Developers Softstar Entertainment and DOMO Studio, in collaboration with publishers CubeGame and Gamera Games, have revealed the remastered version of the classic turn-based RPG, Xuan-Yuan Sword III, now titled Xuan-Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains. The game is slated for release on Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam) in 2023, more than two decades after the original launch on December 4, 1999.
Xuan-Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains is renowned as one of the most popular RPGs in Chinese-speaking regions, having received numerous accolades throughout Asia. The game’s story unfolds in a time when Eastern and Western cultures collide, with a setting that encompasses Eurasia, the Arab World, Francia, and China.
The narrative follows the journey of Septem, a Frankish Knight who embarks on a quest to discover the Invincible Arts of War under the orders of Pepin III. Septem’s journey begins in the picturesque canals of Venice and takes him across the Middle East and Western Regions, ultimately leading him to the enigmatic Orient. Along the way, he becomes entangled in the complex power struggles between local factions and the dark ambitions of Satan.
While the Tang Empire in China experiences peace and prosperity, Europe is plunged into the Dark Ages, and the Arabian Empire rises to prominence. As these disparate cultures converge, ancient Chinese legends of the Xuan-Yuan Sword and Spirit Fusion Pot resurface, ushering in a new era of heroes.
The game showcases a symphony of Western and Eastern cultures, as the story takes players through a vast landscape that includes the Arab World, Francia, and China. Players will encounter diverse architectural styles, clothing, food, and customs as they explore locales like Venice, Damascus, and the beautiful Chang’an.
Xuan-Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains artfully fuses history and fantasy by incorporating historical events such as the Battle of Talas, the Arabian Civil War, The Crusades, and An Lushan Rebellion within character-driven narratives. Players will confront historical foes like Merovingian soldiers, the Venetian navy, the Abbasid Caliphate, Tang soldiers, and Taoists, as well as mythical creatures like centaurs, Medusa, the Black and White Reapers, and the Xuannu of the Nine Heavens.
The unique Spirit Fusion Pot system allows players to capture enemies during battle, while items and monsters can be used to craft new items or creatures from the codex. Crafting can be done at Eastern or Western altars, with the resulting creation varying based on the chosen altar.
The game’s visual style draws inspiration from traditional Chinese ink paintings, featuring a game map, battle backgrounds, and characters all rendered in an exquisite oriental ink style. The remastered Xuan-Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains promises to deliver an immersive and engaging experience for both new and returning players when it launches in 2023.
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