Sword and Fairy: Together Forever marks the ninth entry in this established Chinese game series. The original, The Legend of Sword and Fairy, debuted in 1995, followed by an enhanced version, New Legend of Sword and Fairy, in 2001. Since its inception, the series has expanded into numerous editions and adaptations, including a live-action TV series.
The conflict between humanity, divinity, and demons persists, and the establishment of equilibrium remains a formidable challenge. Players are immediately immersed in the action, following the warrior Xiu Wu as he confronts a substantial force of aerial adversaries intent on his demise. This encounter serves as the catalyst for an adventure where the stakes are paramount.
Sword and Fairy: Together Forever was initially released on PC as The Legend of Sword and Fairy 7. This naming convention stems from the fact that the first two games were essentially iterations of the same title, making this the de facto seventh installment. With its release on Playstation 4 and Playstation 5, the title was changed to Sword and Fairy: Together Forever, positioning it as a standalone experience rather than just another sequel. The gameplay mechanics represent a departure from previous entries, transitioning from turn-based battles and strategic elements to action-oriented combat from a third-person perspective. Engagements can be initiated at will, creating a seamless flow between narrative and action. The game also incorporates quick time events, which, as discussed further below, can prove somewhat problematic.
The visuals are strikingly detailed and impressive. The voice acting is commendable, with the default language set to Mandarin, though an English dub is available. While Mandarin offers a more authentic experience, it requires reliance on subtitles for comprehension.
The animations are generally well-executed. However, a minor issue is the limited environmental interaction of the player character during movement. The absence of visual cues such as dust or footprints creates a slight sensation of the character floating.
A recurring concern is the inability to skip cutscenes preceding quick time events. This becomes particularly frustrating when failure necessitates repeated viewing of lengthy sequences.
In conclusion, Sword and Fairy: Together Forever, despite its shortcomings, warrants a recommendation. It offers a substantial gaming experience rooted in a rich and established lore.
EastAsiaSoft provided a review copy for the purpose of this evaluation. Provision of review materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
