Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Review
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is an ambitious action RPG by Team Ninja, blending Chinese mythology and history with fast-paced, fluid combat. The game features a unique morale system that impacts damage and encourages strategic exploration through flag capturing, adding depth to its Soulslike formula. Combat emphasizes parrying and stamina (Spirit) management, offering a dynamic experience reminiscent of Sekiro but with RPG customization and build diversity. The story reimagines the late Han Dynasty with supernatural elements, though narrative pacing and dialogue are sometimes uneven. Graphically, the game presents strong art direction and atmospheric environments, despite some performance issues at launch that have since improved. Players appreciate the replayability and variety of weapons, spells, and character builds, alongside challenging and cinematic boss fights. However, the forced companions and UI complexity have drawn criticism. Overall, Wo Long stands out for its innovative mechanics and engaging combat, rewarding players who invest time to master its systems.
Highlights
Players praise the game's fast, satisfying combat system centered on parrying and Spirit management, which offers a fresh take on Soulslike gameplay. The morale and flag system adds strategic depth and encourages exploration. Visually, the art direction and creature designs evoke a rich, dark fantasy atmosphere rooted in Chinese mythology. The story, while uneven, features notable historical figures with supernatural twists. The game offers multiple weapon types, build customization, and strong replay value, enhanced by well-designed boss encounters and a compelling soundtrack that blends traditional and orchestral elements.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include performance issues on PC at launch, such as stuttering and frame drops, though patches have improved stability. The UI and system explanations are often described as confusing, making it hard for players to grasp key mechanics like sub-missions and the morale system. The forced companions disrupt combat flow, interfering with the core parry-based gameplay. Some players find the story and dialogue lackluster, and certain areas feel empty or repetitive. Additionally, itemization can be bloated with excessive stats and junk loot, and the difficulty is generally easier than other Team Ninja titles, which may disappoint fans seeking a hardcore challenge.
Pros
- • Fast and fluid combat system emphasizing parrying and stamina management.
- • Innovative morale and flag system adds strategic depth to exploration.
- • Rich art direction with atmospheric environments and creature designs.
- • Multiple weapon types and build customization for player expression.
- • Engaging and challenging boss fights with cinematic presentation.
- • Strong replayability with New Game+ and endgame content.
- • Soundtrack blends traditional Chinese instruments with orchestral music.
Cons
- • Performance issues and stuttering on PC, especially at launch.
- • Forced AI companions disrupt combat and interfere with parrying.
- • Confusing UI and poor explanation of key game mechanics.
- • Story and dialogue are uneven and sometimes lack impact.
- • Repetitive enemy designs and some empty, under-detailed areas.
- • Itemization can feel bloated with insignificant stats and junk loot.
- • Difficulty is generally lower than other Team Ninja Soulslikes.
Rating Criteria
A new dark fantasy Three Kingdoms action RPG from Team NINJA, the developers of Nioh.
