Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – Soulslike Excellence Set in Feudal China
Ever since FromSoftware revolutionized the action-RPG landscape with titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, the Soulslike genre has exploded with imitators and contenders. Few, however, manage to elevate the formula. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers does just that — and possibly more.
Developed by Chinese studio Leenzee, Wuchang takes players to a mythical version of China during the collapse of the Ming Dynasty. You play as Wuchang, an amnesiac pirate who wakes up cursed by a mysterious affliction known as Feathering — a supernatural disease that transforms people into grotesque monsters.
With her past in fragments and her sanity slowly unraveling, Wuchang must navigate a decaying world filled with bloodthirsty enemies and hidden truths. Like many Soulslikes, the story is cryptic and environmental storytelling is key — but the setup is strong enough to pull players in, without bogging them down.
Combat That Rivals the Best in the Genre
The biggest highlight of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is its deep, satisfying combat system, which many are already comparing favorably to Black Myth: Wukong. Rather than relying on shield-based defense or slow-paced parries, the game rewards precise dodging. Successful evasions charge up a special Skybound Might gauge, which lets players unleash devastating finishers or powerful spells.
Each weapon class builds Might differently. For instance, executing two consecutive light attacks with a longsword can trigger a combo chain that increases your charge. This system pushes players to fight aggressively rather than retreat passively — a refreshing twist on the traditional Soulslike rhythm.
Even low-tier enemies require tactical engagement. Bosses, meanwhile, are genuine tests of patience and reflexes. A single mistimed dodge can erase your health bar in seconds. It’s punishing, but never unfair.
The Madness Mechanic: Risk Meets Reward
One of the game’s most unique features is the Madness system. Every time Wuchang kills or dies, her sanity deteriorates. As her Madness gauge climbs, her damage output increases — but so does the risk. At full Madness (100%), you become a glass cannon, dishing out massive damage but vulnerable to even minor hits.
If you die while fully insane, your Inner Demon — a monstrous version of yourself — spawns at the death site and actively hunts you. This mechanic adds a layer of psychological tension rarely seen in the genre.
Initially, Madness feels punishing, but once you unlock skills that synergize with high Madness levels, it becomes a viable (and thrilling) strategy. The result is a risk-reward system that’s as fun as it is frightening.
Visuals, World Design, and Boss Encounters
Graphically, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is gorgeous — not just because of its fidelity, but its atmospheric art direction. The ruined cities, bamboo forests, and crumbling temples ooze melancholy and mystery. There’s a poetic sadness to Shu, the cursed land you explore, that echoes Sekiro’s Ashina or Bloodborne’s Yharnam.
Boss fights are beautifully choreographed and visually stunning. However, in terms of creativity, they don’t quite reach the heights of Black Myth: Wukong. You’ll encounter some familiar tropes — a fast dual-blade swordsman, a poisonous insect giant, and necromancers who summon minions. While fun, these battles sometimes feel like déjà vu to genre veterans.
The Verdict: Worth Watching and Playing
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is not just another Soulslike clone. It stands on its own with robust mechanics, a memorable setting, and a cleverly designed insanity system that encourages different playstyles. While it may not fully dethrone Black Myth: Wukong, it sits confidently beside it as one of the most promising titles in the genre.
If you’re craving a brutal, rewarding, and artistically crafted Soulslike experience, don’t sleep on Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It’s shaping up to be one of the sleeper hits of the year.