The blueprint that FromSoftware initially created for 2009’sDemon’s Soulsand refined with theDark Soulstrilogy has been iterated on numerous times by various developers over the years. Indeed,Soulslikes have been plentiful lately, and fans of the sub-genre are eating well.Wuchang: Fallen Feathersis attempting to put its own spin on the formula, and its Chinese Ming Dynasty setting should serve as a stylish backdrop for the bloody on-screen action.
Game Rant recently spoke with developer Leenzee Games' Xia Siyuan, who serves asWuchang: Fallen Feathers' game director. He explained how the team wanted to ensure that the game organically feels like a part of China’s rich tapestry of folklore. He also discussed how cultural mythology played a role in aspects such as enemy design, too.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is Steeped in Chinese Folklore
Wuchang: Fallen Featherstakes place during the Ming Dynasty period of Ancient China. It puts players in the shoes of Wiuchang, a pirate suffering from amnesia as well as a debilitating disease known as ‘The Feathering,’ which is causing mutations to sprout up all over the land of Shu. Siyuan explained that the world ofWuchangdraws inspiration fromvarious parts of Chinese mythology, saying:
‘‘Blending Soulslike mechanics with Chinese folklore was never about simply layering one on top of the other. It was a process of finding harmony between two storytelling languages. From the very beginning, we knew that the world ofWuchangcouldn’t just be inspired by folklore, it had to feel like it was grown from it.’’
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers' Setting Explained
Wuchang herself must attempt to navigate this worldwhile coming to terms with her newfound abilities. Rather than merely serving as a backdrop for the action, though,Wuchang’s land of Shu is almost a character itself, covered in decay and suffering. The consequences of the Feathering are evident as far as the eye can see. Siyuan continued:
‘‘Chinese mythology and regional legends shaped our design thinking at every level: boss behaviors rooted in ancient rituals, level design influenced by the geography of Sichuan, and systems like the Inner Demon mechanic, which reflects philosophical tensions found in Confucianism and Taoism - restraint versus temptation, structure versus chaos. Instead of treating folklore as window dressing, we treated it like the soil from which all gameplay systems sprouted. So when players make a decision in combat, explore a region, or encounter a mythical creature…they’re engaging with echoes of a deeper cultural rhythm.’’
The team at Leenzee Games clearly felt passionately about ensuringWuchang: Fallen Feathershit all the right cultural and historical beats. Theright setting can make or break a Soulslike, andWuchangis seemingly set up for success on that front with the dark, twisted world in which it takes place.
