Xuan-Yuan Sword 7

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
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  1. PLAY
    Nov 17, 2021
    70
    As much as we enjoy our first taste of Xuan-Yuan, it’s definitely rough around the edges. We experience framerate drops whenever we go near rivers, hitboxes not being where they should be, and some oddly endearing animation jank. But as long as you’re fine with that, you’ll have a good time hacking through it. [Issue#8, p.84]
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  2. RPGamer
    Oct 20, 2021
    70
    I came into Xuan Yuan Sword 7 as a complete newcomer to the series, as many likely will. What I walked away from after a 20-hour campaign was a solidly enjoyable, if not amazing, addition to the stable of action RPGs I have had the pleasure to experience. While early hours charmed me with an unusual setting, beautiful production values, and a fun combat system, some small cracks became apparent before long. However, this is a case of criticism coming not from a place of discontent but rather from a strong desire to see small kinks ironed out in an otherwise promising “new” IP. It’s got the potential to be a major contender, with some room left to grow into something even more impressive in the next installment.
  3. Hey Poor Player
    Oct 10, 2021
    70
    Xuan Yuan Sword 7 tells a compelling story with gorgeous scenery and loveable characters, but it’s difficult to recommend to just anybody. I’m usually not one to knock game length, but a linear 15 – 20 hour experience for $49.99 is a harder sale than most. If you prefer story and style over combat and gameplay, Xuan Yuan Sword 7 is a no-brainer, its focus on familial bonds between brother and sister absolutely heartwarming. If you’re looking for a little more action in your ARPGs, Xuan Yuan Sword 7 probably won’t give you the satisfaction you’re expecting.
  5. PlayStation Universe
    Sep 30, 2021
    70
    I had plenty of fun with Xuan Yuan Sword 7. Though I wish the story would have been a little more engaging, the fun yet straightforward combat and exploration kept me going until the end, that said the game does suffer from some lousy difficulty spikes and forgotten mechanics that are introduced early on. It's the seventh core title in the franchise, and I'm hoping it's not the last one to make it to western shores.
  6. Jeuxvideo.com
    Nov 30, 2021
    65
    Once the controller is in place, there remains a mixed feeling, made of a feeling of too little and the satisfaction of having had a good time anyway.
  7. Worth Playing
    Oct 8, 2021
    65
    Overall, Xuan Yuan Sword 7 is a completely mediocre game. That isn't to say it can't be fun or doesn't have strong moments, but somehow, none of what it does really stands out. It's interesting to see a long-running franchise finally get its chance to shine outside of its home country, but Xuan Yuan Sword 7 doesn't do enough to set it apart from the crowd. There are a lot of interesting ideas here, and I look forward to seeing what the next entry shows off.
  8. GameCritics
    Nov 18, 2021
    60
    While I generally enjoyed my time with Xuan Yuan Sword 7, it’s hard to recommend. Those who can deal with the mediocre and sometimes unfair combat may be able to enjoy the world and story, and there is something to be said for games that can wrap things up in around 15 hours or so, but that’s still a significant amount of time to deal with issues that really need more polish.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best PS4 Game of 2021
49
#49 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
  1. Steyraus
    Jul 2, 2022
    10
    Man, I love this game, its everything the modern western gaming industry isn't and thats a good thing..The characters are lovable andMan, I love this game, its everything the modern western gaming industry isn't and thats a good thing..The characters are lovable and compeling, the story keeps you invested and the combat and leveling is exactly enough to keep you addicted..It's not a bloated wokfest like the western games flooding the market, it's a game made with passion and pure skill. The best comparison would be the early Witcher games. I fell in love with the characters and story and enjoyed every second of the gameplay and exploration. There is some jenk and performance issues, but that is a small price for a game that feels like it has the passion and skill behind it that games from 10 20 30 years ago had. Before games were just shatout by massive teams of sooky Californians more worried about twitter politics and only working a 25 hour week.… Full Review »
  2. JayJayee
    Sep 1, 2023
    2
    When I first started playing this game I was actually enjoying it, however as time went on, my opinion drastically changed. I give this game aWhen I first started playing this game I was actually enjoying it, however as time went on, my opinion drastically changed. I give this game a 3/10 and here’s why:

    What I liked:
    - I like the martial art concept they added as the “heavy attack” in the fighting mechanics. It was definitely needed due to the regular “light attack” being so boring a monotonous. - The graphics looked decent. I played this game on my PS5 and the environment and character detail looked pretty good. What I didn’t like:
    - The fast traveling in this game was extremely inconvenient and annoying. The totems weren’t always placed in the villages, and fast traveling almost felt pointless which meant a lot of walking/running. - Combat gameplay wasn’t fun at all. The only thing that made it even remotely interesting was the different martial arts abilities. - Sometimes the characters would have dialogue while you’re moving from village to village and due to the game not being in English it was different to try and traverse the environment and read the subtitles. - I don’t think the story was all that good. I wasn’t attached to any of the characters and it felt boring
    - The difficulty spikes between regular enemies and boss fights, between the different areas were ridiculous. I played on Normal and I remember fighting a boss at least 5-10 time before beating them, and the very next boss without upgrading any gear, I was able to crushed convincingly. It just didn’t make any sense to me and was extremely frustrating. - After the final boss fight, you have to travel to various points of the map to trigger a part of the “lady in the green dress’s” story. Honestly this could’ve been explain in a cutscene instead of extending the game an additional 10-15mins All in all I don’t recommend this game. There are FAR BETTER JRPG’s out there to play. I’m happy very happy that I waited to catch this game on sale on the PS Store for $12, because it wouldn’t have been worth anymore than that.    … Full Review »
  3. LordBarco
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    XUAN YUAN 7 REVIEW (Playstation 4)
    I have never played a RPG made by a Chinese developer, and when I saw the graphics and combat of Xuan Yuan    XUAN YUAN 7 REVIEW (Playstation 4)
    I have never played a RPG made by a Chinese developer, and when I saw the graphics and combat of Xuan Yuan 7, I investigated some and realize that this series has been out there for PC since more than 30 years ago. Is like a Final Fantasy but from a Chinese developer, and it got my eye. The game is so good that it is one of my most beloved games for the Playstation4.

    SETTING
    Medieval China, you are an orphan who lives with your sister. Both escaped from death when you were little, as you hold a magical scroll that allows you to travel to Elysium and have magical abilities. The setting is nothing complex, but it is deep enough to get you engaged. You travel around some parts of ancient China, gathering allies and increasing your talents to topple the evil intentions of an empire bent on obtaining the power of the gods.

    MECHANICS
    • Exploration:
    This is a semi-open world adventure, where areas are long passages with branching paths, seldom leading to the same location. However, the world is big and there are travel points. A good mechanic in this game is that there is no transition when yo9u get into a house, a cave, or a ruin; so, it is a seamless experience. In the world you can interact with people, attack foes, climb, rest at camps, buy and sell things. The controls are easy to master, and the characters move fluidly on the world map. I enjoyed my time exploring this game through and through.

    • Combat:
    An addictive experience. You attack with R1 and have a “talent” attached to R2. You have “Stamina” in here, but it is very well balanced. In higher difficulties the enemies hit hard, and I would have preferred that the healing items recovered more, and they have a cool down time. I recommend playing in the lower difficulty levels to get accustomed to the combat. You can block, and dash away incoming attacks, you can use items, and you can unleash special abilities. When you get all of your partners, although you cannot change your main character, you can control the other party members’ main skills, so it is very satisfying to wait for your skills to cool down whilst unleashing devastating attacks with your other characters. All in real time, the combat feels fresh and well crafted. My only complaint is that some bosses hit very hard, and are often too fast, but then again, by playing in the lower levels I have become more experienced in the combat. I have never had so much fun in combat since The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt.

    • Crafting
    You buy and sell items, but if you want to increase the power of your armor or increase the attack attributes of your sword as well as the cosmetics behind it, you need to craft. By using the magic scroll you can enter the Elysium menu, where you can opt to combine items to modify your equipment status and cosmetics, but also you can combine the souls of your defeated foes to create more powerful souls that you can use as relics. For instance, you can have a “Soul if Vitality” which increases your health, and the combinations are many. You can easily get lost combining souls here and there just to see the results. It is a system that encourages creativity and exploration, as when you run out of souls, you ought to slay additional foes.

    • Chess
    Zhuolo Chess is incredible. I have lost hours upon hours defeating very hard opponents. I seldom partake on side activities like mini games, but this thing is freaking awesome and addictive. Give it a try, as it is a nice way to do something different. The game is not boring at all but is refreshing to see such a well-crafted mini game as part of the gameplay.

    VISUALS
    I think that Ghost of Tsushima and God of War are the best-looking games in the PS4, but now, Xuan Yuan 7 has officially joined these as well. It is that good. The visuals are amazing, character expressions are well done, and movement is superb, especially in combat. Youn will not be disappointed when you look at this game, I often just stay there looking at the horizon, or watching people moving about in a tiny village.

    SOUND AND MUSIC
    Another area where the games excel. Using instruments from China, the soundtrack of this game is amazing. I can only say that the music in this game is pristine and magical. There are a couple of soundtracks that captivated me with their magic. Characters speak in Chinese, and you cannot use any other language, but to me that is not a problem. I often play games on different mythologies in their intended language, that is not a problem.

    Bottom line, Xuan Yuan 7 is a fine game that will entertain you. I am happy I bought this game as it is a 20-hour experience with a lot of replayability value. I am excited for the other Chines games being developed like Black Myth: Wukong or Where the Winds Meet.    … Full Review »
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