Developer: Neon Doctrine, Creative Games & Computer Graphics Corporation (CGCGC)

Publisher: Neon Doctrine, Another Indie

Initial Release Date: 06/16/2021 [10/31/22 for other platforms]

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One and Series X/S

Reviewed on: Steam Deck (Verified)

MSRP: $19.99 (USD)

**Spoiler Free**

Synopsis:

This multi-genre indie title chronicles a Taiwanese folk legend, Liao Tianding, in a dazzling comic-book art style. The Legend of Tianding takes place in the early 20th century when Japan had colonized Taiwan. Amidst suppression and corruption, Liao is seen as a Robin Hood of their era–stealing from the rich to take care of the destitute. As you master martial arts and meet fellow allies to resist Japanese oppression, the game slowly peels back layers of a dark secret in Taipei.

The Legend of Tianding is a side-scrolling brawler and platformer hybrid. The story progresses and is told through traditional Chinese style manga. The words have been translated to English; however, I was happy to see the presence of the original language within the game–both in written and spoken format.

Analysis:

To start, The Legend of Tianding‘s visual art style is pleasing to the eye. The comic-book style to progress the story is colorful and beautiful, and the in-game landscape reminds me that of a moving comic book as well. At times, it even reminds me of a calligraphy painting. For example, when you train, you are placed within a painted “book”.

Liao, the supporting characters, and antagonists are fleshed out and are interesting. Liao fits the fast and mischievous outlaw that outwits the sometimes-exaggerated “big bads” (as is commonly done in comics), but it does not come across as overly-done either. The music is fitting with the theme, and it really immerses you into the setting. Both Taiwanese and Japanese is spoke in the game which again provides a sense of authenticity and identity as well.

When reviewing gameplay on paper, it would seem like this game is trying to accomplish too much: it is a platformer, a brawler, a story-driven side-scroller etc; however, Neon Doctrine is able to weave together these several elements that give the gamer variety to retain interest because, although it is a very fun game, there is nothing revolutionary about it. So, if you can’t create something new, create something different–and create it well. That is where The Legend of Tianding shines–it is well executed and creates an identity for itself.

The menu screen is easy to navigate. There are several tabs, one to describe your Status (e.g. your health), what you’ve learned in the Fighting Arts, what Amulets you’ve collected, the Map (which is a cool “hand drawn” and almost isometric style), Collectables, and System to adjust your controls.

The player movement is smooth as butter. You can double jump, use a grapple hook to swing and leap away from hazards, and roll/dodge. For combat, you have standard moves, powerful karate-based moves that use up stamina, and you can utilize your sash to steal your opponent’s weapons when they are weakened. These weapons range from batons to bazookas. You collect coins and other neat items–some of which enhance your abilities such as amulets, but the best part is that they share with us a bit of Taiwanese culture without providing an info-dump.

You have a health and a stamina bar. Using special martial art moves will consume stamina, which replenishes over time. Other learned martial arts moves come in handy, such as the Shadow Clone, where a copy of yourself will mimic your moves to double up on damage. To heal yourself, you can consume these delicious buns, and swing by tea stations, where you can also save your progress.

There are six chapters to play through, and each carry a fair balance of platforming, fighting, and additional content. I never felt one took too long, and despite some repetitive enemy types, The Legend of Tianding still makes battling challenging and fun since there are several ways to approach them. Then, at the end of your missions, you can share the wealth you’ve collected, and it just feels nice (and not just because of the upgrades you receive because of it).

Final Score:

The Legend of Tianding is truly a must-play gem. The developers took aspects from several genres and blended it to make their over unique game that does not overwhelm the player. The art style, music, collectables, and language deeply immerses you in Taiwan during its oppressive years with the Japanese, and it even teaches you about the culture without either patronizing or forcing it down your throat. There honestly is little for me to critique about it, and I would recommend this to all players–especially ones that appreciate folk lore from all cultures.

*NOTE*: As of November 25th 2022, The Legend of Tianding is available on Game Pass.

If you are curious, check out the initial release trailer below:

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Source: Neon Doctrine

Featured Image Source: Neon Doctrine