The rise of the Chinese action RPG

Aug 23, 2024

Black Myth: Wukong represents the pinnacle of a rich history of Chinese RPG development influenced by games like Sword and Fairy.

: Black Myth: Wukong, lauded for its action and graphics, epitomizes the evolution of Chinese RPGs over decades. The journey began with 1995's Sword and Fairy, which set a high bar with its turn-based mechanics. Over time, games like Jian Xia Qingyuan Waizhuan and Fantasia Sango transitioned to real-time action. Titles like Gu Jian Qi Tan further pushed the envelope by incorporating modern graphics and gameplay elements.

Black Myth: Wukong, celebrated for its Dark Souls-inspired mechanics and visual splendor, marks a milestone in the evolution of Chinese RPGs. This genre has slowly evolved from its humble beginnings, heavily influenced by the 1995 release of Sword and Fairy. This early title featured traditional isometric 2D pixel art and turn-based combat, laying the groundwork for future development.

As the years passed, games like the 2001's Jian Xia Qingyuan Waizhuan attempted real-time combat, albeit with mixed results, transitioning from turn-based systems. The Fantasia Sango series in 2003 successfully blended action with traditional RPG elements, introducing a grid-based combat system that emphasized positioning and timing.

By 2010, Gu Jian Qi Tan marked another leap forward with its lush 3D visuals and voice-acted cutscenes, merging traditional and action-oriented combat elements. The series' progression culminated in Gu Jian 3, which transformed entirely into a real-time action adventure, setting a new standard for Chinese RPGs aiming for international recognition.