One of my favorite games from the last generation was undoubtedly Ghost of Tsushima. Everything in this title (the setting, top-notch graphics, a strong story, a vibrant and vibrant world) and its mythical combat dazzled me from the first minute to the very end of the adventure. The truth is, Eastern traditions are a recurring thread in video games in Japan and Asia, but they don’t often find public embrace beyond their borders. Sucker Punch has impeccably respected the history and authenticity of the samurai world, and now Everstone Games seems to be paralleling the Chinese traditions in Where Winds Meet.
I don’t like to start talking about another game that isn’t the main character, but I think in this case the comparison (or rather the similarities and feel) is very appropriate because while watching and trying out the demo of Where Winds Meet, I feel the same as I did the first time I took control of Shin Sakai.
Where Winds Meet is an open-world action-adventure game set at the end of the Ten Kingdoms Period and the Tang Dynasty. We embody a nameless swordsman who must face and participate in a world in conflict. Is he a champion of the oppressed, or a champion of death and destruction in the region? It’s up to you.
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Where Winds Meet draws a lot of inspiration from Chinese and Hong Kong martial arts films, as we saw in its first trailer a few years ago. Development of the game had been relatively silent until this Gamescom event, and the first thing I encountered during my first walkthrough was a powerful (almost terrifying) enemy with whom I had a decent fight. Than the boss fight in God of War. I wouldn’t exactly mention combat as being like FromSoftware’s games, but it’s true that some movement, dodge, and counterattacks also benefit from their legacy. But Where Winds Meet draws even more from the martial arts genre and martial arts, such as wall walking (and air!), super-fast combos of classic weapons, and the use of ki. Each weapon type has its own moveset, range, and progression, but you can switch between them both in and out of combat. Additionally, the team told us we could learn special techniques from individuals from across the region, which was another reason to explore every nook and cranny.
Fast travel is a thing of the past, since by selecting specific progression skills we can even fly through the air (again, in true martial arts movie style) and move around a huge map divided into different areas and biomes. I’m not sure I saw it in its entirety on the menu, but it’s pretty extensive. Every part of it is filled with animals, NPCs, vegetation, and good world-building. Although this is a work heavily inspired by classical Chinese history, you can feel certain touches of folklore and fantasy in some of the enemies, buildings, and (logically) the protagonist’s powers.
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Where Winds Meet can be enjoyed alone or in multiplayer. The second mode is completely free and allows you to form alliances, communicate with other players and challenge them in duels. I wasn’t able to play this aspect of the game, but the studio says it will be a choice we can make and revert at any time during the game.
As I said at the beginning, everything I’ve seen and heard has me completely immersed in this upcoming game, which will likely come out as an early access version in 2024. I’m told that depending on the reception, they’ll consider bringing the game to more platforms, and I can only wish them good luck. I’m looking forward to playing Where Winds Meet next year, and I think it’s one of the best demos I’ve experienced at Gamescom 2023.
