What's Happening?
Loulan: The Cursed Sand, a new action-RPG, has been officially announced for PlayStation 5 and PC. The game allows players to control a skeletal warrior named Cursed Sand, who embarks on a quest to rescue a princess. The character utilizes magical sand
powers to combat various monsters along the ancient Silk Road. The game is developed by ChillyRoom and is part of Sony's China Hero Project. The design of the protagonist is inspired by the Loulan mummies and the desert sands of China's western regions, offering a dual-form character that shifts between Sand Form and Bone Form. The game features a retro-inspired top-down camera perspective, blending classic arcade-style combat with modern gameplay elements.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of Loulan: The Cursed Sand highlights the growing influence of Chinese folklore and culture in the global gaming industry. By incorporating elements such as the Loulan mummies and the Silk Road, the game offers a unique cultural perspective that could attract a diverse audience. The involvement of veterans from renowned studios like Santa Monica Studio, From Software, and Platinum Games suggests a high-quality production that could appeal to fans of action-RPGs. Additionally, the support from Sony's China Hero Project underscores the company's commitment to fostering innovative game development in China, potentially leading to more culturally rich and diverse gaming experiences.
What's Next?
While Loulan: The Cursed Sand does not yet have a release date, it is expected to generate interest among gamers looking for new and culturally immersive experiences. The game is part of a broader trend of titles inspired by Chinese folklore, with other projects like Where Winds Meet and Phantom Blade Zero also in development. As these games approach their release, they may contribute to a shift in the gaming landscape, encouraging more developers to explore non-Western narratives and settings. The success of these games could lead to increased investment in similar projects, further diversifying the types of stories and experiences available to players.
