The Best Games Set In China

The Best Games Set In China

As a gamer who has been around since the days of the 8-bit era, I can confidently say that the world of gaming has come a long way, and the games coming out of China are a testament to this progression. From the indie charm of “Chinese Parents” to the grandeur of “Total War: Three Kingdoms”, these games have not only captured my attention but also opened up new horizons for me as a gamer.


It’s not just that China is under-represented in video games, but it can be challenging to locate games developed in China or featuring Chinese settings with English versions. Yet, this scenario is rapidly evolving, as the horizon for innovative gaming experiences broadens thanks to a burgeoning market.

Are you ready for a refresher on classic games like old cult favorites, grand strategy titles, or lesser-known gems? With plenty more to come in the next ten years, now is the perfect moment to revisit the past and prepare yourself!

7 Jade Empire

Imperial Emerald

Many gamers are probably familiar with BioWare due to their stellar work on games like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, or Star Wars RPGs. However, it’s quite possible that many have overlooked the underrated gem, Jade Empire. Launched by BioWare in 2005 and later for PC in 2007, Jade Empire aimed to stand out from the increasing number of Western-made RPGs by incorporating Chinese mythology and martial arts into its gameplay.

The game offers an authentic joy, blending a captivating kung-fu combat system with a deep dialogue system and compelling storyline. Although it didn’t achieve commercial success, Jade Empire garnered a devoted fanbase, and its impact is evident in later Bioware projects. Some believe that a remake of this game is long past due.

6 Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China

Ming Dynasty Needs A Reboot

Without a doubt, the Assassin’s Creed series has experienced unprecedented success, and this popularity might have peaked during the mid-2010s when fresh installments were coming out at an astonishing pace, if not more frequently. One such release was Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China, which scaled down the vast open worlds of the primary series into a 2D stealth platformer for mobile consoles, a game that has been undervalued in comparison to its larger counterparts within the franchise.

The “Chronicles” series delved into daring landscapes not typically found in the primary games, making “Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China” possibly the closest we’ll come to China in a main series game. Despite this, it’s an engaging spin-off with breathtaking visual design that draws on classic Chinese art and represents a bold step forward for a franchise seeking new directions.

5 Romance of the Three Kingdoms 3: Dragon of Destiny

A Story Of Epic Proportions

It’s likely that many Western gamers are unfamiliar with the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” series, a tactical grand strategy game developed by the Japanese that dates back to 1985 and had its latest installment released in 2020. Named after a 14th-century Chinese novel, this game recounts the historical period known as the Three Kingdoms era which succeeded the renowned Han dynasty in China’s history.

The game, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Dragon of Destiny,” is renowned for its intense grand strategy, spanning across a map of China. It involves meticulous administration of statistics related to cities and characters, either to engage in war or maintain peace through diplomacy. Comparing it to choosing a favorite “Final Fantasy” game, the difficulty lies in the fact that it’s nearly impossible to pick just one.

4 Chinese Parents

Tiger Moms and Dads

The charm of global gaming lies in the fact that occasionally, an obscure indie game can capture a vast audience, using specific details to convey universal themes. A perfect example of this is “Chinese Parents“, a charming casual simulation game released in 2018 that seeks to portray the experience of being a child under a rigorous school system, on the brink of major exams.

This portrayal offers an authentic, warm depiction of school life, noticeably influenced by games like Tokimeki Memorial. Yet, it refreshes the concept for contemporary times and showcases a largely unexplored aspect of gaming culture in the Western world.

3 Age of Wushu

Wuxia With Friends

Among the numerous MMORPGs produced by Chinese companies that are well-known globally, only a small number are actually based in China. To fill this void, Age of Wushu , launched in 2012, is an MMORPG that draws inspiration from Wuxia martial arts films and is set during the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty in China.

Back in the day, I was one of the many who jumped headfirst into this groundbreaking MMORPG when it first dropped. Despite its player base shrinking over time since launch, it was a game that truly shook up the genre with its innovative approach to class systems – instead, it offered players the chance to align with various factions, each offering their own unique set of skills. It took guts to go against the norm and try to carve out a piece of the market for ourselves. Though it may not be as popular today as it once was, there’s still a dedicated group who hold this underrated MMORPG close to their hearts.

2 Black Myth: Wukong

The Big Breakout

Back in 2024, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the release of “Black Myth: Wukong,” a game that undeniably stood out as one of China’s most renowned creations. This masterpiece breathed fresh life into the Soulslike genre, seamlessly merging it with the rich tapestry of stories from the Chinese classic, “Journey to the West.” As a fan eager for new experiences, I was thrilled to delve into this exciting world, and let me tell you, there’s no shortage of side quests to keep you engaged for hours on end.

Black Myth: Wukong significantly advances the Soulslike genre by introducing a variety of intricate elements. For instance, it incorporates multiple combat postures along with strategic resource management, tactical dodging, and unique abilities that allow players to transform into legendary creatures. This game is a robust addition to the subgenre, and its market performance suggests potential sequels down the line.

1 Total War: Three Kingdoms

Empires To Rival Rome

It didn’t take long for the “Total War” series to become renowned for immersing strategy game enthusiasts in historical periods more vividly than ever before. Given this success, it was inevitable that Creative Assembly would delve into the intricate and rich history of China, a move that resulted in the highly acclaimed “Total War: Three Kingdoms”, one of the top games in the entire “Total War” series.

In the turbulent era after the Han Dynasty, when China split into numerous intricate warring factions, Creative Assembly applied their expertise in strategy games to this remarkable historical period, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and epic battles on a scale unprecedented in video game portrayals of China. This significant leap forward undoubtedly introduced many Western gamers to one of history’s most fascinating eras.

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2024-11-13 06:34