$24.99Wandering Sword A wuxia epic in pixel art
A Chinese martial-arts RPG about a young swordsman left for dead in a feud who sets out to master kung fu and become a hero. Expect a large open world, hundreds of techniques to learn, up to 14 companions to recruit, and choices that lead to multiple endings.
Is Wandering Sword worth it?
Wandering Sword is worth it if…
- you like wuxia stories of feuds, sects and martial masters
- you like tactical turn-based combat with a real-time option
- you like building a fighter from unknown to master across many skills
- you like recruiting companions and doing side quests for 20 hours or more
Screenshots
A swordsman nearly killed, then set loose
You start as a young swordsman caught in someone else's feud and barely survive it. Crawling out of that mess puts you on the road to chase the highest form of martial arts and see what the pugilistic world makes of you.
The story acknowledges your growth, with early fights where winning gets a reaction of disbelief from enemies who expected an easy kill. Twists keep arriving just when the plot looks settled, and the tale of feuds, sects and old grudges carries you from unknown wanderer toward something like a great hero.
Seventy-five places across old China
You travel through more than 75 locations across five regions, from busy ancient towns to scenic mountains, rivers, lairs and rough terrain. The look is traditional pixel art laid over 3D landscapes built in Unreal Engine 4, with modern effects on top.
That mix gives it the feel of classic pixel martial-arts games with extra depth. You walk a tiled world that looks flat from a distance and gains shape as you move through it, town by town and mountain pass by mountain pass.
Turn-based tactics or real-time brawling
Fights happen on a tiled board, and you can switch between turn-based and real-time mode. You leave it turn-based when you want to think through positioning and moves, and flip it to real-time when you want quick reflexes to do the work, which suits grinding and easier scraps.
The system rewards planning over button speed in the serious fights. Early battles can be tough, and winning them is optional but noticed, so losing does not always stop the story.
Hundreds of moves, meridians and companions
You collect hundreds of martial-arts techniques and weapon styles as you travel, from swordplay to brawling to staff work. You build power through meridian points and train in both external and internal forms, so your swordsman can go brawling, sword-focused or staff-swinging with the Beggar Sect style.
Up to 14 martial artists can join you, each with distinct abilities, and relationships with them shape the journey. Talk to people, take side quests and you may even find love. With multiple endings and over 20 hours of main and side material, a second run plays differently.
Good to know before you wander?
How does the combat actually work?
Battles play out on tiles. In turn-based mode you place your people and pick techniques at your own pace, in the style of games like Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Tactics. In real-time mode the fight runs on its own timing and suits grinding once your build is strong. You can switch between the two.
What kind of fighter can I become?
Many kinds. You learn from hundreds of techniques and weapon styles, train energy through meridian points, and mix external and internal forms. One run you are a swordsman, the next you solve problems with fists or a staff.
Who travels with me?
Up to 14 martial artists can join, each with their own abilities and story threads. Keeping them around, talking, and finishing their quests matters, since companions open up later events. Romance is possible too.
How big is the world?
Large. More than 75 locations across five regions, covering towns, mountains, rivers, lairs and rough country. You can roam much of the central map freely after the opening and pick up linked quests as you go.
Do my choices change the ending?
Yes. Decisions across the main story and side quests lead to multiple endings, and the game runs over 20 hours with high replay value.
