NetEase’s Lin’an 24 Studio has just unveiled its latest single-player action-adventure game, “Gui Tang” (Return to Tang), which has undoubtedly become one of the most watched titles in the Chinese gaming community recently. Positioned as a 3A-level production focusing on the “narrative of a small character in a grand history,” the game is set in the Hexi Corridor after the An Lushan Rebellion, telling the poignant and little-known story of “Shazhou’s Return to the Tang Dynasty.” Today, we will delve deep into the game’s background, gameplay, features, and its potential industry impact.
I. Historical Background: The Unsung Heroes After the An Lushan Rebellion
The story of “Gui Tang” takes place in 848 AD. Nearly a century has passed since the An Lushan Rebellion, and the glory of the Great Tang Dynasty has long faded. The Hexi Corridor (modern-day Dunhuang area) had been under the rule of the Tubo (Tibetan) Empire for over 60 years, with the local Han Chinese population suffering under oppression. This lasted until Zhang Yichao, the leader of the Shazhou (Dunhuang) righteous army, led an uprising and successfully reclaimed the region.
However, without official recognition and support from the imperial court, the isolated Shazhou was in constant danger of being recaptured. A treacherous journey to the capital, Chang’an, had to be undertaken by someone willing to sacrifice their life to deliver the memorial of allegiance to the Tang Dynasty. Thus, ten teams of messengers embarked on an eastward journey, crossing the vast Gobi Desert and Tubo blockades, paving a “desperate road to Tang” with their own flesh and blood.
The game’s protagonists are not heroes in the traditional sense, but ordinary people from humble backgrounds: a stonemason, a monk, an elder, and even a child. They possess no extraordinary martial skills, only a heart full of tragic devotion. The tagline from the official trailer—“This journey is not for survival, but to ignite a spark of hope in the darkness”—resonated instantly with countless players.
II. Core Gameplay: Realistic Combat and Survival Challenges
1. Realistic Cold Weapon Combat
At the core of “Gui Tang” is a highly realistic cold weapon combat system, moving away from the flashy techniques of traditional martial arts games to emphasize precision, power, and timing.
- Stealth and Assassination: Utilize cover, the darkness of night, and the harsh desert environment to hunt down Tubo soldiers.
- Head-on Confrontation: Experience the struggle for survival, inch by inch, amidst the clash of blades.
2. Survival Challenges in a Harsh Environment
The natural environment in the game also poses a significant test for players:
- Extreme Weather: Sandstorms, blizzards, and drastic day-night temperature differences make every journey a matter of life and death.
- Resource Management: Rationally allocate water and food, making difficult choices in the face of death.
3. Linear Narrative and Puzzle Design
Although not an open-world game, “Gui Tang” primarily uses a linear level design and cinematic presentation to better highlight the historical atmosphere and character emotions. Puzzle elements are inspired by the Dunhuang Grottoes and historical artifacts, requiring cooperation between the protagonist and their companions to unlock secret passages and mechanisms.
III. Game Features: Cultural Soul and Emotional Resonance
1. A New Exploration of Chinese Historical Narrative
“Gui Tang” breaks away from traditional themes like the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West, and Xianxia (immortal heroes). It is the first to focus on the history of Dunhuang, the conflict with the Tubo Empire, and the fate of the Central Plains’ frontier, significantly expanding the boundaries of historical exploration in Chinese games.
2. The Ultimate Recreation of Dunhuang Aesthetics
The scene design draws heavily from Dunhuang murals, travel paintings, and Tang Dynasty armor and attire. It incorporates the cultural essence of the Silk Road, making every frame a tribute to the “lone smoke in the great desert” and the enduring legacy of the Tang Dynasty.
3. A Tragic Narrative of Intertwined Family Bonds and Fate
The protagonist bears a heavy historical responsibility while also being bound by familial ties, hinting at themes of karmic cycles and a firm desire for peace. “He braves the wind and snow, only so that future generations will no longer live in darkness.” This deeply Eastern sense of familial resonance has already moved many in the media and among players.
IV. Development Team and Market Positioning
- Personally supervised by Producer Hu Zhipeng (Executive Vice President of NetEase Games), the core development team has extensive experience in creating 3A titles.
- The game will be a premium (buy-to-play) title with no microtransactions, targeting a global market with an emphasis on expressing Eastern history, culture, and the value of peaceful coexistence.
- It is planned for a simultaneous release on PC and console platforms in 2025 or slightly later.
V. Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Chinese 3A Games?
“Gui Tang” is more than just a game; it is a tribute to a poignant history buried by time. With history as its bones, art as its wings, and family as its soul, it transforms the dark struggles in the desert into a relatable, tangible, and resonant experience.
If it succeeds as anticipated, it could very well become:
- A new benchmark for Chinese 3A games.
- A new paradigm for Eastern historical narratives.
- A milestone in resonating Eastern culture with the global market.
