Xuan Yuan Sword 7 | PS4 Review

In all honesty I've always thought of EastAsiaSoft as a budget indie publisher. Not that they publish lesser quality indies, but that they catered solely to that budget indie market. After having played 'Xuan Yuan Sword 7' though that assumption changed. How they landed such an RPG is beyond me. This game could very well take the publisher to new heights in the gaming industry. I don't say that lightly either. What 'Xuan Yuan Sword 7' brings to the table is reflective of a Triple A presentation. The characters, the storytelling, the gameplay, and mechanics all come together in such a fashion as make the experience wholly polished. I could sing it's praises for days on end even though it is not without a slight hiccup or two. It's nice to see a Chinese game that keeps the dynasty, and mythological side of the culture intact, and combine it with a unique combat system based upon martial arts. The blend of real world references, and fantasy is so seamlessly joined together it truly is a sight to behold. Add in the amazing soundtrack, and it will most definitely give Japanese and Western RPGs a run for their money.

This standalone adventure that is "Xuan Yuan Sword 7" introduces to the player the main characters Zhao, and his little sister Xiang. From their childhood tragedy including the loss of their family to their current fight for survival, and deals with a mysterious Elysium King the duo works to restore Xiang's soul to her mortally wounded body. Being as Zhao took up the role of his little sister's protector he will do anything for her. Even if that means doing deals with otherworldly characters. 

As the story begins the adventure at hand takes on a linear, and guided tour of Zhao's and Xiang's early struggles, and their latest predicament. Having to interact with key NPCs, collecting key items, and going on guided quests to forward the cinematics and multiple choice conversations that lead you onward. As you progress through the guided storytelling parts with markers and a compass guiding your way you will interact with the environment, key characters of interest, and battle combative monsters that stand between you and your goal. 

Beyond the more linear, and guided portions of the game combat comes into play. This combat is a hack and slash style combat that utilizes Zhao's sword, martial arts stances, and unlocked martial arts attacks that become available through a skill tree as the story progresses. You have a basic martial arts attack, and a heavy attack at your disposal. That, and a dodge, and lock-on mechanic. You can even perform finishing attacks when prompted. Equipment-wise Zhang also has several slots for gear, his weapon, and accessories. Allowing him to add beneficial RPG stats, and effectiveness boosts to his mixed martial arts combat. Additionally the Elysium Scroll which granted him access to the Elysium realm can be used as an extension to basic combat. Allowing Zhao to capture, and summon monsters in a battle. It even allows for the slowing down of time, and the use of spells. While Zhao is the main focus early on in battles he is not always alone. Further on into the game Zhao gains the company of key characters that act as joining party members. Party members which will join him in the fight adding in their own brands of combat to the mix. You can utilize party members attacks using the designated controls.

When it comes to world traversal Zhao, and Xiang will be crossing over from real world villages, and into Elysium as they do the bidding of certain characters. They'll meet merchants, do main quests and side quests as well as fight lesser and greater enemies. Along the way you'll find shrines for saving progress, and camp fires as save and healing points. There are also plenty of hidden treasures, and secrets to find off the beaten path. Moreover, you will also be building Elysium workshops through an easily accessible touchpad menu which will allow you to craft gear, weapons, and accessories as well as useful items using ingredients you'll find along the way. Ingredients can be found lying around, or dropped from enemies. A currency system also comes into play, and through side quests or battle you can gain currency to spend at the various merchants scattered about the world.

In addition to the inventory, workshops, and martial arts skill tree made available through the touchpad menu you'll gain access to a journal listing which doubles as the game's lore/character encyclopedia, and enemy bestiary. Often times during loading screens you'll also find Chinese cultural information, and information on mythology which is referenced in regards to in-game context. As such the world is fleshed out, not only through character interactions, but also these side options for lore and acts. Xuan Yuan 7 even has it's own mini-game which is a take on Chess.

The Presentation ...

Visually 'Xuan Yuan Sword 7" is one of the best looking PS4 games I've seen. The skin textures are realistic, and the animations of character really well done. The only issue, if any, is the framerate slowdown that happens sometimes. It's not game breaking, but it's noticeable. I imagine playing it on the PS5 might actually remedy that issue as the game looks as if it borders on being a closer to a PS5 game than a PS4 one. When it comes to voice acting it is done purely in Chinese, but does offer English subtitles. It's a non-issue, and the game is better for retaining that original language, in my opinion. Though I can't understand a word of Chinese it adds to the cultural side of the game. Keeping it true to itself while making it accessible to a Western audience. 

The Verdict ...

I love 'Xuan Yuan Sword 7", and have a sneaking feeling it might be a sleeper hit. I don't think it's a game that's on many gamers' radar, but it should definitely be. If only for the story. While the combat is very involved, and more intricate than a simple hack and slash style combat it does come of as a little crude, and not entirely polished. There's something about the speed of the main character's actions that make the fights, and even environmental exploration kind of sloppy. I know that might sound bad, but it's not a deal breaker. If you apply the mechanics instead of mash your way through you'll certainly experience the game as it was intended. I personally liked how they added in finishing attacks with their own cinematic animations. You really do have to avoid mashing if you want to take advantage of such things though. All things considered I think this is a worthy buy. I think you'll enjoy it if you give it a chance. It's something the West isn't always privileged to, and to be honest I'd like to see more Xuan Yuan games reach our shores.