Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Review – A Must-Play Soulslike After Lies of P
▼ Summary
– Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is praised as the best soulslike game since Lies of P, featuring expert level design, fast-paced combat, and strategic loadout choices.
– The game offers a grim Ming Dynasty-inspired story with themes of violence and body horror, complemented by Dark Souls-style exploration and Bloodborne-like combat.
– Key mechanics include Skyborn Might (a combat resource) and the Madness gauge (a risk/reward system), both adding depth and flexibility to gameplay.
– The skill tree allows limitless free respecs, encouraging players to adapt their builds for different challenges, though some status-heavy areas can feel frustrating.
– Despite a few overly difficult sections, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers stands out for its level design, boss fights, and replayability, making it a top soulslike experience.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers emerges as a standout entry in the soulslike genre, delivering an experience that rivals even the best offerings from recent years. Developer Leenzee has crafted a world that feels both punishing and rewarding, blending intricate level design with combat mechanics that demand precision and strategy. Set against the backdrop of Ming Dynasty China, the game weaves a dark narrative filled with body horror and psychological tension, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after you put down the controller.
What sets Wuchang: Fallen Feathers apart is its innovative combat system, which introduces two key mechanics: Skyborn Might and the Madness gauge. Skyborn Might rewards well-timed dodges and skillful play, allowing players to unleash powerful weapon skills or spells. Meanwhile, the Madness system adds a risk-reward dynamic, letting players harness its power for devastating attacks while managing the threat of spawning deadly demons upon death. These systems encourage experimentation, especially since respeccing your character is free and unlimited.
The level design deserves special praise, echoing the interconnected worlds of classic Dark Souls while introducing its own twists. Shortcuts feel meaningful, exploration is richly rewarded, and branching paths offer flexibility when facing tough challenges. Boss fights are equally impressive, ranging from agile duelists to towering monstrosities, each backed by a soundtrack that heightens the intensity.
That said, the game isn’t without its frustrations. Some areas lean too heavily into status effects, with poison swamps and frostbitten terrain testing patience. The final stretch, in particular, feels unnecessarily punishing, nearly overshadowing the otherwise stellar experience. Yet, even with these rough edges, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers remains a must-play for fans of the genre.
For those who relish deep combat, intricate world-building, and a challenge that respects their skill, this game delivers in spades. If you enjoyed Lies of P or Bloodborne, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers will feel like a worthy successor, one that carves its own identity while honoring the traditions of soulslikes.
With its gripping combat, haunting atmosphere, and rewarding exploration, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers stands tall as one of the year’s most compelling action RPGs. Whether you’re a seasoned soulslike player or looking for a fresh challenge, this game is well worth the journey.
(Source: techradar)
