Can Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ Combat Make it the Next Incredible Soulslike?

by

Although we enjoy playing action RPGs, it’s true that the genre has seen quite a surge in games lately, each trying to offer fresh takes on the classic blend of tough gameplay and enigmatic storytelling. Yet, some of these newcomers have indeed made a name for themselves, garnering both positive reviews from critics and strong sales figures.

Game Science’s “Black Myth Wukong” distinguishes itself by offering a fresh interpretation of a Chinese classic, seamlessly fitting within the genre while delivering an immersive visual spectacle and solid gameplay mechanics. Now, developer Leenzee takes center stage with “Wuchang: Fallen Feathers“, presenting another title set in the late Ming Dynasty but with chilling surprises.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve been captivated by the exhilarating gameplay previews of this upcoming title, which shares the intense pace characteristic of Soulslike games. Yet, there’s a unique quality about this game that promises to differentiate it from its contemporaries. The array of weapons, gear, and mechanics are designed to extend and refine its core concepts. I can hardly wait to explore what makes it stand out!

As its launch approaches within a week, let’s explore the potential of the game “Wuchang: Fallen Feathers” climbing up our preferred list of Soulslikes. We will delve into the reasons why it seems poised to establish itself as a notable contender in this highly competitive genre.

As I delve into the captivating narrative of Wuchang, it’s challenging not to see echoes of my beloved game, Bloodborne, a Soulslike that still reigns supreme in genre discussions. Just like the Hunter, Wuchang finds himself afflicted by a lethal malady, compelling him on a perilous journey to vanquish legions of formidable adversaries and towering bosses, all in search of a miraculous cure.

Although Yharnam’s ominous and dimly lit streets create an eerie ambiance, they give way to a realm rich in the vibrant aesthetics and colorful motifs characteristic of the Ming Dynasty, transforming Wuchang’s journey into a visually stunning experience made possible by contemporary gaming technology. Indeed, there are caverns where fear permeates the air as intensely as the beasts lurking within. Yet, these areas stand in stark contrast to the serene plains, quaint villages, and other captivating landscapes that breathe life into the lands of Shu.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, my choice to mimic Game Science’s leap from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5 seems to have been a smart move. The studio’s action RPG now boasts a visual appeal that’s simply stunning. But the real magic lies in the combat system they’ve crafted. From the get-go, it looks incredibly polished. Enemies’ attacks and animations are so well-timed, it’s like they’re dancing to a choreographed routine. And Wuchang’s moves? They transition from one to another so smoothly, it feels like watching an expert martial artist in action.

We’re quite hopeful that Wuchang will hold her own when compared to top-tier competitors in the Soulslike genre, given the careful balance we’ve struck between maintaining high visual quality and creating a compelling gameplay mechanism.

We’ve been enjoying Wuchang’s adventures, and one reason for that is how well Leenzee has managed to blend storytelling with action. Although it’s hard to tell if Leenzee’s character will be as captivating as a typical swashbuckling pirate or if she’ll remain silent, letting her weapons do the talking, the game seems to have hit the mark by incorporating its narrative into its combat mechanics.

The core element is the Feathering disease, significantly shortening Wuchang’s lifespan and altering her environment in profound ways. It seems likely that this disease is responsible for many of the unique enemy designs featured in game demonstrations. Moreover, it provides an intriguing rationale for the intense combat style, compelling Wuchang to fight fiercely against adversaries and tap into her inner darkness to gain an advantage through any means possible.

For instance, consider the Skyborn Might mechanic. By maintaining an aggressive stance and consistently dodging and parrying at opportune moments, Wuchang builds up the power to fully utilize her weapons, ultimately causing those who stand against her to falter. Since Wuchang’s weapon skills and discipline skills are linked to Skyborn Might, her in-game actions effectively mirror her narrative struggle in the game Fallen Feather.

Besides Madness, Wuchang’s internal struggles are represented by a conspicuous red mark on her neck. This visual cue enables players to monitor its development instead of relying on yet another HUD meter. This mark boosts her offensive capabilities as it grows, but weakens her defense in the process, creating a captivating gameplay dynamic reminiscent of the Posture System found in “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice”.

Yet, it’s important to note that insanity isn’t confined only to intense battles against incredibly strong adversaries. Instead, the game design of Fallen Feather incorporates a subtle form of madness, offering a distinct and thrilling gaming experience by deviating from the conventional method of respawning near a bonfire or shrine. When Wuchang’s Madness is active, dying results in a sinister duplicate of herself appearing, which she must then vanquish to recover the XP she lost previously.

Instead of the Mimic Tear in Elden Ring serving as a helpful duplicate to aid players in combat, this doppelganger mirrors Wuchang’s equipped gear and abilities almost perfectly, making it a challenging adversary that pushes players to weigh the risks and benefits of employing Madness for an advantage against a skillful opponent. Unlike the Mimic Tear, which typically makes battles less difficult by mimicking enemies, this version poses a threat rather than providing assistance.

Wuchang’s determination in combat is closely connected to her strategic application of her abilities and showcases a thoughtful perspective on how the game ‘Fallen Feathers’ has constructed both its narrative and gameplay as interwoven elements, rather than having a story that merely serves as a means to transport the protagonist from one location to another within the game world. This is a departure from the approach taken by many other Soulslikes in the past, which often relegate their stories to secondary importance.

Fallen Feathers” captures our interest for an additional reason. It skillfully blends exceptional gameplay elements from similar “Souls-like” games, all the while maintaining a unique identity of its own.

We briefly discussed how Skyborn Might had similarities with the Posture System in Sekiro. But it’s important to note that Wuchang offers a more diverse array of weaponry on the battlefield compared to the one-armed hero who primarily used his katana and limited techniques for combat. Armed with five distinct weapon types, and the capability to switch between two equippable weapons during a combo, Wuchang showcases a fighting style that other Soulslike protagonists might envy.

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled by the prospect of Wuchang setting new standards for protagonists in upcoming Soulslike games. Her unique blend of casting spells and maximizing her weapon’s potency when she builds up enough Might makes her stand out. Every strike of her sword or thrust with her spear exudes both panache and substance, truly elevating the gaming experience.

The intricate Skill Tree of this game is another of its strengths, providing players with a great deal of flexibility to combine diverse weapons, magic, and skills, which is part of the reason it’s categorized as an RPG. We are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to employ both a spear and dual blades, dealing various elemental damage types to unsuspecting foes, effortlessly switching between them depending on our position relative to these enemies. This is only one possible character build, leaving us curious about the creative strategies other players will develop as they journey through Shu with Wuchang.

In Wuchang’s latest offering, you can customize your gameplay with gear that significantly impacts how you play, all while maintaining the ability to change your appearance through transmogrification. This versatility, allowing for free switches without any penalties, is a delightful feature that Leenzee’s upcoming title offers, appealing particularly to players who enjoy adapting their strategies according to the tasks and resources at hand.

It’s apparent that the Chinese developer has carefully studied successful elements from other games in the Soulslike genre and identified areas for enhancement, resulting in additional features that enrich the gameplay without losing sight of the original genre’s essence – a delicate blend that many other developers have struggled to achieve.

Analyzing the influence that Fallen Feathers has from its predecessors could potentially lead critics to claim that it’s a repetitive version of other Soulslike games, essentially rewrapping proven mechanics and presenting them as novel. Yet, we contend that its gameplay systems have enough depth to warrant those borrowed elements.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers” leaves a lasting impression as an enthralling adventure we’ll revisit time and again. We eagerly anticipate unraveling Bai Wuchang’s story, especially her attempts to escape what appears to be an inevitable destiny. There’s even talk of a possible New Game Plus for another ending exploration!

In the meantime, let’s just be patient as we eagerly await the release of the game on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Windows within the current month.

Keep in mind that the opinions put forward in this piece are those of the writer alone, and they may not align with the general perspective of GamingBolt as a whole.

Read More

2025-07-22 14:13