The Xuan Yuan Sword series debuted in 1990, and now, three decades later, we see the release of the seventh installment. In this iteration, players assume the role of Taishi Zhao, a warrior tasked with protecting his family in a world seamlessly blending Chinese history and mythology, where unexpected events are commonplace.
Having not played previous entries in the Xuan Yuan Sword franchise, I cannot offer a direct comparison. However, I can assess its merits relative to other games within the genre. Xuan Yuan Sword 7 immediately impresses with its striking visuals. The environments are detailed and the graphics demonstrate a high level of fidelity. Character models are expressive, lighting effects contribute to a realistic atmosphere, and the contrast between light and shadow is exceptionally well-realized. I played Xuan Yuan Sword 7 on a Playstation 4 Pro and encountered no performance issues, such as lag. Loading times were also reasonable, particularly considering the scope of the game.
The narrative is intricate and engaging, offering an immersive experience within the Xuan Yuan Sword universe. While prior knowledge of previous games isn’t essential to understand the current storyline, I found myself intrigued by the world’s mythology and considered exploring earlier entries in the series.
As an ARPG (Action Role-Playing Game), Xuan Yuan Sword 7 provides extensive character development options. Key dialogue choices that advance the story are clearly marked during conversations. However, attentive listening to all dialogue is recommended, as subtle clues crucial for progression may be revealed.
A notable drawback of Xuan Yuan Sword 7 is the unconventional control scheme. The use of bumper buttons for combat actions may initially feel counterintuitive, particularly for players accustomed to trigger-based controls. Furthermore, the frequency of extended cutscenes, while contributing to the narrative, can disrupt the gameplay flow, especially when followed by brief periods of player control before another cutscene sequence.
In conclusion, Xuan Yuan Sword 7 presents a visually impressive and engaging ARPG that compares favorably to other titles in its genre. Its strengths lie in its stylish graphics, compelling storyline, and immersive role-playing elements. However, the gaming experience is somewhat hampered by repetitive combat mechanics, lengthy cutscenes, and occasional lulls in gameplay between these elements.
