Codename: Wandering Sword looks like a gorgeous Wuxia-style pixel RPG

The HD-2D genre gets an interesting new entrant

The pixel RPG genre has been enjoying a surge as of late, and Codename: Wandering Sword looks to keep the momentum going. This particular RPG has been getting around by word of mouth on social media, and for good reason: it looks pretty dang interesting.

Codename: Wandering Sword is a new game from Xiameng Studio. The developer describes it as a Wuxia-style pixel RPG, where the player takes on the role of a young man involved in a serious feud. After your life is saved, you embark on a grand journey in the Central Plains.

The pixel art jumps out at me right away, bringing up some Octopath Traveler vibes. The Steam page boasts quite a list of features, including multiple endings for the story, a huge open world, and NPCs with friendship to win over. Getting to know characters in different sects will help your protagonist learn new martial arts and abilities, which will definitely come in handy when it’s time to scrap.

Xiameng Studios describes its combat as letting the player select the style they’d like. Those who dig tactics can take a traditional turn-based combat approach; meanwhile, those who like action can play in a real-time combat mode with “precise action inputs.”

I’m really curious to see what that looks like in action. But even just a tactical Wuxia RPG already has my interest.

Fists of fury

While there have been some Wuxia-inspired games in the past, like BioWare’s Jade Empire, it still feels relatively unexplored. Codename: Wandering Sword feels like a neat take on the concept, while also incorporating some neat ideas from the RPG side.

This does appear to be a debut effort from Xiameng Studios. But with a great concept and some solid footage in that trailer, I’m keen on seeing where this goes. No date has been set yet for Codename: Wandering Sword. You can keep up with the project by wishlisting it here on Steam.