Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Soars as Another Strong Entry in the Soulslike Genre
In a year already brimming with exceptional soulslike titles – including The First Berserker: Khazan, Lies of P: Overture, and Elden Ring: Nightreign – 2025 continues to deliver with Leenzee Games’ debut, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. This new entry immediately impressed with its exciting, fast-paced combat, a remarkably deep skill tree, and intricately designed levels that seamlessly blend breathtaking vistas with unsettling imagery. While its difficulty curve proves somewhat erratic, Wuchang ultimately earns a strong recommendation for fans craving another challenging and rewarding experience.
A Flourishing Landscape for Soulslike Enthusiasts
The soulslike genre is experiencing a renaissance, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a welcome addition. Like its predecessors, the game demands players actively piece together its narrative and lore. However, the storytelling approach isn’t quite as polished as that of FromSoftware’s titles or Lies of P. The opening sequence immediately draws players in, introducing a mostly silent protagonist who awakens with a mysterious disease – “The Feathering” – that slowly erodes memories and transforms victims into monstrous creatures. What begins as a personal quest for a cure quickly spirals into a dark fantasy descent as the origins of the affliction and its effects on the world are revealed.
Lore enthusiasts who enjoy deciphering item descriptions will likely find a richer narrative experience, but a reviewer noted losing track of the numerous characters introduced throughout the 45-hour campaign. Many characters appear briefly, only to vanish for extended periods, resurfacing in unexpected locations and referencing unfamiliar names, hindering narrative cohesion.
Combat That Demands Mastery
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Wuchang’s combat shines. It offers a wealth of offensive and defensive options, setting it apart from other stamina-based soulslikes through its emphasis on combining weapon skills with “Discipline” skills unlocked via a massive skill tree. For example, equipping a sword parry Discipline skill alongside the Flamebringer Longsword allows players to build up the burn status ailment while simultaneously gaining a defensive counter option. Players can also pair weapons with skills like Crescent Moon, enabling quick attacks and evasive maneuvers while still building Skybound Might.
The ability to seamlessly switch between two weapons, even mid-combo, further expands tactical possibilities. These options are crucial, as Wuchang doesn’t allow players to rely on basic attacks, particularly during challenging encounters.
Powering these skills and spells relies on generating “Skyborn Might,” primarily earned through perfectly timed dodges, but also through weapon-specific actions like landing the fourth hit of a light combo with the Axe or clashing weapons with dual blades. A reviewer found the level-up system particularly engaging, stating, “I felt like I usually had more interesting decisions to make with each level up than I do in most soulslikes.”
A Unique Progression System
Wuchang eschews traditional stat-boosting progression in favor of a system reminiscent of the Sphere Grid from Final Fantasy X and Salt and Sanctuary. The skill tree features six distinct paths, five dedicated to stat and weapon upgrades, and one focused on universal boons like increased healing charges and technique buffs. The grid is expansive, with new branches and upgrades continually unlocking even 20-30 hours into the game.
Importantly, Wuchang offers free respecs, allowing players to freely experiment with different builds without penalty. This encourages experimentation while still rewarding players who develop a clear build strategy.
Varied Enemies and a World Rich with Secrets
The game boasts a diverse range of enemies, each area introducing new, twisted creatures with unique attack patterns and skills. From small, grab-focused creatures to towering, miniboss-like fiends, Wuchang keeps players on edge. The interconnected world is filled with secrets and optional challenges, rewarding exploration. The game’s atmosphere gradually shifts from a colorful, idyllic village to a dark, horror-infused landscape ravaged by The Feathering.
One particularly tense sequence involves evading an enemy whose gaze inflicts a deadly status effect, requiring players to sprint past obstacles and navigate a gauntlet of enemies. This exemplifies the game’s strong enemy and level design working in tandem to create intense, non-combat challenges.
A Bumpy Ride to Victory
While the initial 10 hours of Wuchang are relatively smooth, the difficulty curve becomes increasingly uneven. The game occasionally relies on “cheap” or frustrating moments, though this is a common trait within the soulslike genre. However, these instances occur frequently enough in Wuchang to feel deliberately disruptive.
The real challenge arises with bosses like Commander Honglan, who presents a significant, almost insurmountable difficulty spike. The reviewer spent approximately two hours defeating her, noting that the fight wasn’t necessarily enjoyable, but rather a frustrating obstacle. Honglan exemplifies a recurring issue with later boss fights: a punishingly tight dodge window that diminishes the satisfaction of skillful play. Unlike games like Sekiro or Khazan, where precise blocking builds a posture meter, Wuchang’s posture system is less rewarding, making opportunities for significant damage scarce.
A Descent Worth Taking
Despite its uneven difficulty and narrative complexities, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers delivers a compelling soulslike experience. Its innovative combat system, expansive skill tree, and atmospheric world create a memorable adventure. While the game may leave players feeling slightly disoriented, it remains a strong recommendation for those seeking a new challenge in the genre.
