An upcoming remake of the 2007 Chinese RPG, Legend of Sword and Fairy 4, has sent the internet into a frenzy over its comparisons to the recently released Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
After absolutely sweeping nearly every major video game awards category this year, it was only inevitable that other studios would seek to follow in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s success.
Well, it seems that one upcoming remake of a cult classic Chinese RPG game has done just that, however, it’s being accused of taking too much inspiration from the now beloved J’RPG.
Earlier this week, a new trailer for Chinese Studio Up Software’s remake of the turn-based role-playing game Legend of Sword and Fairy 4 was shared online. The trailer would show off its new, flashy Unreal Engine 5 update and revitalised combat experience. One that looked all too familiar to fans of Clair Obscur.
Fans immediately drew comparisons to Sandfall Interactives’ RPG, noting the similarities between the UI and unique camera angles when selecting moves in combat encounters.
The game’s parry mechanic, letting players retaliate against enemy turns, also added fuel to fans argument that Sword and Fairy is looking to emulate Clair Obscur‘s unique combat experience – especially as it’s a significant departure from what the series originally started with.
Looking at the original 2007 title, gameplay seems comparable to other Square Enix JRPG titles like Final Fantasy VII, as it utilises a familiar turn-based combat style and overworld exploration. Now with its update, it does appear to be taking a decent departure from its roots, transitioning into a more cinematic turn-based RPG like Clair Obscur and the Persona series.
While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s director, Guillaume Broche, would note in his Game Awards speech, the acclaimed role-playing title also took significant inspiration from previous JRPG games. In fact, there are several mechanics you can trace to the original Super Mario RPG, such as the quick-time events while casting spells.
However, an argument could be made that Clair Obscur brought a fresh, inspired take on those mechanics, whereas Sword and Fair 4‘s remake seems to be lifting elements without adding anything new. But we’ll have to wait to see more of the game to make a firmer judgement on that.
The Legend of Sword and Fairy 4, despite being the fifth instalment in the mainline video game franchise, is one of the series’ most popular titles. The first game would launch in 1995 for PC and was fairly beloved in China, becoming a cult classic known to some JRPG fans across the world.
Fans of Clair Obscur are also on the defensive, given that several Chinese video game studios have been accused of heavily plagiarising other studios’ IP. Earlier this year, Sony would go so far as to sue Tencent over its upcoming game Light of Motiram, claiming that it was copying significant elements from the Horizon: Zero Dawn series.
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