Wuchang: Fallen Feathers [Review]
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, the latest entry in the ever-expanding souls-like genre, unfortunately, struggles to distinguish itself from its peers. My personal experience playing the game on the PlayStation 5 Pro was far from ideal, marred by technical issues that severely hindered enjoyment. Persistent bugs, visuals that remained blurry regardless of in-game settings, that being performance, balanced, and quality mode,s still delivering an aggressively unstable framerate, culminating in frequent, "puke-inducing" stutters. These performance woes were so severe that they forced my colleague and I to take repeated breaks from the game, interrupting any semblance of immersion.
Despite these significant technical shortcomings, Wuchang does offer some refreshing deviations from the typical souls-like formula. Combat, for instance, is noticeably more fast-paced than what is commonly encountered in the genre, providing a dynamic and engaging experience when the framerate cooperates. The inclusion of a robust skill tree allows for considerable customization, enabling players to tailor their character and playstyle to their individual preferences, creating a sense of individuality for your playthrough. The game's costume design is another notable aspect; the various equipable outfits are “pretty cool." I looked like a zombie or a warlock demon for my playthrough. I had on all black with weathered clothing.
Exploration stands out as a major highlight in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. Despite the blurriness, the game manages to be visually striking. The meticulously crafted Chinese-inspired world is a testament to the developers' artistic vision, brimming with the beauty and cultural influence of China. What truly sets Wuchang apart from its often dark and gritty souls-like brethren is its vibrant and colorful aesthetic. This departure from the cookie-cutter soulslike aesthetic is an absolute plus, offering a refreshing visual experience. While I do criticize the developers for simply adding another title to an already "overcrowded community of souls-likes," their artistic direction stands out, contradicting the genre's usual grim palette, so this dose deserves credit.
However, these positive elements are heavily overshadowed by the game's undeniable technical issues. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers desperately "needed more time in the oven”. The performance issues alone are a 'huge thorn.' The relentless blurriness and constant stuttering are particularly egregious, occurring even when no enemies are on screen. Simply initiating a weapon swing can transform the gameplay into a "slideshow," highlighting the severe optimization problems. This review specifically pertains to the PlayStation 5 Pro version of the game. While I genuinely found aspects of this game enjoyable, it cannot be stressed enough: the performance issues are holding Wuchang back significantly from reaching its full potential.
