The Legend of Tianding

 PC
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Softpedia
    Nov 16, 2021
    95
    The Legend of Tianding shows how indie developers can mix solid mechanics and cool history-based protagonists to deliver a fresh take on the classic side-scrolling brawler experience. The game is tough but fair, asking players to master a series of moves and constantly finding new ways to test their skills. I would have liked less backtracking and, maybe, more meaningful side quests but simply engaging with the core missions is very fun. The Taiwan historical setting mixes very well with the presentation. More developers should try to use universes that have not been previously explored to add another dimension to their titles. And all fans of the genre should play The Legend of Tianding to enjoy its many good ideas and great execution.
  2. Ragequit.gr
    Nov 22, 2021
    89
    The Legend of Tianding is a surprise game that we liked more than we expected. The level of production is high, while all its individual elements are harmoniously linked together (brawling, platforming, visual novel), accompanied by a quite interesting story and a likeable protagonist. For fans of the genre (and not only to them) it is highly recommended.
  3. Impulsegamer
    Feb 7, 2023
    88
    The Legend of Tianding is a short game, but it provides such a memorable experience that makes it difficult to wait for the next title from the team behind it.
  5. KeenGamer
    Nov 8, 2021
    85
    The Legend of Tian Ding has its imperfections, especially in some story aspects and its difficulty. But overall, it provides a perfect insight into the history of Taiwan during the colonial period, while also providing incredible combat and platforming to make you feel like a true kung fu master. The legend of this game will surely be told in the generations to come.
  6. Gaming Age
    Nov 2, 2021
    83
    Much like the story of the man it is “based on”, I think people will be unaware of this extremely competent title. It’s a tad short for my liking, but it is an otherwise complete experience. Hopefully the game’s marketing team will find the right influencers to champion this title. Those who do find it will get a chance to experience an enjoyable game and learn about the colonial history of an area that increasingly finds itself on the world stage.
  7. Vandal
    Nov 9, 2021
    80
    The Legend of Tianding offers a great gameplay, fluid and responsive, and adds a unique setting and some interesting mechanics to make it an adventure that’s worth your time.
  8. Noisy Pixel
    Oct 28, 2021
    80
    Aside from its highly brief playtime and minor use of fetch quests, The Legend of Tianding is an excellent beat’em up action platformer that touches upon a cultural figure that has been mostly forgotten. The polished and fleshed-out combat, along with the brilliant art design and Taiwanese voice-acted dialogue, makes this a thrilling historical adventure with a strong foundation for what can be an anthology of forgotten ethnic heroes.
  9. Gamersky
    Dec 2, 2021
    79
    The Legend of Tianding is a sketch game of upper middle quality. There are some issues that will affect the game experience to a certain extent, such as the repetitive late miscellaneous battle, unclear mission guidance, bugs of individual levels in the design. But the refreshing experience of the plot, like reading the Hong Kong comics, is very unique.
  10. Meristation
    Dec 28, 2021
    70
    The Legend of Tian Ding woks great and exhibit his charm when you actually play on the very beautifully drawn streets of Taipei. The problem comes when you realize that you will spend half of your time reading. Even with that, this game's charm is unquestionable.
  11. GameOver.gr
    Dec 24, 2021
    70
    The Legend of Tianding gives the impression that it’s inspired by a Taiwanese comic, even none exists. This is a testament to the developer’s ability in crafting an especially believable comic aesthetic. In addition, its arcadey beat ‘m up-centric gameplay provides an entertaining short action-game even though it doesn’t try in the least to provide any unique gameplay element or depth to its formula.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best PC Game of 2021

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 4 out of 24
  1. Victor_Ziblis
    Nov 4, 2021
    9
    This is a lot of fun. What primarily makes it so for me? The story is not thrown in your face with a ton of exposition, which is a commonThis is a lot of fun. What primarily makes it so for me? The story is not thrown in your face with a ton of exposition, which is a common mistake games make. Don't show me a 10 minute cinema screen at the beginning of a game, _let me play the damn game_. Now, that right there is a big plus, but the game itself? It's smooth and has a lot of potential for entertaining combos. Is it the most efficient to smack a guy a few times, kick him up in the air, yank him down with a scarf then one-inch punch his butt off a building side? Heck no. Is it fun? Heck yes!

    The story line does not, as I have heard others say "make light" of Japanese occupation of these places at all. What it does is show both the heroes and antagonists as (cartoon versions of) real people. It is awful that a woman is held as a courtesan against her will, but that doesn't mean she forgets how to laugh and care for others! The human condition is to try and find the best in life even when all you have is oppression. I like how this story reflects that.    … Full Review »
  2. shinder
    Dec 4, 2021
    10
    nice and fun game. lots history materials about Taiwan when occupied by Jappan
  3. AvisCheng9
    Dec 4, 2021
    10
    Very interesting! I think the characteristic of Tianding is cool. Also Tianding's skills are creative. Really had fun!
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