In the well-populated realm of soulslike adventures, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty emerged as a multifaceted journey through the shadows of the Later Han Dynasty when it released (read our review here). Developed by Team NINJA and published by Koei Tecmo, a new Complete Edition includes not only the base game but also three DLC packs: “Battle of Zhongyuan”, “Conqueror of Jiangdong”, and “Upheaval in Jingxiang”. These expansions extend the narrative beyond the base game, offering additional hours of gameplay, new enemies, bosses, weapons, gear, and characters.
The DLC content enriches the already compelling narrative, diving deeper into pivotal moments of ancient Chinese history. In “Battle of Zhongyuan,” players join Cao Cao’s army as they scheme to expand their influence, facing new challenges and enemies in the Zhongyuan region. The “Conqueror of Jiangdong” DLC follows Sun Ce’s quest for conquest after the death of his father, Sun Jian, introducing players to new battlefields, weapons, equipment, and demons. Finally, “Upheaval in Jingxiang” depicts Liu Bei’s struggle against the threat of Elixir in Jing Province, offering a multitude of new content, including a new story, weapons, equipment, Divine Beasts, demons, and game systems.
The base game is still there as well though, and offers a lengthy adventure. Set amidst the chaos of Later Han Dynasty China in 184 AD, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty weaves a dark fantasy narrative, infested with demons and turmoil. The protagonist, a nameless militia soldier, embarks on a journey through a world rife with danger and intrigue. The narrative draws inspiration from the familiar Romance of the Three Kingdoms stories, presenting a dramatic and action-packed storyline. However, while the narrative maintains a captivating pace for the most part, it faltered a bit towards the end, leaving players with an abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion – which is why the DLC is a good way to at least expand on the lore and worldbuilding.
The standout feature of Wo Long is its combat system, which revolves around managing “spirit” and encourages an aggressive playstyle. The game’s deflect/parry-based combat system adds depth, making engagements enjoyable regardless of the chosen build of your character. The inclusion of RPG elements, such as character customization and simplified stat systems, contributes positively to the overall experience. However, the game’s deviation from the traditional Souls-like difficulty may take some getting used to, especially in the initial boss encounters.
The absence of a traditional stamina meter is immediately noticeable in Wo Long, replaced instead by a spirit meter. While this deviation may seem odd at first, it adds an interesting layer to the gameplay, requiring players to manage their spirit effectively to execute powerful attacks and spells. Deflecting becomes a crucial skill to master, offering players the opportunity to regain lost spirit and turn the tide of battle in their favor. However, players must also be mindful of their spirit gauge, as depleting it entirely leaves them vulnerable and unable to act.
Visually, Wo Long impresses with its beautiful graphics and well-executed art direction, capturing the essence of ancient China with stunning detail. The music and sound effects further enhance the immersive experience, adding depth to the game’s atmosphere and delivering one of the most stunning PS5 titles you can find.
In conclusion, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Complete Edition embarks on an ambitious yet slightly flawed journey through the tumultuous world of ancient China. With its engaging combat system, captivating RPG elements, and impressive aesthetics, it’s a soulslike adventure enriched with Chinese lore and mythology worth checking out, especially with the additional content included in the Complete Edition.
Score: 8.0/10
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