Hands on: Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Taipei‑based studio Justdan unveiled Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients, a turn‑based RPG set in a Tang‑Dynasty world powered by Qi energy. Players follow amnesiac warrior Shangguan Shuo as he battles the Xuanxin Order, restores his memory, and recruits a diverse party whose unique skills evolve through use. The game blends HD‑2D aesthetics with razor‑sharp 2D chibi characters, ink‑on‑canvas cutscenes, and Unreal Engine 5‑rendered 3D environments, offering depth‑of‑field camera work and modular villages, caves and mountains. Combat features a vertical skill tree, elemental interactions and optional speed‑up options up to 2×, while lower‑level foes can be auto‑defeated after progression. Side quests, hidden bosses and Qi leylines enrich exploration. Tianji targets a 2027 launch on Steam, Switch (both generations) and PS5 for gamers.
💡 Why It Matters
- · By marrying traditional Chinese mythos with modern HD‑2D design, the title broadens the cultural palette of turn‑based RPGs and proves niche aesthetics can attract mainstream console audiences.
