Wuchang Fallen Feathers Review | Is This the Best Soulslike of 2025?
A Debut That Comes Closer to FromSoftware Than Anyone Has Any Right To
REVIEWS
GP
5/27/20263 min read
Combat That Actually Feels Right
The combat in Wuchang is extremely smooth and never janky, making it feel almost like a dance. Every parry and dodge feels satisfying, which is especially impressive for a smaller studio like Leenzee Games. That feel is very difficult to get right and it is commendable that Leenzee managed to create something this polished on their first try.
With recent updates, the game also feels less punishing. After dying to a boss you no longer need to run all the way back from the shrine each time. Instead you can instantly retry the boss fight or return to the shrine to respec. Changes like this make the difficulty feel more like a mountain to be climbed rather than a cliff to be scaled.
I remember players debating this runback system when the game first launched. Some thought the long runbacks were frustrating, while others felt they encouraged learning from mistakes. Games like Elden Ring already solved this with the Stakes of Marika system, and I think this update was the right decision. It should honestly be a standard inclusion in most Soulslikes going forward.
29 Weapons and a Respec System That Changes Everything
The respec system is a huge game changer, especially later in the game when your character is fully developed. If you suddenly dislike your weapon or a boss feels too fast for your current build, you can completely change your playstyle without penalty, switching between axes, longswords, spears, or dual blades. With 29 total weapons, you'll definitely want to try something new throughout your journey.
Each weapon offers a distinct moveset and combat rhythm, which adds significant replay value. This is also why the multiple endings work so well. Each playthrough can feel meaningfully different depending on your build and provide a unique experience that you may have missed out on during your last time through the game.
Armor That Actually Matters
The outfits in Wuchang are not just cosmetic, even though the cosmetic aspect is fantastic. They matter depending on the area and enemies you are facing. Some zones feature enemies that deal heavy slash or stab damage, while others focus on elemental effects like corruption, poison, paralysis, or lightning. Changing your armor and preparing properly becomes an important part of the experience rather than just visual customization. It's also another layer that makes your version of Bai Wuchang really feel like your own.
A World Built by People Who Love the Genre
The world design feels as varied as many great Soulslike games, yet nothing feels random or forced. Every location feels naturally connected, with multiple paths and shortcuts that strongly recall Dark Souls and Bloodborne. If that interconnected level to level flow is something you love about FromSoftware games, you will find a lot to enjoy here.
The world feels carefully designed by developers who genuinely love the genre rather than a studio simply following trends, which is refreshing in a market many people already feel is oversaturated. What's wild is that a year later this game still feels criminally under talked about among big SoulsLike fans.
Boss Fights That Earn Their Moment
One of the biggest highlights is the boss design. Having played many AAA and AA Soulslikes, Wuchang comes remarkably close to capturing those epic FromSoftware style boss moments. The game uses wide camera shots effectively when entering arenas, making bosses feel massive and intimidating, something FromSoftware has only started leveraging in their most recent titles. Some enemies leap high into the air or fly across the arena before unleashing devastating attacks that punish mistakes hard.
These fights feel cinematic without sacrificing the challenge that defines the genre.
Tempering: Another Layer Worth Exploring
The Tempering system lets you add elemental effects or special properties to your weapons, applying fire, lightning, or life leech depending on your build and playstyle. It adds another meaningful layer of customization and encourages experimentation, keeping the build crafting loop interesting well into the late game.
The Verdict
Wuchang feels like a Soulslike made by developers who truly understand what makes the genre special. The smooth combat, strong boss fights, interconnected world design, and deep build variety all come together into a memorable experience. It may not be perfect, but it absolutely deserves more attention from Soulslike fans.
