Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients Brings the HD-2D Style to the Tang Dynasty
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Justdan's Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients applies the popular HD-2D art style to a Tang Dynasty setting, combining classic turn-based combat with modern quality-of-life features.
Square Enix may have popularized the modern HD-2D aesthetic, but Taipei-based developer Justdan is putting a distinct regional spin on the formula with Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients. As reported by IGN South Africa, the game trades traditional fantasy tropes for a reality-adjacent Tang Dynasty setting powered by Qi energy. Players follow an amnesiac protagonist named Shangguan Shuo as he uncovers the source of a mysterious voice in his head, teaming up with companions who bring unique skills and personal side stories to the journey.
Built in Unreal Engine 5, the game pairs razor-sharp 2D chibi character art with stunning ink-on-canvas cutscenes and detailed 3D environments like forests, mountains, and villages. While the visual presentation nods to classic retro RPGs, the gameplay includes smart modern accommodations for today's players. Developers have added features like 2x battle speed toggles and an auto-win function for lower-level enemies, cutting down on the grind while keeping the core strategic depth intact.
Progression relies on vertical skill trees and party-wide abilities that reward elemental experimentation and tactical planning. Companion systems also encourage rotation by letting characters improve their crafting and trading perks the more they are used in the field. Slated for a 2027 release across PC, PlayStation 5, and both generations of Nintendo Switch, Tianji is shaping up to be a thoughtful evolution of the nostalgic RPG subgenre.
IGN recently previewed the title during an event hosted by BiliBili, highlighting its blend of deliberate turn-based combat and brisk modern quality-of-life additions. With hidden dungeons, overworld exploration tied to Qi leylines, and a striking artistic identity, this upcoming release deserves a spot on your radar as we head toward its launch window.
Tags: RPG, HD-2D, Unreal Engine 5, Turn-Based Combat, Indie Games
Original article: IGN South Africa