Wuchang: Fallen Feathers PC Review
Summary: Overall, while Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has some notable flaws and may require some balancing, the game offers fresh and innovative elements that make it enjoyable and memorable.
3.5
Light as a Feather
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a new Soulslike from 505 Games and developer Leenzee Games. It introduces some highly engaging elements to the genre, but executes them in a highly tedious manner that almost completely tarnishes the experience.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers takes place in the land of Shu, where a mysterious disease known as The Feathering has plagued all of the land, including the protagonist, Wuchang. We learn that she is a skilled pirate and warrior struck by amnesia, and must travel the land fighting other beings and warriors afflicted by the Feathering. She goes on a quest to uncover her past, what happened to her, and the whereabouts of her sister. Despite making the story quite clear from the start, the game unfortunately has a barebones narrative, and features barely any cutscenes aside from the numerous boss fights. Players will learn more about the story through NPC conversations and posters littered around each area. However, these conversations aren’t very engaging as Wuchang is mostly a silent protagonist.
Thankfully, what the game lacks in narrative engagement, it makes up for with the combat and gameplay. Combat is mostly tied to weapons and abilities. These abilities are tied to Skyborn Might, which is the game’s special ability system. You gain Skyborn Might by executing specific moves like deflecting, dodging, or executing specific attacks. The number of abilities you can do can be upgraded through the in-game skill tree.
In Wuchang, players don’t upgrade levels and abilities in the traditional manner like other Soulslikes. Instead, players only upgrade Health, Stamina, and specific weapon abilities and spells. The skill tree is incredibly intuitive and allows respecing at any point. This allows players to strategize comfortably and utilize all available options, which is one of the game’s best features. Additionally, each weapon in Wuchang has a unique move set, basic attacks, and special attacks. All these attack types are fun to execute, smooth, fast, and responsive. Then there are several types of spells players can find and upgrade throughout the game, some of which are tied to elements.
There are also consumables and several weapons. Unlike other Soulslikes, weapons are somewhat rare to find, and the game only features about one in each level which is disappointing. Additionally, some weapons are clearly more useful than others, and since upgrading them can only be done through the skill trees, most weapons aren’t worth the time or investment. One of the most unique elements in Wuchang is the Tempering system. It lets players add special elements and skills to their weapons. The system works similarly to adding elements to your weapons in the Souls games. However, unlike other Soulslikes, they aren’t consumable, and you can Temper weapons without having to buy items. You can also upgrade the number of charges through the skill tree. The system is incredibly useful and in-depth, offering a greater variety of gameplay and more options in combat.
However, the Madness system is where Wuchang really stands out. As a result of Wuchang’s Feathering disease, her madness increases upon each death and upon doing certain actions. The higher your Madness meter fills up, the more damage you deal and take. However, the worst part of this system is getting rid of Madness. There isn’t a good way of getting rid of it, as you have to wait and pray that Wuchang’s inner demon appears and attacks you. If you beat her or lose to her, your madness meter resets. The system offers something new and refreshing to the genre but there needs to be a better way of getting rid of it, especially before constantly getting killed by the game’s many bosses.
Speaking of bosses, they are one of the best parts of Wuchang. They’re all intricately designed and incredibly challenging. Some bosses are almost too challenging, however, as not only do they dish out high damage, but they also deal negative status effects, which make them tough as nails. What’s more, when combined with a full Madness meter, you have an almost unbalanced level of difficulty. Players don’t get help for most of the game and they don’t level up traditionally, so they just have to get better, as the bosses are not infallible.
In terms of visuals, Wuchang boasts impeccably detailed character models, and the art direction is accurate for the period in which it is set. However, most of the levels and environments in the game consist of dilapidated buildings, dry woods, and caves, which is unfortunate, as it doesn’t display beauty and only showcases the same designs and aesthetic as similar Soulslikes.
Final Thoughts?
Other than that, the game runs smoothly on PC but features a few inoffensive frame rate dips that occur occasionally in some areas. Overall, while Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has some notable flaws and may require some balancing, the game offers fresh and innovative elements that make it enjoyable and memorable.
About the Author
Abdul Saad A seasoned entertainment journalist and critic, and has been writing for five years on multiple gaming sites. When he isn't writing or playing the latest JRPG, he can be found coding games of his own or tinkering with something electrical.
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