Swords of Legends, the next installment in a beloved Chinese action RPG series, showcased its Unreal Engine 5 prowess at this year's Summer Game Fest. While the game delivers lavish visuals and dynamic combat, its emphasis on action has raised questions about the depth of its RPG elements, particularly in light of the impact Black Myth Wukong has had on the country's game industry.
The series, known in China as Gujian, has evolved from turn-based JRPGs to more action-oriented titles with each sequel. Gujian 3, released in 2018, was praised for its detailed world-building and character development, with extensive dialogue and interwoven plot threads contributing to a rich narrative experience. However, the demo for the new Swords of Legends provided a different impression. Players control a character whose name and narrative role were not immediately apparent, focusing instead on immediate combat encounters. The presence of stats on the inventory screen was the primary indicator of its RPG roots.
Combat and Customization
The combat system in the Swords of Legends demo emphasizes action, offering a blend of light and heavy combos. Notably, the game replaces traditional dedicated block and parry mechanics with interchangeable weapon skills and artifacts. This system allows for significant player choice in tailoring combat abilities. For instance, the starter artifact includes a mana-consuming guard skill, but players can swap it for abilities like the Thunder Banner, which replaces the guard with a damaging dash that provides generous invincibility frames. This encourages a more aggressive playstyle. Another option is equipping a high-risk, high-reward parry skill on a greatsword, which consumes mana and leaves the player vulnerable if mistimed, but allows for punishing enemy attacks with powerful ripostes. This approach aims to provide depth beyond simple timed button presses, differentiating it from other action games that heavily rely on parrying.
Artistic Vision and Narrative Concerns
Swords of Legends features creative character designs and environments inspired by Chinese mythology and folklore. One memorable encounter involved a duel with a warrior wearing a teapot as a helmet and wielding a teapot-shaped sword that spat boiling water. Another boss was a flying magician whose body was an ornate rug, who utilized spinning teacups and fireworks in his attacks. These designs evoke a sense of unique storytelling, drawing from less common folktales.
Despite these creative flourishes, the demo's limited scope, focusing on boss fights and linear levels, has led to apprehension. The concern is that Swords of Legends may be prioritizing the action spectacle, potentially inspired by the success of Black Myth Wukong, at the expense of the deeper RPG mechanics that characterized its predecessors. The series' history suggests a potential for rich narrative and character interaction, and there is hope that these elements will be more prominent in the full release. Swords of Legends is slated for release on Steam, though a specific launch date has not yet been announced.