Wandering Sword is a Chinese martial-arts RPG where you play a young swordsman caught up in a feud and nearly dies. Escaping the event puts you on the path of pursuing the highest form of martial arts and exploring the pugilistic world to become the great hero you are always destined to be.
The game's combat system operates on a tiled board, allowing players to switch between turn-based and real-time modes. Turn-based combat demands strategic positioning and skill usage, while the real-time mode provides a more immediate and adrenaline-fueled experience. This dual-mode approach caters to both traditional RPG players and those who enjoy fast-paced action.
At the core of the gameplay is the cultivation of martial arts mastery. Players can unlock and upgrade hundreds of unique techniques and weapon styles, ranging from powerful fist strikes to agile sabre slashes and versatile staff maneuvers. The meridian system, reminiscent of Final Fantasy X's sphere grid, enables players to invest in different combat disciplines, from external forms to internal cultivation, encouraging them to carefully plan and optimize their character builds.
Exploration is a key aspect of the experience, with over 75 breathtaking locations across 5 diverse regions to uncover. Players can delve into this richly detailed world, discover hidden secrets, and engage in side quests that supplement the main storyline. The process of finding new martial arts, weapon styles, and crafting recipes adds a satisfying layer of progression and collectibility.
Relationship-building with NPCs is an integral part of the journey. Players can recruit up to 14 unique martial artists to join their party, each with their own distinctive abilities and personal quests. Building rapport with these companions not only unlocks new combat techniques but also adds depth to the narrative and the player's overall experience.