The Game Awards have seen a handful of really stunning trailers for games. With games likeGhosts of TsushimaandBravely Default IIshowcasing some beautiful art directionand environments, it’s clear to see that players will have some gorgeous games to look forward to in 2020.
However, one of the most visually stunning world premieres shown during The Game Awards 2019 came from the 24 Entertainment developed and NetEase publishedNaraka: Bladepoint. On the surface, the game seems very similar to bothSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceandGhosts of Tsushimain terms of setting, art-direction, and location.
RECOMMENDED:The Game Awards 2019 Winners List
The game is described as a multiplayer melee-oriented combat game that focuses on not only combat but exploration as well. The official summary reads, “Naraka: Bladepointoffers close-range action set on the mysterious Eastern realm of Morus. The game features a boundless movement system that allows players to climb, hang, and even parkour.”
LikeSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceandGhosts of Tsushima, which received along-awaited and lengthy showcase during The Game Awards, it is heavily influenced by Eastern culture and history. Additionally, the traversal and movement also looks very reminiscent ofSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, even heavily emphasizing its own grappling hook system. The combat looks to be fast a fluid, involving familiar mechanics like a parry and block system to get an opening on the opponent.
The game was actually teased well before its official announcement by none other than Geoff Keighley himself. On December 9, Keighley tweeted, “Where cold steel collides and blood runs dry, Souls Blossom. Tune in for the World Premiere at #TheGameAwards to witness the Soulbloom in #NARAKATHEGAME.”
The developer behind the title, 24 Entertainment, may possibly be a new studio to the industry as not a lot of information about them is out there. As for the game’s publisher, NetEase is a Chinese-based internet technology company well known for partnering with Blizzard to help operate local versions of their popular titles likeWorld of WarcraftandOverwatch. On a somewhat related note, Blizzard and NetEase recentlywon a major lawsuit over an Overwatch clonemade by Chinese developers.
It’s hard not to draw comparison to these two titles when looking atNakara: Bladepoint, as the surface level comparisons are incredibly clear. Especially seeing asSekiro: Shadows Die Twiceisnominated for a handful of awards within the showthatNakarawas announced in.
