
Release Date: November 2, 2021
The Legend of Tianding is an action platform game inspired by the story of the titular Taiwanese rebel and folk hero, who traverses the dangerous areas of the city of Taipei to defeat the occupying authorities and contribute to its liberation.
The Legend of Tianding is an arcade platform game and the debut production of Creative Games Computer Graphics Corporation, a studio openly promoting Taiwanese history and culture. It was published by Neon Doctrine.
The game takes place in the early years of the twentieth century on the streets of the Taiwanese city of Taipei in the Dadaocheng region, during the Japanese occupation. As a folk hero Liao Tianding we fight against the regime, standing up to the oppression of the privileged rich who torment the citizens. We fight against both the officials and the thugs in the service of the rich, as well as themselves, as bosses, in epic battles. All in the name of justice and liberation, and to take back the riches gained by exploiting the local people and return them to their rightful owners as Taiwan's Robin Hood. The story is inspired by historical events and figures.
As we move through levels shown in a side view, we jump on platforms, avoid traps, and fight numerous opponents to get to and defeat key enemies. In skirmishes, in addition to kung-fu techniques and the hero's weapons (dagger and sash), we use captured weapons (also ranged), which, however, wear out quickly. The key element are combinations of attacks, which can be performed in many ways to achieve various effects, such as inflicting higher damage, immobilizing or moving enemies. There are many combinations available and we learn them gradually, during every fight.
We can also learn new attacks and movement techniques by finding kung-fu manuals in the nooks and crannies of the locations. Also noteworthy is the system of "collectibles": gaining permanent hero's upgrades is accompanied by unlocking historical facts about Taiwan from the time when the action takes place, in the form of pictures or graphics with a short description. Bonuses can be adjusted to our style of play also by wearing magical talismans.
As a break from fighting, we can visit safe locations to play a traditional Taiwanese card game.
Graphics combines 3D environment with 2D gameplay. It is based on traditional Chinese manhua, in a characteristic retro comic style from the 1980s. An oriental music that fits the reality and emotional narration, reminiscent of radio coverage, adds mood to the game.
Platforms:
PC Windows November 2, 2021
PlayStation 4 October 31, 2022
Xbox One October 31, 2022
Apple iOS March 2, 2023
Nintendo Switch November 2, 2021
PlayStation 5 October 31, 2022
Xbox Series X/S October 31, 2022
Developer: Creative Games Computer Graphics Corporation
Publisher: Neon Doctrine
Age restrictions: 12+
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System Requirements for The Legend of Tianding Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-4460 3.2 GHz / AMD Athlon X4, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 950 / Radeon R7 370 or better, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 3, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 970 / Radeon RX 570 or better, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10.
Game Ratings for The Legend of Tianding Video Game.
Softpedia: 9.5 / 10 by Cosmin Vasile
The Legend of Tianding shows how indie developers can mix solid mechanics and cool history-based protagonists to deliver a fresh take on the classic side-scrolling brawler experience. The game is tough but fair, asking players to master a series of moves and constantly finding new ways to test their skills. I would have liked less backtracking and, maybe, more meaningful side quests but simply engaging with the core missions is very fun.
Jump Dash Roll: 8 / 10 by Rob Kershaw
A stellar slice of indie goodness whose frenetic and precise fighting elevates it above the pack, while highlighting an important chapter in Taiwanese history.
One More Game: by Vincent Ternida
The Legend of Tianding hands down is one of my favorite indie action/adventure games for the year. It is a tried and tested concept improved by a fresh Taiwanese perspective usually dominated by Western and Japanese influences. You have likable heroes, fun gameplay mechanics, and a quasi-open world to explore and challenge, making it well worth the price of admission and then some.