Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xuan-Yuan Sword V builds upon the turn-based combat framework introduced in Xuanyuan Jian 4, using an Active Time Bar (ATB) system that dynamically orders actions based on each character’s speed. As you progress, you’ll learn to anticipate enemy turns and chain your moves to exploit elemental weaknesses, which adds a satisfying layer of strategy. The ability to switch party members mid-battle keeps encounters fresh and encourages experimentation with different team compositions.

One of the most welcome changes is the expanded roster—up to 15 recruitable characters—each bringing unique skills, elemental affinities, and personal stories. This variety not only fuels replay value but also makes party management a core part of the experience. While the game forgoes the magic pot system and Heavenly Book crafting from earlier entries, it compensates with deep skill trees and equipment upgrades that let you fine-tune your fighters’ roles.

Exploration and side quests are thoughtfully interwoven with combat. As you traverse the legendary Shan Hai epoch, you’ll visit colorful villages, hidden temples, and mystical ruins, unlocking optional encounters that yield rare gear and lore tidbits. Side tasks range from escort missions to puzzle-based trials, offering a pleasant break from main-story battles.

Although the core mechanics feel familiar, the game strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. Newcomers can breeze through simpler encounters, while series veterans will appreciate the nuanced interplay of speed, status effects, and party synergy. Occasional difficulty spikes demand careful resource management, making every victory feel earned.

Graphics

Visually, Xuan-Yuan Sword V transports you to a mythic version of ancient China with lush, hand-painted backdrops and richly detailed character designs. The environments—from verdant forests to towering mountain peaks—are rendered in vibrant colors that bring the Shan Hai era to life. Dynamic weather effects, such as drifting mist and flickering torchlight, add a cinematic feel to exploration.

Character models strike a pleasing balance between realism and stylized artistry. Facial animations during cutscenes convey emotion effectively, and skill animations—whether swirling elemental sigils or radiant sword strikes—are crisp and eye-catching. Boss encounters, in particular, boast elaborate special effects that underscore their larger-than-life status.

While the overall presentation is polished, some UI elements feel a bit dated by modern standards. Menus and inventory screens lean on classic layouts, which longtime fans will find familiar but newcomers might find clunky at first. Nonetheless, the clear iconography and color-coding make navigation relatively painless after a brief acclimation period.

Overall, the graphics strike a harmonious note between nostalgic charm and contemporary flair. The artistic direction captures the grandeur of Chinese mythology, and performance remains stable even during the most explosive battles, ensuring immersion never falters.

Story

Xuan-Yuan Sword V plunges players into the mythical Shan Hai epoch, where gods, beasts, and mortals vie for cosmic balance. You step into the shoes of Lu Chengxuan, a young man haunted by the mysterious death of his own parents. Stripped of their memory, Chengxuan sets out to uncover the truth behind a dormant power threatening to consume him.

The narrative weaves personal drama with grand mythological conflict. As the Yellow Emperor, Xuanyuan, battles his archenemy Yandi, Chengxuan’s journey uncovers ancient secrets that link him directly to these legendary figures. Side characters—from exiled warriors to enigmatic sages—bring depth to the world, each with motivations and backstories that enrich the main plot.

What sets this installment apart is its immersion in Chinese folklore. You’ll encounter sea-serpents, mountain gods, and elemental spirits drawn straight from Shan Hai Jing’s pages. These encounters not only serve as thrilling boss fights but also deepen your understanding of the world’s mythic tapestry. Thoughtfully written dialogue and fully voiced scenes heighten emotional stakes, making key moments truly resonate.

Though the plot occasionally leans on familiar RPG tropes—memory loss quests and hidden royal lineages—it balances them with fresh twists and moral quandaries. Choices made during pivotal scenes can influence character relationships and unlock alternate endings, giving the story considerable replay potential.

Overall Experience

Xuan-Yuan Sword V stands out as a robust addition to the long-running series, marrying time-tested combat with an evocative mythological setting. Its strengths lie in a well-paced storyline, a deep roster of characters, and strategic battles that reward thoughtful planning. While certain legacy systems (like the magic pot and Heavenly Book) are gone, they’re replaced by broader customization options and more frequent character interactions.

The combination of striking art direction, engaging voice acting, and a sweeping musical score creates a captivating atmosphere from start to finish. Even seasoned RPG players will find the Shan Hai epoch a fresh backdrop, rich with cultural authenticity and legendary flair. Side content is plentiful, ensuring you’ll spend hours uncovering hidden shrines and recruiting every possible ally.

No title is without shortcomings: the UI could use modernization, and newcomers might feel overwhelmed by the volume of party members and skill trees. Yet these are minor quibbles in an otherwise polished package. The game strikes a rewarding balance between challenge and accessibility, inviting both veterans and newcomers to lose themselves in its world.

In sum, Xuan-Yuan Sword V delivers a memorable journey through ancient Chinese myth, backed by solid mechanics and a compelling narrative. For RPG enthusiasts seeking a unique cultural experience and fans of strategic turn-based combat, this is a must-play adventure.

Retro Replay Score

null/10