Dash Exlee WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Review

Like Blades of Fire earlier this year, Wuchang shows "proffessional" critics wouldn't know a good game if landed directly in their lap! Aside from the early performance issues that were almost immediately fixed with 2 patches, the game is stellar across the board! The graphics and world design are fantastic!! Like early souls games, this game has the brilliantly interconnecting zones with tons of shortcuts. My favorite part of the game is exploring everything. Your curiosity will always be rewarded, usually with some awesome stuff. The combat is top notch with many different builds and abilities. One important thing to note is on the first playthrough the game is quite difficult and somewhat inscrutable with it's myriad systems to comprehend. But as you play you'll figure it out. The bosses are all amazing with very cool designs. But they are ruthless! There is a huge skill check about 40% through the game with the boss in the pond. She is savage. But with practice she can be beat. But she is tough! Some new things this game brings to the table are the maddening system, the feathering system and the inner demon. As you kill humans you will become maddened. There are 5 tiers of madness. Madness makes your attacks stronger but also increases the damage you take. The feathering is an illness that turns people to monsters. You have it as the protagonist. With successful dodges and parries you build up feathers. This enhances your attacks and give you special abilities. Finally in addition madness adds to your inner demon bar. If you die when it's filled you'll have to fight a demon version of yourself to retrieve your red mercury (the skill currency) you lost. Killing her brings your madness back to zero. You can also use her to take out tough enemies, excluding bosses. Can really help taking down difficult elites. Anyway this game keeps China's winning streak going with yet another top-notch game!! And because it's from an Eastern dev no progressive propaganda and grotesque women! I'm looking at you Ghost of Yotei! Highly, highly recommended to those who enjoy difficult games!