The next game in a huge Chinese action RPG series has plenty of action, but I hope it hasn’t totally abandoned the RPG
Swords of Legends, a Chinese action RPG showcased at Summer Game Fest 2026, is drawing attention for its ambitious visual design but raising concerns about its genre direction. The game, rendered in Unreal Engine 5, adapts Chinese mythology and folklore with lavish production values and features elaborate boss encounters—such as a battle against a flying magician whose body is an ornate rug.
However, reviewers who have played the game express apprehension about its design priorities. The series appears to be shifting emphasis toward action-focused combat mechanics, similar to the critically acclaimed Black Myth, potentially at the expense of traditional RPG systems that characterized earlier entries. This shift reflects a broader trend in the industry toward action-heavy gameplay, particularly among Chinese developers.
While the game’s technical achievement and presentation are undeniable, the concern centers on whether the franchise has over-indexed on combat spectacle while losing its RPG identity. Five years ago, such a visually impressive title would have been exceptional, but in 2026’s competitive landscape of stunning action games, technical prowess alone may not satisfy players seeking substantive role-playing mechanics.