Single-player Chinese action RPG Swords of Legends, formerly Gujian 4, revealed for consoles and PC

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The publishing company Wangyuan Shengtang, together with developer Aurogon Shanghai, have publicly unveiled the game named “Swords of Legends.” Originally known as “Gujian 4” in 2021, this upcoming title is expected to release on unspecified consoles and PCs. This single-player action RPG takes place within a fantastical world that draws inspiration from classic Chinese literature and Far Eastern mythology. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, an exact launch date has yet to be disclosed.

Here is an overview of the game, via its official website:

■ About

Swords of Legends is a single-player action role-playing game, developed by Aurogon Shanghai.

In this transient life, the living journey on, while the deceased find their rest. Here, we lament the inevitable parting that befalls every soul.

Dead yet reborn, you become a Underworld Enforcer, embarking on an adventure to guide the departed.

■ Q&A

Is Swords of Legends a canonical sequel to the Gujian franchise, or more of a spin-off?

In the gaming world I inhabit, I can’t wait to dive back into the captivating universe of “Swords of Legends,” the long-awaited sequel to the beloved single-player series, Gujian. Developed by the talented minds at Shanghai Aurogon Studio, this new installment promises to broaden the already rich tapestry of its mythos and lore.

Is the game a high-end, solo experience that requires purchase, or is it a free, continually updated multiplayer offering? On what devices will it initially release? Will there be a mobile adaptation as well?

The game titled “Swords of Legends” is slated for launch exclusively on personal computers and gaming consoles, without a mobile version. This game will not be free to play.

What’s the game genre? Is it Soulslike? Is it open world?

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “In Swords of Legends, I’m embarking on an action-packed RPG journey with a gripping main storyline that unfolds smoothly, accompanied by cinematic storytelling. The side quests and deep exploration add even more depth to the experience. It’s not like the Soulslike games or fully open-world titles you might be used to, but it offers a ‘wide linear’ style of gameplay instead. This means I can take my time exploring and tackling the adventure within a guided progression.

How does the new artistic approach and mood differ from previous installments? Can you share what kind of narrative you’re exploring this time around?

In this game, as usual, we delve into a fresh fantasy realm that draws inspiration from Chinese mythology and ancient folktales. This time around, we’re growing the Gujian universe by letting players assume the role of an “Underworld Enforcer” – a distinctive character who moves freely between the realms of the living and the deceased. You might have caught glimpses of familiar characters such as the Ox-Head and Horse-Face guardians in the trailer, and they’ll accompany you on your voyage through this enchanting world.

Yet, this isn’t just a rehash of ancient myths; instead, players will be the guiding force for lost souls, aiding them in overcoming their lingering sorrows and unresolved regrets. Each soul possesses a unique, deeply personal history. As an illustration, the woman seen dancing before a set of bronze bells in the trailer is bound by her attachment to the mortal world and willing to pay any cost to stay, which is but one example among many.

How challenging is the combat?

In our game design, we’re avoiding combat that’s overly challenging or solely based on player skills. Instead, think of it as a balanced mix where storytelling and gameplay converge. For instance, “soul capturing” is not just a narrative element but also a key part of the combat system. Players can capture specific monster souls and use them to aid in battles, with some monsters even performing combined attacks like the special drop attack shown in the trailer when fighting alongside Ox-Head and Horse-Face.

In addition, exploration will reward players with various useful items for combat, and customizable weapon-skill loadouts will enable players to adjust their strategies based on different enemy types. Our primary aim is to make sure that players of all skill levels can enjoy the game-and as in any great RPG, experience the fulfilling process of getting stronger over time.

Have you ever played a game from the Gujian series before? Is it necessary for me to go through the earlier versions to fully enjoy this one?

In each title within the Gujian series, you’ll find a full, independent storyline. This latest release follows suit, by introducing fresh characters and its very own enclosed plotline.

What’s the current development status? Will the game be ready soon?

In the year 2021, our project was just beginning, and we were delving into initial investigations. We had high-level aspirations for this new venture, and after examining several technical options, we opted to build it with Unreal Engine 5. This decision carried a substantial financial demand, which proved to be quite a hurdle at that moment in time.

Simultaneously with our engine studies, we initiated preliminary research and strategic planning efforts. In the beginning of 2024, we successfully gained investments that enabled our Swords of Legends team to grow progressively. Consequently, the game has been under continuous development for roughly two years now.

Moving forward into full-scale manufacturing, we’re excited to reveal our initial promotional video that highlights our current advancements, in hopes of recruiting even more outstanding individuals to become part of our crew.

Watch the reveal trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer

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2025-08-17 19:49