Wuchang: Fallen Feathers presents itself as an action-heavy soulslike, set against the backdrop of a plague-ridden 14th century China. However, despite its ambitious premise, the game struggles to carve out a unique identity within the genre. With a runtime exceeding 40 hours filled with monster confrontations and eccentric NPCs, it largely appears to mimic the hallmark moments of FromSoftware’s superior titles.
What is it? An action-heavy soulslike set in a plague-stricken 14th century China
Release date: July 24, 2025
Expect to pay: .99
Developer: Leenzee
Publisher: 505 Games
Reviewed on: RTX 5090, Intel Core i9 12900K, 32GB RAM
Multiplayer: No
Steam Deck: Verified
Link: Steam
Weapon mastery
One notable feature of Wuchang is its innovative approach to combat. Players can engage in weighty, punishing battles while narrowly dodging enemy attacks or landing consecutive hits, which allows for the integration of powerful spells and unique moves without depleting a mana bar. This system is enhanced by a skill tree reminiscent of Path of Exile, offering minor upgrades to health and damage alongside significant nodes that unlock special moves and attack charges.
For instance, investing in one-handed swords yields a steady supply of charges for magic use, enabling a more dynamic combat experience. The thrill of dashing toward foes, landing strikes, and then retreating to unleash explosive spells creates a fluidity reminiscent of Sekiro’s encounters. A memorable boss fight against a swordswoman showcased this dance of combat, where each clash of steel and strategic dodge felt exhilarating.
Been there
However, outside of these boss encounters, the combat experience often falters. The repetitive nature of defeating the same enemies can lead to a sense of monotony. Many encounters feel like mere obstacles on the way to the next boss, with mechanics that echo those found in FromSoftware’s games. Players may find themselves navigating through familiar scenarios, such as traversing poison-laden areas that evoke memories of Dark Souls’ Blighttown, or dealing with necromancers reminiscent of past foes.
You’d think borrowing from some of the greatest action RPGs of all time would be a good idea, but most of them don’t work in a game like Wuchang.
While the game attempts to create a sense of interconnectedness by leading players back to previously explored areas—a feature praised in Dark Souls—there is little incentive to revisit these locations beyond a few NPC side quests. As the gameplay progresses, the constant references to superior titles may leave players questioning their investment in Wuchang.
Dull blade
The overall experience is further marred by a lack of variety in enemy design and encounter mechanics. Combat often devolves into a simplistic exchange of blows, lacking the strategic depth that defines the genre. The environments, while visually appealing at first glance, can feel disjointed and uninspired, with a hyper-realistic sheen that fails to unify the game’s aesthetic.
As players navigate through a maze of paths and ladders, the sense of aimlessness can detract from the experience. Beautiful sunsets juxtaposed with grim scenes of decay create a visual dissonance that undermines the game’s narrative coherence. Without a strong thematic foundation, Wuchang risks being perceived as an Unreal Engine tech demo rather than a fully realized world.
Ultimately, the game’s inability to distinguish itself from its influences leaves it feeling derivative. Despite moments of brilliance in its boss fights, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers struggles to establish a compelling identity, overshadowed by the growing list of forgettable soulslike titles. The potential for a unique experience, akin to Black Myth: Wukong or FromSoftware’s own Nightreign, remains unfulfilled, as Wuchang finds itself lost in the shadows of its predecessors.
