Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xuanyuan Jian adheres to the classic structure of early computer role-playing games, offering a top-down world map that encourages exploration across ancient Chinese landscapes. From misty mountain passes to demon-haunted ruins, each region feels distinct, and hidden pathways or caves reward players who stray from the beaten track. The movement is crisp and responsive, making traversal on foot or by boat a seamless part of the journey.

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When you encounter enemies, the game switches to a first-person battle view reminiscent of 1980s and ’90s JRPGs. Random encounters keep tension high, though they can sometimes interrupt your exploration flow. Combat is turn-based: you choose actions for each character—attack, defend, use item or invoke special martial arts techniques taught by your master. Timing and strategy matter, especially when facing demon hordes aligned with the god-ruler who betrayed humanity.

Character progression is straightforward yet rewarding. As you level up, you unlock new sword techniques and mystical abilities channeled through the legendary Xuanyuan sword. You manage a small roster of companions, each with unique skills drawn from Chinese mythology, which encourages thoughtful party composition. Inventory management is intuitive, with healing herbs, talismans, and weapon upgrades readily available for purchase or discovery in treasure chests.

Graphics

For a game developed in the late ’80s by Taiwanese creators, Xuanyuan Jian’s pixel art is surprisingly detailed. The overworld tiles capture the essence of old China—pagoda rooftops, bamboo groves, and ancient temples all rendered in a crisp, colorful palette. Day-night transitions and weather effects, though simple, add atmosphere to your travels.

During battle sequences, character and enemy portraits appear alongside vivid spell effects and sword slashes. Special attacks with the Xuanyuan sword light up the screen with shimmering sprites, evoking the divine power of the legendary weapon. While animations are limited by the hardware of the era, they remain charming and functional, clearly conveying each move’s impact.

User interfaces for menus, inventory screens, and dialogue windows follow Japanese RPG conventions but are skinned with Chinese motifs—jade borders, ink-brush fonts, and symbolic icons. This styling reinforces the game’s mythological setting and helps immersion. Occasional loading pauses are brief and unobtrusive, ensuring that the visual flow remains steady.

Story

The backdrop of Xuanyuan Jian draws heavily from Chinese creation myths. After Pangu split heaven and earth, only two great deities remained: the ruler of gods and the demon lord. Humanity’s rise under Nüwa’s creation sparked a millennium of uneasy peace, only to be shattered when gods and demons turned on their human subjects. This rich lore unfolds through opening narration and is woven into every quest.

Your protagonist begins as an unassuming disciple of an old Chinese master, unaware of his destiny to wield the Xuanyuan sword. The inciting incident occurs when your teacher sends you to rescue a besieged town’s mayor, plunging you into a conflict that spans divine politics and demonic conspiracies. Along the way, you meet companions who each carry the weight of ancient grudges between gods and demons, lending emotional depth to the journey.

Story pacing is measured, balancing main-plot revelations with side quests that explore local legends and tragic folklore. NPCs recount tales of fallen heroes and celestial betrayals, enriching the central narrative. While some dialogue can feel expository by modern standards, most cutscenes and interactions capture a mythic grandeur unique to Chinese tradition, distinguishing Xuanyuan Jian from its Japanese counterparts.

Overall Experience

Xuanyuan Jian stands as a landmark title in the history of Chinese RPG development. By marrying the proven mechanics of Japanese classics with a richly detailed Chinese mythos, it offers a fresh perspective that still resonates decades later. Exploration, combat, and storytelling come together in a cohesive package that celebrates cultural heritage.

New players may find the pacing deliberate compared to contemporary action-oriented RPGs, but those who appreciate methodical world‐building and strategic turn-based battles will find much to love. The challenge level is well-balanced, with boss encounters demanding careful use of elemental affinities and party synergy. Optional dungeons and hidden treasures reward curious adventurers, extending replay value.

Ultimately, Xuanyuan Jian is more than nostalgia—it’s a genuinely engaging experience that laid the groundwork for future RPGs in Greater China. Whether you’re drawn by its mythological setting, deep gameplay systems, or historical significance, this title remains a must-play for aficionados of classic role-playing games.

Retro Replay Score

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