Howdy from Lofty Sky Leisure! Creating Shuyan Saga, a graphic novel collection the place motion scenes come alive in 3D fight gameplay, set in an historic Chinese language martial arts fantasy universe, was a labour of affection for Lofty Sky. A few of our group members had studied kung fu themselves, so we wished our recreation to honor this superb custom. We additionally hoped to showcase elements of the artform that we seldom see highlighted in different indie video games. Right here’s how we did it.
Capturing Genuine Kung Fu
First off, we concerned a real-life kung fu grasp, Longfei Yang. He studied below masters of the Praying Mantis college in China, and now runs his personal kung fu college in New York. We used motion-capture to document his actions, which we tailored into the kung-fu gestures you see within the recreation.
However we went even additional. We recorded interviews with Grasp Yang to grasp the philosophy behind his approach. Kung fu options plain thrilling motion, however it isn’t solely about abilities, velocity, power, and energy. These on the high of their self-discipline additionally require nice ranges of persistence, focus, and self-restraint.
As gamers progress in Shuyan Saga they study combos and methods, however in addition they study from a grasp the soft-flowing actions that use an enemy’s aggression towards themselves–making use of solely the power that’s required.
And this ties into our protagonist’s journey. Shuyan is a gifted fighter, and really assured (learn: cocky), however she additionally sees how her hotheadedness has contributed to the turmoil her kingdom now faces. She learns that if she’s going to grasp all of the chaotic forces at work in her world, she’s additionally going to wish to grasp herself.
Beautiful, Hand-Drawn Artwork
Shuyan Saga options over 1400 hand-drawn artwork panels, showcases the distinctive expertise of comics grasp Daxiong. Among the many over 100 titles he’s drawn, Daxiong is thought for his work illustrating each “Star Wars” comics and DC’s “Justice League of America”. However much less recognized within the West is that Daxiong has additionally illustrated for China’s most well-known kung fu novellist, Jin Yong (aka, Louis Cha). Daxiong introduced each a world-class expertise, and a cultural familiarity that actually helped to raise Shuyan Saga.
Drawing every story panel by hand isn’t essentially the most environment friendly method to create, however it actually provides the sport its really feel. We hear gamers say they pause the sport simply to understand the artwork, which we love. We’re thrilled that our writer ESDigital Video games has optimized the graphics to ship an distinctive visible expertise of this artwork on the largest screens and Xbox consoles they’ve introduced the sport to. We will’t wait so that you can test it out!
Right here’s an attention-grabbing apart: after discovering Daxiong working in New York and bringing him to Toronto to collaborate with us on this recreation, we additionally discovered that he had a outstanding story that led to his coming abroad. Daxiong was pressured to flee his house within the aftermath of a dramatic hijacking of the state tv in his hometown. The harrowing story surrounding this occasion turned the animated function movie “Everlasting Spring”(長春), which was Canada’s official submission to the Oscars® for 2023 and was produced by lots of the identical group members at our studio Lofty Sky! In the event you’re within the backstory of this superb artist and in seeing extra of his work on this movie, try EternalSpringFilm.com.
The Good Voice for Shuyan
We had been thrilled to have back-to-back Individuals’s Alternative Award successful actress Kristin Kreuk voice Shuyan for this recreation. Kristin is thought for her roles as Lana Lang in “Smallville” and because the lead within the CW collection “Magnificence and the Beast”. She additionally discovered martial arts in her youth. In fact, she starred as Chun-Li in “Road Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li”.
On condition that it’s a narrative that pays homage to Chinese language tradition, it was necessary that we even have a completely voiced model of the sport in Mandarin. The script was re-written by a proficient Chinese language author on our group and voiced by professionals in Beijing. On this new launch of the sport on consoles, now you can select to play both the English or Mandarin Chinese language voice over with no matter language of textual content and subtitles you select. See you’re free to take pleasure in Kristin’s work and the superb English-language forged, or to expertise the sport in Chinese language as you learn alongside in your language.
It’s been an extended highway bringing Shuyan Saga to the brand new Xbox platform, and we’re thrilled to share it with you! Shuyan Saga stands as a testomony to our dedication in bringing an genuine kung fu expertise to gamers world wide. With the inclusion of a real kung fu grasp, Longfei Yang, and the meticulous craftsmanship of comics virtuoso Daxiong, our recreation has transcended boundaries. It invitations gamers to not solely grasp fight methods but in addition delve into the philosophy behind the artwork.
As we develop our horizons and embrace new platforms, we’re delighted to announce that Shuyan Saga is already obtainable on Xbox Sequence and Xbox One with vital enhancements. This entire model of the sport consists of the complete principal storyline, the extra Jade Temple Journey, and the thrilling Match mode. Moreover, we’ve included full controller assist and launched a variety of recent language choices, together with EFIGS, Korean, Chinese language (simplified), Chinese language (conventional), and Brazilian Portuguese, with Japanese localization on the horizon. We invite you to embark on Shuyan’s journey, the place martial arts, artistry, and tradition converge in a gaming expertise like no different. It’s been an extended highway bringing Shuyan Saga to Xbox, and we’re thrilled to share it with you! Thanks for becoming a member of us on this outstanding journey!
Shuyan Saga
ESDigital Video games
$14.99
$11.99
Immerse your self in a fantastically crafted world the place historic Chinese language tradition meets the ability of martial arts in Shuyan Saga. This action-adventure recreation blends charming storytelling and breathtaking visuals. Expertise a gripping story of honor, braveness, and self-discovery, as you step into the sneakers of Shuyan, a younger princess decided to change into a real Kung Fu warrior and cease the evil Guer horde from destroying the 5 Kingdoms.
Unleash your internal warrior in skill-based martial arts battles. Grasp various preventing kinds, every with distinctive strikes and mechanics. Mix mild and heavy assaults, unleash devastating combos, and make the most of highly effective particular talents. With 300+ fight animations sourced from Grasp Longfei Yang’s motion-captured Kung-Fu methods, each combat is genuine and exhilarating.
Step into the breathtaking hand-drawn artwork model of Shuyan Saga. Over 1,400 fantastically illustrated panels by Chinese language comedian ebook grasp Daxiong convey the world to life. From his work on Star Wars comics for Darkish Horse and Justice League for DC, Daxiong’s artistry captivates with its consideration to element and vibrant aesthetics.
Expertise the story by the progressive comedian book-style narrative. Interact with fantastically illustrated panels, make dialogue decisions that form the course of the story, and witness the results of your selections. Management the narrative as you unravel the mysteries of the fantasy world impressed by historic China.
Let the superb unique soundtrack composed by award-winning composer Aaron Tsang transport you to a world of marvel and journey. The music completely enhances the sport’s environment, heightening the emotional affect of each second.
Embark on an immersive journey accompanied by the voice expertise of Kristin Kreuk (recognized for Smallville and Magnificence and the Beast) as she breathes life into the character of Shuyan, making her online game debut a very unforgettable expertise.
Discover the depth of Kung Fu fight with smooth and exhausting kinds in two principal modes: Area and Focus. Interact in dynamic battles utilizing over 300 fight animations, showcasing the genuine methods of the Shanxi Praying Mantis Fashion.
