(Image credit: Leenzee)
Here I am, feeling like I’m part of some medieval mystery, bandaged and sprouting feathers in a way that spells doom. That’s exactly what makes the Wuchang: Fallen Feathers demo at Summer Game Fest so captivating as a Soulslike.
When I describe Fallen Feathers as a Soulsborne “clone,” it’s meant as the highest praise. As an ardent fan of FromSoftware, I often dismiss games that merely mimic Dark Souls without capturing its essence. Fallen Feathers is different—it boldly embraces a blend of dark fantasy and horror within its bleak Ming Dynasty setting.
The enigmatic protagonist, a pirate warrior named Wuchang, is caught in a horrifying illness called the Feathering, reminiscent of Bloodborne where humans morph into monstrous beings. Wuchang shares traits with Sekiro‘s ninja hero, requiring calm precision rather than frantic action. Her elegant attacks demand strategic timing, embodying a sly fox waiting to strike.
During the demo, I’m distracted by a random guard rather than focusing on the boss battle I’m supposed to conquer. His vigilant eye captivates me, and despite his constant defeats, my stubbornness grows. I can’t help but wonder what’s behind the gate he guards, motivating my persistence.
Each defeat at the hands of this relentless foe pushes me further. Even as my health depletes and strategies falter, my resolve remains unshaken. Perhaps it’s love for the challenge—not unlike that found in the communities of dedicated players—such as those who regularly contribute to RPGFan.
Taking a break from the battles, I admire the captivating scenery, with its lush woodlands. Here, I practice my combat skills on conveniently respawning enemies, boosting my morale before returning to collect my lost “souls.” This scenario echoes the ambiance and mechanics of Dark Souls 3.
The innovative Inner Demon System is an interesting twist on Dark Souls’ Hollowing effect. It increases strength at the cost of defenses, eventually manifesting in a demoness you must conquer. This system signals that developer Leenzee has truly grasped and enhanced the atmospheric nuances that define a Soulslike.
Finally, I triumph over the armored guard—a moment of elation! But as I approach the gate he guarded, it remains locked. And therein lies the question: does it even feel like Dark Souls if it doesn’t leave you questioning your own foolishness?
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is set to release on July 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. With this release, the Chinese studio Leenzee aims high in the realm of action RPGs.