Set during the Northern Song Dynasty (which lasted from 960 to 1127), Everstone Studio develops the game. NetEase backs this Chinese team.

Here’s Everstone’s overview: “It takes place during the twilight of the Ten Kingdoms, the very era when an entire dynasty could crumble in a blink of an eye. The melody of “The Beautiful Lady Yu” heralded the end of the road for the last emperor of the Southern Tang Dynasty. Li Yu ruled the world as the emperor but was better known as the Immortal King of Poetry. His love for poetry, not power, eventually lost him the war and saw him become a prisoner of Song. During the three years of incarceration, Li yearned for his country and lover incessantly. After realizing his fate lay in a cup of poisoned wine, he turned those longings into the masterpiece “The Beautiful Lady Yu.”

As a swordsman, the player has grown up amid this era of war and conflict and must face the many tough choices in a swordsman’s destiny, as division and unrest are about to come to an end on the stage of the Northern Song Dynasty. How will the player choose to face the unknown paths ahead where blood and swords are intertwined?—follow his heart and mind and fight for justice: or choose to safeguard the empire with the inevitable consequence that his kind, swordsmen, will fade from prominence and prosperity; or will he choose to protect the innocent by sticking to the moral code of chivalry imbued since childhood, and use his martial skills against laws and rules till death?

Players assume the role of a hero forged in a time of chaos, exploring the way of chivalry on an unknown path dominated by blade and blood. They can also broaden their experience to increase their chances of survival. They could choose to be a doctor saving lives in the chaotic world, or a merchant accumulating wealth or play as an NPC travelling the ancient Kaifeng City. Whichever choice you make, you can demonstrate your unique style – stay true to the original aspiration till the last drop of your blood drains; sacrifice yourself to lay a foundation for a prosperous world; or, if you don’t care for fame or wealth, remain free and unfettered.

Cast off the restrictions of Martial Arts Schools. Ch’ing Kung (wall-walking, Running on Water, climbing), acupuncture, Lion’s Roar… Combat is a crucial part of Where Winds Meet, with Wuxia skills, attacks, and counterattacks playing a significant role. You can use a Tai chi skill to turn the enemy’s attacks back onto himself. You have the freedom to define your combat style and write your chapter of martial legend.

The free construction system with 600 authentic antique components and the environment system allows players to interact with the whole world. Explore the vast landscape in an unprecedented way. There is wind in the steppe, gentle sunlight through bamboo and enormous, mysterious buildings and stone figures. Taking in the spectacular views of mountains and rivers, you have complete freedom to explore and reveal the secrets and treasures hidden in Jianghu and freely participate in this “living” history.”

The trailer shows the location of Where Winds Meet. The game world is home to various wild animals and supernatural creatures that require their unique approach to combat. The swordsman’s martial arts skills can also be used to explore the world, climbing walls, jumping from rooftop to rooftop and sprinting across waves. The player also has a trusty steed to dash across beautiful landscapes. Battles are fast-paced, wuxia-style battles where players can counter enemy strikes, use Tai Chi to repel their attacks, or use acrobatics to slip through their defences and strike from any angle. The player also has access to a range of martial arts skills and ranged weapons, allowing them to break away from one fighting style and use a mix of skills to defeat their enemies while developing their fighting style.

Where Winds Meet is coming to PC. A beta is planned and is scheduled to run later this year.

Source: Gematsu