An Homage to Kung Fu: Action Graphic Novel Shuyan Saga on Xbox
Hello from Lofty Sky Entertainment! Creating Shuyan Saga, a graphic novel series where action scenes come alive in 3D combat gameplay, set in an ancient Chinese martial arts fantasy universe, was a labour of love for Lofty Sky. Some of our team members had studied kung fu themselves, so we wanted our game to honor this amazing tradition. We also hoped to showcase aspects of the artform that we seldom see highlighted in other indie games. Here’s how we did it.
Capturing Authentic Kung Fu
First off, we involved a real-life kung fu master, Longfei Yang. He studied under masters of the Praying Mantis school in China, and now runs his own kung fu school in New York. We used motion-capture to record his movements, which we adapted into the kung-fu gestures you see in the game.
But we went even further. We recorded interviews with Master Yang to understand the philosophy behind his technique. Kung fu features undeniable thrilling action, but it isn’t only about skills, speed, strength, and power. Those at the top of their discipline also require great levels of patience, focus, and self-restraint.
As players progress in Shuyan Saga they learn combos and techniques, but they also learn from a master the soft-flowing movements that use an enemy’s aggression against themselves–applying only the force that’s required.
And this ties into our protagonist’s journey. Shuyan is a gifted fighter, and very confident (read: cocky), but she also sees how her hotheadedness has contributed to the turmoil her kingdom now faces. She learns that if she’s going to master all the chaotic forces at work in her world, she’s also going to need to master herself.
Stunning, Hand-Drawn Art
Shuyan Saga features over 1400 hand-drawn art panels, showcases the exceptional talent of comics master Daxiong. Among the over 100 titles he’s drawn, Daxiong is known for his work illustrating both “Star Wars” comics and DC’s “Justice League of America”. But less known in the West is that Daxiong has also illustrated for China’s most famous kung fu novellist, Jin Yong (aka, Louis Cha). Daxiong brought both a world-class talent, and a cultural familiarity that really helped to elevate Shuyan Saga.
Drawing each story panel by hand isn’t the most efficient way to create, but it really gives the game its feel. We hear players say they pause the game just to appreciate the art, which we love. We’re thrilled that our publisher ESDigital Games has optimized the graphics to deliver an exceptional visual experience of this art on the biggest screens and Xbox consoles they’ve brought the game to. We can’t wait for you to check it out!
Here’s an interesting aside: after finding Daxiong working in New York and bringing him to Toronto to collaborate with us on this game, we also learned that he had a remarkable story that led to his coming overseas. Daxiong was forced to flee his home in the aftermath of a dramatic hijacking of the state television in his hometown. The harrowing story surrounding this event became the animated feature film “Eternal Spring”(長春), which was Canada’s official submission to the Oscars® for 2023 and was produced by many of the same team members at our studio Lofty Sky! If you’re interested in the backstory of this amazing artist and in seeing more of his work in this film, check out EternalSpringFilm.com.
The Perfect Voice for Shuyan
We were thrilled to have back-to-back People’s Choice Award winning actress Kristin Kreuk voice Shuyan for this game. Kristin is known for her roles as Lana Lang in “Smallville” and as the lead in the CW series “Beauty and the Beast”. She also learned martial arts in her youth. Of course, she starred as Chun-Li in “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li”.
Given that it’s a story that pays homage to Chinese culture, it was important that we also have a fully voiced version of the game in Mandarin. The script was re-written by a talented Chinese writer on our team and voiced by professionals in Beijing. In this new release of the game on consoles, you can now choose to play either the English or Mandarin Chinese voice over with whatever language of text and subtitles you choose. See you’re free to enjoy Kristin’s work and the amazing English-language cast, or to experience the game in Chinese as you read along in your language.
It’s been a long road bringing Shuyan Saga to the new Xbox platform, and we’re thrilled to share it with you! Shuyan Saga stands as a testament to our dedication in bringing an authentic kung fu experience to players around the world. With the inclusion of a genuine kung fu master, Longfei Yang, and the meticulous craftsmanship of comics virtuoso Daxiong, our game has transcended boundaries. It invites players to not only master combat techniques but also delve into the philosophy behind the art.
As we expand our horizons and embrace new platforms, we are delighted to announce that Shuyan Saga is already available on Xbox Series and Xbox One with significant enhancements. This complete version of the game includes the entire main storyline, the additional Jade Temple Adventure, and the thrilling Tournament mode. Additionally, we have incorporated full controller support and introduced a range of new language options, including EFIGS, Korean, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), and Brazilian Portuguese, with Japanese localization on the horizon. We invite you to embark on Shuyan’s journey, where martial arts, artistry, and culture converge in a gaming experience like no other. It’s been a long road bringing Shuyan Saga to Xbox, and we’re thrilled to share it with you! Thank you for joining us on this remarkable adventure!
Shuyan Saga
ESDigital Games
$14.99
$11.99
Immerse yourself in a beautifully crafted world where ancient Chinese culture meets the power of martial arts in Shuyan Saga. This action-adventure game blends captivating storytelling and breathtaking visuals. Experience a gripping tale of honor, courage, and self-discovery, as you step into the shoes of Shuyan, a young princess determined to become a true Kung Fu warrior and stop the evil Guer horde from destroying the Five Kingdoms.
Unleash your inner warrior in skill-based martial arts battles. Master diverse fighting styles, each with unique moves and mechanics. Combine light and heavy attacks, unleash devastating combos, and utilize powerful special abilities. With 300+ combat animations sourced from Master Longfei Yang’s motion-captured Kung-Fu techniques, every fight is authentic and exhilarating.
Step into the breathtaking hand-drawn art style of Shuyan Saga. Over 1,400 beautifully illustrated panels by Chinese comic book master Daxiong bring the world to life. From his work on Star Wars comics for Dark Horse and Justice League for DC, Daxiong’s artistry captivates with its attention to detail and vibrant aesthetics.
Experience the story through the innovative comic book-style narrative. Engage with beautifully illustrated panels, make dialogue choices that shape the course of the tale, and witness the consequences of your decisions. Control the narrative as you unravel the mysteries of the fantasy world inspired by ancient China.
Let the amazing original soundtrack composed by award-winning composer Aaron Tsang transport you to a world of wonder and adventure. The music perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere, heightening the emotional impact of every moment.
Embark on an immersive journey accompanied by the voice talent of Kristin Kreuk (known for Smallville and Beauty and the Beast) as she breathes life into the character of Shuyan, making her video game debut a truly unforgettable experience.
Explore the depth of Kung Fu combat with soft and hard styles in two main modes: Arena and Focus. Engage in dynamic battles using over 300 combat animations, showcasing the authentic techniques of the Shanxi Praying Mantis Style.
