Although Phantom Blade Zero is anticipated to be the next blockbuster delivering a global impact similar to Black Myth Wukong, another Chinese game is set to launch worldwide next month. This title, Wuchang Fallen Feathers, is created by Leenzee, a studio established in 2016 by Xia Si Yuan and located in Chengdu, Sichuan. The developers traveled to Los Angeles to showcase an updated demo during Summer Game Fest 2025, where I had the opportunity to experience the game for an hour across three carefully selected save points. The atmosphere, graphics, and notably its classic Souls-like approach—reminiscent of Bloodborne and Lies of P—left a lasting impression. Allow me to share some exclusive 4K gameplay with you.
China has become a pivotal player in the realm of single-player games, a reality the West must acknowledge as we witness the dawn of this burgeoning market. Presently, the focus remains heavily on one particular genre: the Souls-like games or those incorporating similar mechanics. Whether you enjoy them or not, it’s undeniable that their expertise in this category is profound. Wuchang Fallen Feathers aims to carve out a significant niche upon its release on July 24, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series. The game, available from day one on Game Pass and published by 505 Games in the West, seeks maximum reach, though it doesn’t carry the same initial buzz as Black Myth Wukong did last year. Observing its performance in China will be intriguing.
PLUCKED CLEAN
To swiftly recapture the game’s narrative, it revolves around Bai Wuchang, a pirate warrior navigating through a decaying world. Set at the twilight of the Ming dynasty in a China ravaged by factional conflicts and besieged by bizarre creatures born of a mysterious ailment, this was an era of significant upheaval and transformation for China, marked by burgeoning trade with European empires, the advent of firearms, widespread famine, and the Great Plague. This illness serves as the unique foundation for the central character, Wuchang, who possesses a left arm adorned with blue feathers. I can’t divulge much more, as the 60-minute demo allowed just enough time to test its gameplay, which is poised somewhere between Bloodborne and Lies of P.
What truly distinguishes this game from conventional Souls-like titles is its departure from a dark fantasy setting towards a more enchanting universe. Filled with vibrant colors, lush fauna, elegant temples, waterfalls, ancient trees, candle-lit sanctuaries, and traditional Chinese architecture, replete with Buddhas in various forms, the game promises substantial immersion – especially for Western players less accustomed to such exoticism. Bai Wuchang’s character brings refreshing innovation to the genre, presenting a slender silhouette with an almost innocent expression that starkly contrasts her fierce capabilities. Much like Stellar Blade, the game also includes an expansive wardrobe to unlock, often highlighting striking attire, a feature prominently showcased by the studio which may draw comparisons to Eve’s popularity on social media.
While the game might progressively grow darker and grimmer as the curse unfolds, the demo’s vibrant brightness and vivid hues were a welcome breath of fresh air for the genre. The area I traversed featured surprising verticality, including a pathway alongside a river leading to a wooden scaffolding clinging to a cliffside, which I ascended, slicing through foes along the way. The view from the summit was well worth the effort.
LIGHT SOULS
Developed on Unreal Engine 5, the graphics are undoubtedly impressive. However, as you know, aesthetics alone don’t define a great game, especially in the challenging realm of Souls-like titles where robust combat systems are crucial. Wuchang delivers familiar mechanics such as melee combat, dodging, and parrying while incorporating additional, well-received elements. Players can seamlessly switch between two weapons, enhancing fluidity in battles. A diverse array of weapons, each with unique handling and attributes, is available. Special weapon-specific attacks, unlockable throughout the game, can be triggered upon filling a gauge through perfect dodges. The results are often spectacular—one such attack involves the character leaping with an axe, crashing down in a fiery explosion.
Wuchang’s combat system emphasizes agility and timing. Instead of relying heavily on guarding or parrying, players are rewarded for perfectly executed dodges, allowing them to fill a meter called Skyborn Might, which in turn enables special attacks. This promotes active movement, encouraging players to seek openings rather than hiding behind shields, an approach that offers a refreshing change. Defensively, dodging is central to gameplay, thanks to the heroine’s agility. While dodging is crucial in all Souls-like games, here it takes an even more prominent role, with gameplay focused on mobility and responsiveness. Parrying and blocking are not always available, tied instead to specific weapon skills. This design choice encourages varied gameplay strategies, particularly during the early hours before certain equipment is acquired. Players favoring sturdier builds relying on defense to create openings will need to adjust initially.
THIS IS MADNESS!
Another intriguing system is the “Madness Descends” mechanic. After suffering several defeats against the same enemy, Wuchang enters a state of unstable power, increasing attack strength while enhancing damage resistance. This high risk/high reward feature works well in boss fights. Regarding bosses, those I encountered were well-crafted and presented a true challenge, though they didn’t particularly stand out as memorable or original. The first, a towering levitating shaman, hurled spells from a massive staff, requiring precise dodge mastery. It took me 20 minutes to nail the rhythm. Conversely, I couldn’t defeat the second boss in a more advanced save. This quick and unpredictable warrior wielded dual swords, chaining combos so rapidly I barely had time to breathe. I lost count of my deaths, but rest assured, if you doubt the game’s difficulty, Wuchang won’t spare you.
Wuchang Fallen Feathers launches Thursday, July 24, and if it retains the quality seen in the Summer Game Fest demo, it may earn a significant place among the plethora of existing Souls-like games.
