In this scenario, I’m dressed with a bandage on my chest and feathers growing from my arms, resembling unruly plants, and I’m uncertain of the upcoming events. However, I have a feeling that success is not in store for me – that’s what makes the Wuchang: Fallen Feathers demo at Summer Game Fest so captivating as it shares similarities with Soulslike games.
When I label Fallen Feathers as a “Soulsborne clone,” I’m using it as a term of praise; being an avid fan of FromSoftware, I usually find myself disengaged from games that heavily draw inspiration from Dark Souls but fail to incorporate its standout elements for the sake of originality. However, Fallen Feathers is different – it courageously combines FromSoftware’s signature blend of dark fantasy, body horror, and cunning enemies out to get you, and then sets it all in a dismal reinterpretation of the Ming Dynasty.
In a manner similar to Bloodborne’s Oedon Chapel, the scarred D-cup pirate warrior Wuchang woke up in a grotesque, unwell-looking place, sporting injuries and lacking her usual attire. However, she can’t recall how she got there. As events unfolded, she learned that she had been affected by a vile affliction known as the Feathering – much like the twisted creatures in Bloodborne. This disease gradually transforms humans into deranged, monstrous beings.
In a different phrasing, I find parallels between Wuchang and Sekiro’s ninja character, as both demand players to act with patience and precision rather than my usual rapid-fire moves. The captivating female character, whose style resonates with me much like a fashion model would for many women, is not exploitative but rather possesses a deep, thoughtful design. She executes long, calculated attack sequences from afar, which encourages me to manage her movements strategically, as if I were a cunning fox waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
During my time with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, I find myself often distracted from the intended boss fight, instead focusing on a particular guard who seems to be causing me frustration. It could be the piercing stare of this overly attentive guard that keeps drawing me in for much of the 40 minutes I spent playing. Whenever I venture too close to him within a 10-foot radius, my curiosity about what lies beyond the closed gate he’s guarding takes over, and he reacts angrily.
Over and over, he effortlessly depletes my weak health meter, mirroring Wuchang’s relentless onslaught of attacks with animations that appear increasingly hostile, prolonged, and downright impolite. Can’t he see I have a boss to confront and can’t afford to squander my time like this?
Each time I fall before that seemingly insignificant foe protecting ground I’m nowhere near ready for, my determination just grows stronger. I’ve got this in the bag, I assure you!
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the stunning surroundings, filled with beautiful woodlands and… well, let’s say non-playable characters who can be defeated without guilt. Moving on, I switch over to that recurring character who usually has half health – quite the bookworm! I test out Wangchang’s graceful special moves on him to build my courage before trotting towards where I stashed Fallen Feathers’ equivalent of “spirit points,” or Elden Ring’s runes. Gazing upon them serves as a reminder that I’m growing overly familiar with my Dark Side.
In a fresh take on the Hollowing effect from the original Dark Souls, Fallen Feathers employs the Inner Demon System. This means that with each enemy you vanquish and each time you perish, your power grows while your defenses weaken. Eventually, a literal demoness appears that must be defeated to progress further. This innovative system suggests that developer Leenzee has deeply understood the FromSoftware formula, even enhancing its eerie, ethereal Soulslike ambiance. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers isn’t just a good imitation; it seems to possess its own unique spirit as well.
At last, I’ve slain the armored guard – that fellow. Lo and behold, it was a breeze! As I said, I could pull it off. Now, I wonder what lies beyond this door he kept hidden… Alas, it seems I don’t have the key to open it.
Well, if it doesn’t make you ponder your own idiocy, then is it even Dark Souls?
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is out on July 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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2025-06-13 00:10