchantments, shape-shifting abilities, and mystical devices.

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2024-08-27 01:35