Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xuan-Yuan Sword: The Cloud of Han builds on the familiar mechanics of its predecessor, Xuanyuan Jian 5: Yi Jian Ling Yun Shan Hai Qing, offering a refined semi-turn-based combat system that rewards strategic planning. Battles unfold with characters taking actions in sequence based on their speed stats, but players can interrupt or chain moves through a well-timed “action gauge” mechanic. This subtle innovation adds tension to each encounter, encouraging you to anticipate enemy patterns and react with skillful timing rather than relying solely on rote tactics.

The game retains the beloved monster-item merging system from earlier entries, allowing you to fuse creatures and equipment into new allies with unique abilities. Experimenting with combinations becomes a core part of the experience: fusing a fire-element creature with a supportive healing orb might yield a unit capable of both damage and party sustain. This depth gives longtime series fans familiar ground to stand on, while newcomers will find an engaging mini-game that seamlessly integrates into exploration and combat.

Exploration follows the traditional Eastern RPG mold, featuring world maps, local towns, and hidden dungeons brimming with puzzles and side quests. Interaction relies primarily on mouse clicks for navigation and keyboard shortcuts to access menus and quick-item usage, making the interface intuitive even for those unaccustomed to PC-focused RPGs. Side content—such as recruiting wandering generals or uncovering secret relics—provides hours of play beyond the main storyline, ensuring a rich gameplay loop.

Graphics

Visually, The Cloud of Han leverages the same 2D sprite and pre-rendered background engine seen in Xuanyuan Jian 5, but it polishes character designs and environmental details to a new level. Character sprites are richly animated, with fluid attack sequences and expressive idle poses that convey personality even in dialogue-free moments. Each hero and villain boasts a distinct silhouette, making party management a breeze even in heated battles.

Background artwork throughout towns, wilderness, and battlefields is gorgeously detailed, drawing inspiration from classical Chinese landscapes and Three Kingdoms-era architecture. Stone bridges, bamboo groves, and imperial palaces feel alive with ambient animations—rippled water surfaces, drifting clouds, and swaying lanterns all contribute to an immersive atmosphere. These carefully crafted scenes elevate exploration, encouraging you to linger and appreciate the game’s aesthetic flourishes.

Cutscenes are rendered using a mix of character portraits, dynamic camera angles, and occasional 3D effects for dramatic spells or large-scale confrontations. While the 3D moments can appear slightly dated compared to modern standards, they are employed sparingly and purposefully, preserving the overall art direction’s consistency. The game’s UI is clean and themed with traditional Chinese motifs, ensuring that menus and dialogue boxes feel integrated rather than tacked-on.

Story

Set in the turbulent Three Kingdoms era, The Cloud of Han reimagines familiar events through the lens of historical fantasy. You watch as Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of Shu, mounts a daring campaign against Wei, this time bolstered by the enigmatic Fei Yu Army. These mysterious figures appear at Shu’s hour of need, their motives shrouded in myth and prophecy—an element that propels the narrative into unexpected territory.

The side-story framework allows writers to strike a balance between established history and creative license. Characters like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Sima Yi make impactful appearances, yet the focus remains on the new protagonists who unravel the Fei Yu Army’s secrets. Dialogue is well-voiced (in the original Mandarin with subtitles) and often sprinkled with wry humor, providing levity amidst the epic conquests and political intrigues of warring states.

Plot pacing is generally strong, with major confrontations—ambushes at mountain passes, naval clashes on the Han River, and strategic encirclements—serving as thrilling set pieces. Side chapters delve into personal backstories, from a young soldier’s first taste of battle to a court advisor’s moral dilemma, ensuring the story never feels one-dimensional. The blend of grand-scale warfare and intimate character moments keeps the narrative compelling throughout.

Overall Experience

Xuan-Yuan Sword: The Cloud of Han strikes a satisfying balance between nostalgic series mechanics and modern refinements. Whether you’re a veteran of the Xuanyuan franchise or a newcomer drawn by the Three Kingdoms setting, the gameplay systems offer enough depth and accessibility to keep you engaged for dozens of hours. The fusion of strategic combat, monster-item merging, and exploration rewards both planning and curiosity.

While the graphics engine may show its age when compared to contemporary 3D RPGs, the art direction and sprite work remain standout features. The evocative environments and detailed character animations contribute to a strong sense of place and time. Occasional technical hiccups—such as minor frame drops during large-scale battles—are rare and don’t significantly detract from the experience.

Ultimately, the game’s rich story, bolstered by strong voice acting and dramatic set pieces, makes for a memorable journey through one of China’s most storied eras. The mystery of the Fei Yu Army adds fresh intrigue to a well-known historical backdrop. For RPG enthusiasts seeking a blend of strategy, narrative depth, and classical Chinese aesthetics, Xuan-Yuan Sword: The Cloud of Han is a worthy addition to any collection.

Retro Replay Score

null/10