WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers
" Engaging action RPG with deep combat and rich Chinese lore but hampered by performance issues "
WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Review
WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a Souls-like action RPG that has polarized players largely due to performance and optimization issues. Many users with high-end PCs report unacceptable frame drops, stuttering, and graphical inconsistencies, which severely impact gameplay experience. Despite these technical problems, the game offers engaging combat mechanics, a unique progression system, and an atmospheric world inspired by Chinese wuxia elements. The graphics and art style receive mixed feedback, praised for distinct cultural touches and immersive environments but criticized for not matching the trailers or feeling unfinished. Combat is described as familiar yet with some fresh twists, incorporating weapon disciplines, magic, and weighty attacks, though some find it clunky or lacking depth. The story is generally considered simple and linear but fitting for the genre. Sound design and music are ambient and culturally grounded but not exceptional. Many recommend waiting for patches and price drops before purchasing, while others enjoy the game despite flaws. Overall, WUCHANG shows promise but is held back by technical shortcomings at launch.
Highlights
Players praise WUCHANG's unique combat system with weapon disciplines, magic, and satisfying dodging mechanics.
The artistic world design and cultural atmosphere stand out, providing an immersive experience.
The progression and leveling systems offer fresh alternatives to traditional Souls-like mechanics.
Some users report stable performance on well-optimized systems and enjoy the challenge and exploration.
The soundtrack and ambient audio effectively complement the game's melancholic tone.
Criticisms
The game suffers from poor optimization and performance issues on a wide range of systems, including high-end PCs.
Graphics often don't match trailers, with pixelation, fuzziness, and inconsistent visual quality noted.
Combat can feel clunky, stiff, or lacking depth, with problematic hit detection and enemy AI.
Level design is sometimes confusing and frustrating, with excessive ambushes and poor navigation.
The story is seen as disjointed or minimal, and some players find the protagonist lifeless.
Additional issues include bugs, limited control customization, and questionable design choices such as forced upscaling techniques and pay-to-win elements in deluxe editions.
Pros
- • Engaging combat system with weapon disciplines and magic adds depth and variety.
- • Immersive world design rich in Chinese cultural and wuxia elements.
- • Unique progression system offers fresh alternatives to typical Souls-like leveling.
- • Soundtrack and ambient audio enhance the melancholic atmosphere effectively.
- • Stable performance reported on some mid-to-high-end PC setups with tweaks.
- • Challenging bosses and enemy encounters provide satisfying gameplay moments.
- • Visuals have distinct artistic flair supporting the narrative tone.
Cons
- • Severe performance issues including stuttering and frame drops on many PCs.
- • Graphics often appear blurry, pixelated, or inconsistent compared to trailers.
- • Combat animations can be stiff, clunky, with inconsistent hit detection.
- • Enemy AI is sometimes poor, leading to repetitive and unchallenging fights.
- • Level design can be confusing with frustrating ambushes and navigation.
- • Protagonist lacks facial animations and emotional engagement.
- • Limited control customization hinders accessibility for some players.
Rating Criteria
WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a soulslike, action RPG set in the land of Shu during the dark and tumultuous late Ming Dynasty, plagued with warring factions and a mysterious illness spawning monstrous creatures.