The latest take on Dark Souls brings us a bird demon in human skin, various large doors

As evidenced by how games like Naraka: Bladepoint and the upcoming Black Myth: Wu Kong have found success with western audiences, there's a recent hunger for Chinese-made action games. Add another one to the list to keep an eye on: Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a new Soulslike action RPG set in a fantasy version of a fallen Ming Dynasty. Check out the gameplay trailer above for an 18-minute look at characters, combat, and one gruesome boss encounter.

The trailer shows off a number of locations you'd expect from a dark Chinese fantasy: Misty temples, rainy village streets, and bloodsoaked battlefields. Developer Leenzee Games says it takes inspiration from real-life ancient Chinese societies like Sanxingdui and Jinsha, the latter of which disappeared during the final few centuries of the BCE period. Researchers believe the causes for its disappearance could have been flooding, earthquakes, or political revolution.

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wuchang fallen feathers — (Image credit: Leenzee Games)

Gameplay is a little stiff, even by modern Soulslike standards. It's a pre-alpha version of the game, though, so it's entirely possible that certain aspects could be changed by release. The player character runs at an odd clip, and her sword swinging leaves a little something to be desired compared to the high-flying antics of Wu Kong. Some folks in various comment sections have expressed hesitancy over just how similar it is to Dark Souls and Bloodborne, going so far as to include a backstab move and gunshot parry. There's even a two-handed axe that calls to mind Bloodborne's Rifle Spear.

The trailer ends with a boss battle against a giant monster with the face of a woman, before that face is pulled back to reveal the skull of a bird-like giant inside. Again, it's what you expect (whacking a boss a few times before retreating while it performs some impressive attack animations), but it does look nice and creepy in action.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is planned to release on PC and consoles, but there's no word on when yet.

Joseph Knoop is a freelance writer specializing in all things Fortnite at PC Gamer. Master of Creative Codes and Fortnite's weekly missions, Joe's always ready with a scoop on Boba Fett or John Wick or whoever the hell is coming to Fortnite this week. It's with a mix of relief and disappointment that he hasn't yet become a Fortnite skin himself. There's always next season...