Assassin’s Creed meets Uncharted in Blood Message: NetEase’s first single-player AAA game

We got Assassin’s Creed China before GTA 6.

NetEase and 24 Entertainment (creators of Naraka: Bladepoint) have unveiled their initial AAA game– Blood Message. This is a single-player, third-person action title offering an immersive narrative experience through cinematic storytelling, intense battles, and extravagant action sequences.

Previously launched Black Myth Wukong paved the way for China’s high-end single-player games, and Blood Message appears to be the next exciting venture in this field. Unlike Wukong, which was designed as a hardcore soulslike game, Blood Message draws inspiration from Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed and Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series in terms of narrative and gameplay style. This unique blend is likely to appeal to both casual and dedicated gamers.

Blood Message packs an emotional journey within its photo-realistic visuals

One striking feature that stands out in Blood Message‘s five-minute trailer is its incredibly realistic graphics. For instance, watch how the sand responds to your character’s movements, or observe the flickering dance of a torch flame deep within an underground cavern. This level of detail screams top-notch production quality.

Title “Blood Message” is developed using Unreal Engine 5, a fact that aligns with NetEase’s past achievements. What stands out, though, is the remarkable level of detail in every aspect, a trait often associated with PlayStation’s internally produced games. The trailer hints at breathtaking vistas, intricate caves, and cutting-edge character designs.

Beyond just the settings, Blood Message also boasts a compelling narrative focused around an unnamed father and son. The trailer suggests that this pair undertakes a voyage to convey a crucial message, all while dealing with a rising insurrection which may significantly impact their community and nation.

Blood Message is set in ancient China during the last years of the Tang Dynasty, a time marked by significant cultural and political change that had a profound impact on Chinese history. The story follows a father and son as they embark on a dangerous journey to Chang’an, the capital city of the Tang Empire.

The Tang Dynasty offers a captivating backdrop for an AAA game, and it appears NetEase has taken notice, focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving elements. These features keep players engaged, encouraging them to delve deeper into the world rather than rushing through it. Notably, Blood Message is not just an action game; instead, it seems to offer a more immersive experience that emphasizes discovery and problem-solving.

The trailer highlights caves overflowing with antiquated treasures that appear as if plucked straight from an Uncharted-style adventure game. Massive, forgotten Buddhist temples seem ripe for housing a fictional artifact like the Apple of Eden – if this were an Assassin’s Creed production instead. The concept may be reminiscent, but the intrigue it generates is undeniably captivating.

Blood Message’s visceral combat feels more choreographed than methodical

The Blood Message’s unveiling trailer showcases brutal battles, featuring players engaging in interrogation, stealth, and swiftly eliminating enemies from various angles – a nod to God of War perhaps? The execution sequences appear meticulously crafted, with parrying feeling impactful. There’s an almost cinematic quality to it, fitting since this is a game that follows a linear path.

Key dramatic moments with high consequences are given emphasis, such as individuals plummeting from tall structures engulfed in flames, narrowly avoiding catastrophic avalanches, or battling large groups of adversaries amidst fierce sandstorms.

In essence, Blood Message appears to be an engaging, standalone cinematic game that seems unusual for a studio more accustomed to multiplayer titles. Its narrative and gameplay inspirations seem rather apparent, and it’s premature to evaluate them at this stage. However, its Eastern theme adds intrigue, and maybe this is just what the AAA market is lacking right now.

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2025-06-20 21:40

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