The Legend of Tian Ding
- November 1, 2021
- Creative Games Computer Graphics Corporation
The Legend of Tianding is a short game, but it provides such a memorable experience that makes it difficult to wait for the next title from the team behind it.
Play as Liao Tianding (AKA. Liāu Thiam-Ting), vigilante of Taipei city and wanted by the Colonial Japanese authorities. Rob the rich, feed the poor, and fight for justice in the streets of early 20th century Taipei as Taiwan’s legendary outlaw. Based on real events, real people and real situations, The Legend of Tianding is an exploration of a place and time often overlooked and presented in the …
Nintendo Switch
PC
Reviews
- The game features a beautiful comic book art style that enhances both the story and gameplay.
- Combat is fast-paced, fun, and allows players to creatively use enemies' weapons against them.
- The unique historical setting of Taiwan adds depth and freshness to the classic side-scrolling brawler experience.
- The game suffers from lengthy set-up and backtracking, which can disrupt the pacing.
- Some platforming sections and the hub area can feel tedious and detract from the overall experience.
- There is a need for more voice work and meaningful side quests to enrich the gameplay.
- gameplay6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "The Legend of Tianding" is characterized by its engaging comic book art style and a blend of solid mechanics that enhance the classic side-scrolling brawler experience. Players can enjoy surprisingly deep and nuanced combat, with opportunities to disarm enemies and utilize their weapons, all set against vibrant visuals and manga-styled cutscenes. However, some players find the lengthy chapter setups and city traversal to detract from the overall combat experience.
“Its comic book art style carries through from the story to the gameplay.”
“The Legend of Tianding shows how indie developers can mix solid mechanics and cool history-based protagonists to deliver a fresh take on the classic side-scrolling brawler experience.”
“Series showcasing excellent gameplay that allows you to string together multiple attacks and use your enemies’ weapons against them.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“The controls are clunky and unresponsive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The pacing of the gameplay is inconsistent, leading to frustrating moments.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's story is enhanced by its vibrant comic book and manga art styles, which complement the humorous dialogue and unique setting. While the core missions are engaging and fun, some players feel that excessive backtracking and lengthy NPC interactions detract from the overall experience. The distinct chapters offer standalone missions, but the setup can be tedious at times.
“Its comic book art style carries through from the story to the gameplay.”
“The dialogue and writing are full of humor and a joy to read, while the manga art style adds life to the story with its unique setting and time period.”
“Engaging with the core missions is very fun, despite some backtracking and a desire for more meaningful side quests.”
“With distinct chapters introducing their own standalone missions, however, the game stubbornly forces you to endure a huge amount of set-up, with long conversations with NPCs and arduous treks across the hub world of Taipei.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by a vibrant comic book and manga art style that enhances both the storytelling and gameplay experience. Players appreciate the colorful visuals and well-crafted cutscenes, which contribute to the overall depth and enjoyment of the combat mechanics. The unique aesthetic complements the game's humor and setting, making it visually engaging and immersive.
“Its comic book art style carries through from the story to the gameplay.”
“Gorgeous, colorful visuals with excellent manga-styled cutscenes.”
“The manga art style adds life to the story, creating a unique setting and time period.”
Critic Reviews
The Legend of Tianding (Nintendo Switch)
The Legend of Tianding is a beautiful sidescrolling beat ’em up that deserves to receive more attention than it’s getting. Its comic book art style carries through from the story to the gameplay. The action is fast-paced, the level designs well thought out, and the boss battles are challenging but fun. If you’re a fan of kung fu movies, you need to add The Legend of Tianding to your library.
85%The Legend of Tianding (Switch) Review
Robin who-od?
85%The Legend of Tian Ding Review
A stellar slice of indie goodness whose frenetic and precise fighting elevates it above the pack, while highlighting an important chapter in Taiwanese history.
80%
