Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Review – Indian Rupee Forecast

A new game in the Soulslike genre is making its presence felt, this time hailing from Chinese developer Leenzee Games. The title is Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, an action RPG set in the dark fantasy backdrop of the late Ming Dynasty. Here, you assume the role of a pirate warrior grappling with a peculiar affliction called the Feathering. However, this is just the beginning. The game focuses heavily on sword combat, exploration, and character builds, all within a setting rich in Chinese history and folklore. Although Wuchang: Fallen Feathers follows many conventions of the genre, it also introduces some unique elements.

Ever since its unveiling, the game “Wuchang: Fallen Feathers” has often been likened to “Black Myth: Wukong“. Initially, this comparison appears justified due to their similarities in combat style, atmosphere, structure, and visuals. However, upon deeper exploration, “Wuchang” proves to be a distinct gaming experience. It presents unique concepts, particularly with regards to player advancement and risk-taking mechanics. While some of these concepts work smoothly, others require patience and time to fully grasp. Yet, beneath the surface lies a richer gameplay experience than one might initially perceive.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ Story and Setting Are Familiar But Compelling

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ Story Is the Ol’ Amnesia Trope

Essentially, Soulslikes often focus less on narrative and more on creating an immersive atmosphere, developing complex worlds, and perfecting combat mechanics. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers follows this pattern, using its story primarily as a foundation for the game’s setting and the character Wuchang’s powers. This is a common approach that has been used extensively, yet it maintains a rhythm that should keep players engaged throughout the gameplay.

Simplifying it further, Wuchang is a pirate warrior who finds herself in a puzzling situation: she has amnesia and an odd collection of feathers on her arm. During her encounters with someone called Xuanyangzi, she discovers that she’s been infected by a peculiar disease called the “Feathering.” Typically, this malady gradually erases memories, leading to the complete loss of one’s humanity. The early signs are feathers growing on the affected person’s limbs, followed by dislocation of their joints, culminating in a terrifying transformation into a beastly form.

In the world of this action RPG I’m playing, just like you’d expect, Feathering doesn’t seem to affect Wuchang the same way it does others. Unlike most characters who would be writhing in unbearable agony from the transformation, she appears completely fine. Interestingly, many NPCs within the game often remark on the feathers on her arm and find it strange that she’s immune to the disease that normally ravages those who contract it. At least, this peculiarity grants her powers she wouldn’t have otherwise possessed.

Although this theme is so commonly used that it seems overly tired, its rhythm still captivates audiences who choose to stick with it until the final credits.

In a common narrative pattern, the game “Wuchang: Fallen Feathers” successfully captivates players with its engaging storyline. Throughout the game, it consistently reinforces why it’s worth investing time into. One of the key factors is the well-executed voice acting that brings the diverse characters to life, each with their own distinct stories and objectives that make every dialogue interaction intriguing. To add to this, the late Ming Dynasty war-torn Shu fantasy backdrop provides an ethereal atmosphere while still being rooted in real history and cultural traditions, influencing the game’s settings, infrastructure, characters, and conflicts.

The unique aspect of the game “Wuchang: Fallen Feathers” is that it empowers players to mold the conclusion based on their decisions throughout the game. While it’s not uncommon for Soulslike games to have multiple endings, what sets “Wuchang” apart is its excellent execution. The game offers more than three distinct conclusions, and these outcomes aren’t solely influenced by choices made at the end of the game. Instead, major story decisions, side quests, and interactions with NPCs can all impact the game’s outcome as well as the preceding narrative. This not only enhances the game’s replay value but also makes the story more personalized to each player, creating a narrative experience that feels tailored to them.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ Dodge-Centric Combat Is All About Timing

Among Soulslike games, there’s a common belief that they should be tough to play to merit the label. When a game in this genre is deemed “too simple” by veterans, it often causes disagreement. Thankfully, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers isn’t inherently an easy game, and it’s not as straightforward as something like Elden Ring. However, some players might find it easier at times, but that’s mostly dependent on the way it’s played. I use “at times” because Wuchang intersperses those easy sections with challenging spikes in difficulty during boss battles and navigating the environment.

In the fight scenes of “Wuchang: Fallen Feathers”, mastering dodge timing is crucial and often more beneficial compared to parrying or blocking. While parrying and blocking can be done, certain weapons and skills are necessary for these actions. It’s generally advisable to concentrate on improving your dodge skills instead. This is due to the fact that a Perfect Dodge in “Wuchang” grants players Skyborn Might, which serves as the primary currency in the game’s combat system. Acquiring Skyborn Might functions similarly to how Focus is generated through Perfect Dodges in “Black Myth: Wukong”. Unlike other games where mana powers spells and abilities, “Wuchang” relies on Skyborn Might, and a Perfect Dodge is the most effective method of acquiring it.

In the style of Soulslike games, dodging in Wuchang consumes stamina, and overusing it only hastens a grueling demise. Yet, due to the aggressive and swift-moving enemies that fill the game, it can be challenging not to dodge excessively. However, mastering the timing rewards you with an unparalleled sense of achievement as you accumulate enough Skyborn Might to launch powerful attacks – whether they are spells or abilities learned from Wuchang’s extensive skill tree.

You can enhance not only the maximum amount of Skyborn Might stacks a player can accumulate but also how and how often they acquire these stacks through Wuchang’s skill tree. This tree branches out into six distinct areas, each specializing in a specific weapon or playstyle. Axe, Double Blades, One-Handed Swords, Spear, and Longsword are the melee options, while the sixth branch focuses on Magic, health recovery, and improvements to several of the game’s exclusive mechanisms. Additionally, Wuchang allows players the freedom to reset their skill points individually without cost, promoting a sense of exploration and experimentation.

Wuchang’s Exploration Is Fulfilling in More Ways Than One

Every Soulslike game features some degree of exploration, with traditional games in this genre being more linear. In contrast, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers follows a more conventional approach but still offers ample space for players to explore. It shares similarities with Black Myth: Wukong, featuring optional areas to discover and a fast-travel system that resembles its counterpart. However, unlike Black Myth: Wukong, Wuchang does not employ invisible walls.

What truly stands out in Wuchang during exploration is how satisfying it proves to be. To begin with, Wuchang is visually stunning, boasting a wealth of detail in its landscapes and architectures. The variety of biomes within it are distinctive in their ambiance, aesthetics, and atmosphere, preventing the world from ever feeling repetitive or monotonous. It successfully captures what I envision as an alternative fantasy realm reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty era, and I was consistently pulled back into its universe due to this very quality.

Beyond the satisfaction of vanquishing adversaries, delving deeply into the world offers a profound sense of advancement. Defeating enemies bestows players with red mercury, which serves as Wuchang’s equivalent to souls spent on character levels and items. However, these foes also occasionally drop red mercury as loot, providing additional rewards when utilized. Many soul-like games incorporate such items, but they are remarkably prevalent in Wuchang, possibly due to the vastness of its skill tree. This abundance makes revisiting areas just as gratifying as the initial exploration, as I could potentially gather enough red mercury for multiple character level-ups.

The Pendulum of Magic and Melee in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

In the game “Wuchang: Fallen Feathers,” Wuchang’s extraordinary powers granted by the Feathering significantly lean towards a magical playstyle. Yet, unlike other Soulslikes where strategies can be repetitive, this game offers subtle variations that make it advantageous for players not to rely on a single strategy in every combat. For example, in “Elden Ring,” as a magic user, I could primarily use Glintstone Pebble and Great Glinstone Shard throughout the game, provided my stats were optimized and I used an appropriate weapon. However, this approach won’t work (mostly) in “Wuchang,” as the magical aspects of the game require more versatility in combat strategies.

In the game Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Vorpal Blade is an early spell that players can unlock, similar in function to Glintstone Pebble. It’s quite efficient for dispatching weaker foes and even challenging ones if players keep their distance or dodge skillfully. This becomes more effective when players enhance the Magic stat in Wuchang’s skill tree. However, it’s important to note that this magic power, along with the game’s varied bosses and difficulty level, is carefully balanced against melee combat. Not all Soulslike games achieve this balance as effectively.

Initially, the character Wuchang places a greater emphasis on developing its Magic ability deeper within the skill tree, requiring players to spend a considerable amount of Red Mercury Essences (skill points) before they can effectively boost their spell-casting strength. To enhance their Magic stat, players can opt for the One-Handed Sword path in the skill tree, but this will only provide minor improvements unless they decide to fully invest. It is possible to subtly increase Magic in other areas of the tree, but not to the same extent as choosing the One-Handed Sword route, which is undeniably tailored for magical gameplay.

In the game ‘Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’, the variety of bosses doesn’t allow Magic users to stick with one strategy. The game places a lot of importance on elemental affinities, so what works on one boss might not affect another significantly. Figuring out which element is effective against each boss can be tricky as it’s not always clear-cut. Additionally, since the bosses move quickly and there’s no time to pause and adjust spells during a fight, you either have to gradually chip away at their health or die and try a new approach.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate the thoughtful design of Wuchang, which cleverly prevents players from relying on a single playstyle. While it’s possible to rely solely on spells in this game, the fierce enemies and challenging bosses make me find a balanced approach more effective – one that oscillates between close-combat and spell-casting. It’s evident that Wuchang was intentionally crafted this way, as the use of magic is closely linked to an efficient melee weapon, unlike many other action RPGs that typically associate it with a staff.

In my customized game setup, I heavily allocated resources towards the One-Handed Sword specialization, along with a side branch encompassing diverse enhancements for multiple in-game features. To boost my Magic attribute for stronger spells and raise my Agility, I made additional investments. This configuration enhanced the potency of my One-Handed Swords. Notably, this build incorporated one of the game’s unique twists on the Soulslike genre: Madness.

In my tailored gaming setup, I put a lot of points into the One-Handed Sword expertise and an adjacent branch with assorted upgrades for various parts of the game. To strengthen both my Magic ability for more spell power and my Agility to deal more damage with One-Handed Swords, I added extra resources. What makes my build intriguing is that it took advantage of one of the game’s standout tweaks on the Soulslike design: Madness.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Brings Unique Twists to Soulslike Gameplay

Madness Is Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ Bread and Butter

In the game Wuchang, there are numerous strategies players can exploit, but what truly stands out is the intriguing mechanic called Madness. Inflicting harm on non-Feathered humanoids or meeting an untimely end will boost Wuchang’s Madness level. Once her Madness reaches 90%, she inflicts and absorbs more damage. However, vanquishing most Feathered adversaries decreases her Madness. It’s also possible to halt the loss of Madness by using a Madness Incense. The trade-off for elevated Madness, leading to increased damage, is that Wuchang will drop more red mercury (Wuchang’s counterpart to Dark Souls’ souls) when she perishes, depending on her Madness level at the time of death.

Instead of completely losing their “essence” when dying in a Soulslike game, as is usually the case, players instead forfeit a portion based on Wuchang’s Madness. However, there is a limit to how much they can lose. If players die with maximum Wuchang’s Madness, they will drop a substantial amount of red mercury. To recover this mercury, they must defeat their Inner Demon – a challenging replica of Wuchang that is swift, durable, and capable of healing itself. If the Inner Demon emerges victorious during this battle, the player will lose the red mercury permanently. Regardless of whether players live or die in this confrontation, their Madness level will be reset.

If players reach the peak of Madness while battling a boss, they won’t encounter their Inner Demon until after they perish elsewhere, away from the boss’s arena. Yet, with each demise, they’ll still forfeit red mercury.

At a glance, the Wuchang system appears simple; however, it provides players with numerous chances to maximize the use of Madness. Certain abilities in the skill tree are Madness-oriented, empowering players to boost specific skills when Wuchang reaches or surpasses a certain level of Madness (usually 50% and above). Players can also raise their Madness at the game’s sanctuaries, akin to bonfires in Dark Souls, in exchange for healing items, among other rewards such as my preferred item, the Plumed Branch, which grants 5 stacks of Skyborn Might and escalates Madness simultaneously.

The ability of Madness to amplify both incoming and outgoing damage is certainly intriguing, but what truly makes it stand out is the numerous strategies for exploiting and mastering it. Without a doubt, this is Wuchang‘s primary strength. I found myself relishing the opportunity to experiment with it, and I appreciate the generous number of free resets I was granted on the skill tree. I chose to maintain a high level of Madness throughout the game. It’s a complex system that balances risk and reward, but once you learn to control it, it transforms into one of the game’s most satisfying mechanics.

Benedictions and Temperance Increase Build Diversity

In the Soulslike genre, two additional systems, Benedictions and Temperance, aid in identifying the game’s unique mechanics known as Wuchang. While both systems become more prominent towards the end of the game, Benedictions stand out due to their unique feature – gem sets. Players can insert gems into weapons, but what makes Wuchang distinctive is that it allows for gem sets. If a player has three of the same type of Benediction inserted into a weapon, they will receive a set bonus. This bonus could enhance overall damage output or boost specific attack types such as Stab attacks and heavy attacks. As more Benedictions are unlocked, players can truly benefit from this feature after investing significant time in Wuchang.

In the game Wuchang, temperance is a temporary enhancement system that players can activate once they’ve tempered their weapon by placing needles into specific points on Wuchang’s arm. These needles provide various benefits such as enhancing a weapon’s fire attack power or improving its magic control, and up to five can be used at once. This results in unique player builds and numerous chances to tailor Wuchang’s abilities to the specific challenges of a given situation. Similar to Benedictions, temperance is particularly effective during the game’s late stages, after players have amassed a diverse collection of needles. However, like Benedictions, temperance relies on “Temperance Charges” and needs to be activated manually before it can be utilized.

Armor Is the Heart of Survival and Customization in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ Armor System Is Built for Variety

In many Soulslike games, players often stick to one armor set throughout their gameplay without encountering problems. However, Wuchang intends to keep players engaged by frequently requiring them to switch their gear. One method it employs is through its diverse bosses, as each significant boss possesses distinct strength, necessitating unique protection and resistance from the armor worn by players due to their varied damage profiles.

To minimize harm, there are eight diverse kinds of damage that players should keep in mind (Slash, Blunt, Stab, Feathering, Magic, Lightning, Fire, and Tenacity), while for defense, seven unique status effects should be considered (Blight, Poise Break, Burn, Frostbite, Corruption, Despair, and Paralysis). For every boss fight, players are advised to identify the enemy’s damage types and adjust their armor selection accordingly.

In Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, both bosses and the game environment can pose significant risks to players. For instance, if a player’s Despair level reaches its maximum, it results in an instant death. To avoid this, players should opt for armor that minimizes Despair buildup. Unlike other Soulslikes with similar status effects, Wuchang sees these status effects accumulate rapidly when the player’s resistance to them is weak.

The first instance when I realized their lethal nature was close to a crystal that accumulated Despair, killing me within roughly 3 seconds. From then on, I adapted my armor to handle the environmental risks in that location. Not much time had passed before I entered an area where poison fell from the ceiling, causing Blight buildup. At this point, I switched to an armor set with high Blight resistance. I found the continuous interaction with Wuchang‘s armor system quite engaging, as it kept the gameplay lively, whether in or out of battle.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Takes ‘Fashion Souls’ Very Seriously

Players might question if their Wuchang character will sport a stylish look while playing, given the game’s frequent suggestions to swap armor. However, rest assured that your Wuchang will indeed look fabulous! The transmog system in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers enables players to modify the appearance of any gear item to resemble another, as long as they possess it. This results in a Fashion Souls-like experience. What truly elevates Wuchang’‘s transmog is the vast array of armor sets available and the intricate details that each one carries.

In this game, players have the freedom to customize Wuchang to be either comical or formidable according to their preference, using diverse gear items such as a Panda Hood for a cute look and Centipede armor to instill fear. These gear pieces can be obtained from in-game merchants. However, there’s an extra feature that lets players adopt the appearances of Wuchang’s Soulslike bosses. After overcoming a boss, players might collect a unique item which they can trade with these merchants for access to a fresh gear set inspired by the defeated boss’ design.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Review — Final Thoughts

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers” is fundamentally a Soulslike game, yet it stands out due to thoughtfully integrated mechanics and intelligent design decisions. While the narrative doesn’t offer groundbreaking ideas, leaning on the familiar trope of an amnesiac hero and a mystery illness, it still manages to create an engaging journey. The historical fantasy backdrop, multiple endings, and compelling character interactions make the experience rewarding. The game world is expansive enough for exploration without being overpowering, and its visuals, environmental details, and secret locations provide a consistent feeling of discovery. Although it may not rival the scale of “Elden Ring”, its more structured approach proves beneficial.

What truly distinguishes Wuchang is its unique approach to advancement and customization. The Madness system introduces an element of risk, enabling players to opt for greater damage at the cost of safety. On the other hand, the Inner Demon mechanic generates tension without being overly harsh. The skill tree offers a deep yet adaptable structure, allowing players to freely experiment with various playstyles without having to start afresh by resetting points one at a time. Both magic and melee are equally effective, neither outshining the other due to elemental resistances and boss-specific counters. Additionally, Benedictions and Temperance enrich weapon builds, while the armor system necessitates frequent adjustments based on damage types and status effects. In summary, these elements give Wuchang a level of complexity that might go unnoticed at first, but reveals its true depth as you delve deeper into gameplay.

On July 24, 2025, the game titled “Wuchang: Fallen Feathers” will be available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. In preparation for this review, Game Rant was given a PC code to play the game.

2025-07-23 05:06