In a post-Elden Ring world, it's not hard to imagine that Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty could be dismissed as just another Soulslike. Team Ninja's latest game comes from a studio that has already had significant success with Soulslikes at this stage, and that wholly shows in how Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is crafted. Indeed, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty successfully makes its own mark on the genre and is right up there with the best Soulslikes available today.
Team Ninja knows a thing or two about how to make a great Soulslike. Its Nioh series is considered by many to comprise two of the finest titles in the genre, outside of those developed by FromSoftware. Wo Long features a brand-new story set in Ancient China, and attempts to put its own spin on FromSoftware's traditional Soulslike formula with several new mechanics. For the most part, these gameplay innovations successfully revitalize the genre.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is One of the Best Soulslikes in Recent Times
Creating a great Soulslike requires a delicate balancing act. The game should be challenging, but never at the expense of fairness. It should be engaging, rewarding, and satisfying, making the player feel a real sense of achievement after overcoming each tough challenge. The game's setting is also important, with varied maps being vital to keeping the player engaged. Wo Long's story and setting of Ancient China feel fresh, and sufficiently varied, with its huge maps taking players from stormy boat docks to poisonous caves and rocky, mountainous terrain. The verticality of Wo Long's maps ensures players can always try to get the drop on their enemy by looking for a route upwards rather than forwards.
Enemy and boss variety plays a key role too, with FromSoftware's Bloodborne perhaps standing at the pinnacle of innovative design in this regard. Wo Long's enemies or bosses aren't quite as impressive, but they come out favorably when compared to most Soulslikes. A couple of standout boss fights, such as the initial encounter with the imposing general Lu Bu, manage to successfully capture some of what makes FromSoftware's boss fights so special. The balance of challenge and variety is almost perfect, and Wo Long's use of NPCs whenever the player needs them ensures they have the option to make things more manageable when required.
Despite all of the above elements being important, perhaps the main component in ensuring a Soulslike is well-received is a robust, fluid combat system that players are able to master with practice. Luckily, Team Ninja is well-versed in combat, with the Ninja Gaiden series as well as the Nioh games both featuring fast, fluid fighting mechanics that keep players on their toes. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty's parry-heavy combat is a homage to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and this alone breathes new life into the genre.
Whether people prefer the less parry-focused combat system in the Nioh games will probably come down to personal preference, but it cannot be denied that Team Ninja is willing to innovate where it feels necessary to do so. Other new mechanics in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, such as the spirit gauge, which replaces the traditional stamina bar, are further examples of this. Team Ninja is now a developer that is incredibly well-versed in creating a successful Soulslike experience, and outside of FromSoftware, there aren't too many that have a better success rate.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
