Cai Minghong, the creator of the long-running Xuan-Yuan Sword franchise, has revealed his first independent project following his departure from Softstar. Titled Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients, the Tang Dynasty-set RPG is currently scheduled for a 2027 release.

Traditional Art Meets Modern Mechanics

Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients utilizes a 2D hand-drawn art style that draws heavily from traditional Chinese landscape and ink-wash paintings. Set during the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, the narrative focuses on the Bashu region and explores subterranean environments and ancient mysteries.

The gameplay centers on a turn-based combat system that incorporates more active elements than traditional genre entries. Players can utilize combo mechanics and respond to real-time button prompts for both offensive strikes and defensive maneuvers. According to details shared by Inven Global, this hybrid approach aims to blend tactical planning with the responsiveness of action titles.

Exploration is handled through a “ming-lei” system, where enemies are visible in the field rather than appearing through random encounters. Outside of combat, players can engage with “companion life skills,” which include systems for cooking and refining equipment to aid in the journey.

Story and Character Overview

The plot follows Shangguan Shuo, a member of the “Tianji Guard” who is suffering from amnesia. As the protagonist, Shuo must investigate the Xuanxin Order, a mysterious organization operating during a period of historical transition in the Tang Dynasty.

While development is still in the relatively early stages ahead of its 2027 target, the project has drawn attention for its creative pedigree, specifically the return of Cai Minghong to the genre he helped define in the region.