Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xuan-Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains builds upon the classic turn-based formula of its predecessor while introducing a dynamic real-time element reminiscent of the Active Time Battle (ATB) system. Each combatant—ally or enemy—has a gauge that fills over time, forcing you to act quickly or risk having foes strike first. This blend of strategy and timing keeps battles tense and engaging, especially when you’re juggling physical attacks, magic spells, and special stamina-based techniques.

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Beyond the basic attack and defense options, the game offers an in-depth crafting system that lets you mix items found on your journey to create powerful consumables or upgrade materials. Experimenting with different recipes adds a gratifying layer of customization, and discovering rare combinations can give you the edge in tougher encounters. On top of that, you can recruit defeated enemies into your party and summon them later, turning fallen foes into valuable allies.

Exploration is equally rewarding: traversing 8th-century Europe, weaving through bustling Middle Eastern bazaars, and scaling the windswept Tian Shan mountains to reach Tang-era China provides a strong sense of progression. Side quests, hidden treasures, and NPC interactions encourage thorough exploration, making every map feel alive. The pacing is well-balanced, with frequent opportunities to level up, stock supplies, and fine-tune your party composition before diving into the next major skirmish.

Graphics

The game’s visuals are a blend of pre-rendered backgrounds and hand-drawn battle scenes, the latter evoking the fluid brushstrokes of traditional Chinese painting. Towns, temples, and mountain passes are rendered with meticulous detail, from the ornate tile roofs of Tang dynasty palaces to the sweeping dunes of desert outposts. These backgrounds provide a stable, atmospheric canvas for the action.

Character portraits and in-battle sprites showcase a distinct art style that pays homage to Chinese ink wash techniques, with soft gradients and expressive line work. Special attack animations burst forth in vivid color, often accompanied by elegant calligraphy flourishes that highlight elemental magic or martial prowess. The result is a cohesive visual identity that stands out among turn-based RPGs.

On both iOS and Steam, resolution and performance are solid, with minimal load times between exploration and battle. The bonus episode set in China features new locales rendered in the same high-quality style, seamlessly integrating with the main campaign. While some pre-rendered scenes can feel a bit dated compared to fully 3D environments, the hand-crafted charm more than compensates for any technical limitations.

Story

Set in 750 AD, you step into the boots of Septem, a knight in a Frankish order under Pippin the Younger. Orphaned and of mixed heritage—evident in his heterochromatic eyes—Septem’s journey begins when an Arab trader hints at a mysterious key to worldwide peace hidden in the Far East. Tasked with uncovering this secret, he embarks on a globe-spanning quest that weaves together European politics, Middle Eastern intrigue, and the cultural splendor of Tang China.

The narrative balances historical figures and events with mythic elements drawn from Chinese lore. Encounters with scholars, merchants, and warlords flesh out each region’s unique flavor while side characters grapple with themes of loyalty, identity, and the cost of peace. Septem’s personal growth—coming to terms with his parentage and forging bonds across cultures—adds emotional weight to the overarching mission.

Dialogue is generally well-translated, though occasional stiff phrasings pop up in side quest text. Still, the main story arc remains compelling from start to finish, thanks to strong character motivations and a steady drip-feed of revelations. The bonus episode on iOS/Steam delves deeper into Tang court politics, offering fans new twists and fresh perspective on Septem’s ultimate goal.

Overall Experience

Xuan-Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains delivers a rewarding blend of strategic combat, rich worldbuilding, and evocative visuals. Its hybrid battle system strikes an excellent balance between thoughtful planning and real-time pressure, ensuring that encounters never feel rote. Meanwhile, item mixing and monster recruitment add layers of replayability that will satisfy completionists and newcomers alike.

The artistic presentation, from pre-rendered vistas to hand-painted combat art, gives the game a distinctive aesthetic that transports you across diverse landscapes and cultures. Although some assets reflect the era of their creation, the overall style remains timeless, enhancing immersion rather than detracting from it. Performance is smooth on modern hardware, and the extra China-set bonus episode offers meaningful additional content.

Ultimately, Mists Beyond the Mountains is a standout chapter in the Xuan-Yuan Sword series. Its epic journey through the 8th-century world is filled with memorable characters, thoughtful storytelling, and engaging gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re drawn by the historical setting, the mythic overtones, or the satisfying combat systems, this adventure is well worth undertaking for any RPG aficionado.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10