Among the video game projects China is preparing for release, there is “Where Winds Meet” by Everstone Studio, which was announced three years ago at gamescom 2022. At that time, the game generated significant interest with its trailer showcasing mountains and wonders, featuring an ambitious approach reminiscent of Ghost of Tsushima in several aspects. Since then, the game has progressed, even releasing exclusively in China in December 2024 as a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game available on PC and mobile devices. However, for Western markets, “Where Winds Meet” will take a different form. It is scheduled for release this year, 2025, but with an approach tailored specifically for the international market. In the US and Europe, it will be more of a single-player narrative game available on PC and PS5, incorporating some multiplayer elements within the open world environment, though primarily, “Where Winds Meet” will function as a solo open-world experience for Western players. Meanwhile, in anticipation of its release, a second closed beta test recently took place, offering an opportunity to learn more about this title which aims to introduce Wu Xia Pian, a unique video game genre with compelling features.
For a long time, “Where Winds Meet” has been compared to “Ghost of Tsushima,” but within a Chinese context. Indeed, at first glance and from a distance, Everstone’s title does share some similarities with Sucker Punch’s. For instance, its introduction, where one traverses flower fields while confronting enemies in a battlefield-like setting, evokes “Ghost of Tsushima.” However, the similarities end there. Truly. While “Ghost of Tsushima” is set in feudal Japan, “Where Winds Meet” fully embraces the aesthetics and principles of Wuxia, beginning with its universe. The game is set in the Sixteen States of Yanyun during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period—a tumultuous, fragmented era particularly conducive to martial legends. This historical backdrop imbues the game with unprecedented narrative density, featuring a fractured China where each region seems to harbor its share of mysteries, conflicts, and beauty.
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON
The player takes on the role of a sword-wielding warrior whose journey commences in the midst of intense action, starting with an opening sequence where they must evade mercenaries intent on killing them to retrieve the baby they are holding. We are immediately drawn into this tense atmosphere, soon encountering the first boss: the Formless Emperor. With his imposing stature, split mask, and formidable polearm, he sets a challenging tone. It is at this point that the combat system is revealed, which is particularly rich in mechanics, flexible in its design, and impressive in its animations. “Where Winds Meet” incorporates many mechanics from modern action-RPGs, notably dodging and parrying popularized by FromSoftware’s games, but with more fluidity and a greater emphasis on vertical movement. Thanks to abilities inspired by Wuxia films, the hero can leap very high into the air and even briefly glide.
Drawing from the codes of Wu Xia Pian, Where Winds Meet also refines combat and choreography. Much like Phantom Blade Zero, it offers various ways to strike an enemy, often with style. Everstone Studio enlisted Stephen Tung Wai, a renowned Hong Kong action designer and director who has collaborated with major figures such as John Woo (Hard Boiled, A Bullet in the Head) or Donnie Yen (Seven Swords, Bodyguards and Assassins). The man knows his craft, and his expertise is evident in the game, particularly in the seamless, cinematic transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. Without giving too much away, know that the child protected by the warrior at the beginning of the story is actually the character you will later embody. You can mold them from head to toe, but one thing will remain visible: their scar, just under the eye. This sets off a power-up sequence, with weapons to master, techniques to learn, and mystical arts to unlock. Through the powers of Qing Gong, our character can perform superhuman feats: brief flight, running on water, scaling cliffs at high speed… not forgetting Chi-related powers that allow distant enemy disorientation or target scouting.
THE ART OF WAR
The player can also learn various techniques such as Tai Chi, acupuncture points, or acquire skills by observing animal behavior. Abilities include spitting fire like a dragon, jumping like a giant frog, roaring like a lion, and more. Mystical arts allow attracting objects to oneself, taking flight with a spinning kick, or disarming enemies of their weapons. The combat style depends on the equipped weapon. In the closed beta, eight types of weapons were available: sword, lance, bow, fans, double blades, saber, rope with dart, and even an umbrella. Two can be worn at once, freely interchangeable. Some weapons (such as the sword or lance) are available from the start, while others unlock later in the adventure.
These options lead to a dynamic, fluid, responsive, and impactful combat system. Players have the freedom to aim or lock onto targets. Parrying and blocking require precise timing and consume stamina. If the difficulty is too high, parry assistance can be activated through the settings. The pace is faster and more intense compared to other Soulslike games, characterized by its lighter and quicker gameplay. It could be described as a “smoother” Soulslike experience. Among the elements borrowed from MMOs—reminiscent of Death Stranding—are player messages left in the open world, which can offer assistance or sometimes be mischievous. In solo play, these messages enhance exploration; in multiplayer mode, players can encounter other characters and cooperate to run dungeons with up to four players.
HERO (OF ZHANG YI MOU)
In the expansive world of Where Winds Meet, numerous non-player characters (NPCs) remember your decisions, enhancing immersion and providing opportunities to obtain unique items. Managing physical conditions such as hunger, poisoning, sprains, and mental states like madness intricately affects progression beyond combat scenarios. Healing requires seeking assistance from either an NPC or another player acting as a healer. Unpredictable interactions include village geese returning with their flock if you hit one; facing imprisonment for theft, followed by a bounty on your head if you escape. Karma influences the game extensively, and NPCs retain memories of your actions. The game offers additional activities such as fishing, cooking, mah-jong, mini-games, obstacle courses, puzzles, house construction, underwater exploration, faction involvement, and more. There is always something to do within the game.
This abundance, however, comes at a cost: the main progression can sometimes be blocked by level thresholds. For instance, after completing the first chapter, players must reach level 32 to continue the story. As expected of an open-world game, Where Winds Meet offers instant travel and quick transportation through air racing, flying, swimming, or diving – all with endurance management and underwater hazards. Visually, the game is appealing; it may not match the most visually stunning titles currently available, but it presents enchanting environments, striking landscapes, and remarkable places of worship. On the audio side, Where Winds Meet skillfully blends traditional Chinese instruments with orchestral scores. The themes are powerful and evocative, and the Mandarin dialogues enhance immersion.
The release date for “Where Winds Meet” in our region has not yet been announced, but it is being described as a hybrid and ambitious project that shows deep respect for the Wuxia tradition. Personally, I am very excited to play it. It is scheduled for 2025 on PC and PS5, assuming everything proceeds according to plan.
“Where Winds Meet,” developed by Everstone Studio, positions itself as an ambitious project at the intersection of narrative action gaming and historical epic, inspired by Wuxia cinema. Unlike a mere Chinese adaptation of “Ghost of Tsushima,” this title distinguishes itself through its impressive gameplay depth, a flexible and vertical combat system, and unique cultural immersion. With meticulous choreographies, a vibrant open world, and a profound respect for genre conventions, the game presents a distinctive, challenging yet captivating experience. Should it effectively manage its complexity without succumbing to excessive detail, “Where Winds Meet” could potentially mark another milestone in the international recognition of Chinese video games. A definitive assessment will be available upon release, scheduled for sometime in 2025.
