Chinese ARPG praised by gamers: PS5 action adventure like early God of War

Curse of Sand, written in a human expert's voice, adhering to all the specified requirements.

It's always refreshing to hear the gaming world embrace a truly unique title, especially one emerging from a different corner of the globe. Lately, a particular title has been popping up in my radar, generating genuine excitement: Loulan: Curse of Sand, the latest ARPG from China, and it seems destined for PS5. Square Enix, known for championing strong third-party titles, recently gave it a significant shoutout, positioning it as a must-play experience, particularly for fans of the early, visceral days of the God of War series on PS2 and PS3. While the exact release date remains under wraps, the current wave of previews and trailers has left a strong impression, painting a picture of a game that might well become another cornerstone title for the PlayStation 5 generation.

The current gaming landscape is saturated with "souls-like" games – intricate, challenging adventures demanding patience and mastery. Against this backdrop, Loulan: Curse of Sand appears to offer a different, perhaps more accessible, yet still deeply satisfying, combat rhythm. It leans into a traditional top-down perspective, a viewpoint that feels instantly familiar to fans of classic action games. This perspective beautifully facilitates the "one-on-many" combat aesthetic, placing you directly in the thick of the action against multiple foes simultaneously. There's an immediate, visceral satisfaction to this approach, echoing the raw power and brutality of the early God of War titles, where Kratos faced down hordes of enemies with overwhelming force and flair. It’s not just about raw power, though; the game seems to place a strong emphasis on player agency through a deep skill system. Unlocking and customizing abilities isn't just a grind; it feels like a core part of the experience, allowing players to tailor their combat style, moving beyond simple button presses towards thoughtful strategy.

What’s particularly intriguing is the genuine international buzz surrounding its presentation. Comments from overseas players consistently highlight two things: the game’s stunning visual fidelity and its distinct, polished aesthetic. One enthusiastic gamer noted that the visuals already surpass those of Prince of Persia, while another compared it favorably to the cinematic appeal of a Prince of Persia adaptation set in ancient Egypt – intriguing visuals indeed. The core sentiment is clear: players are drawn to the promise of high-quality, engaging action. The level of polish and the visual impact seem to be top priorities for the development team, setting a high bar.

Adding even more weight to the excitement is the reaction from David Jaffe, the creator behind the original God of War trilogy. Jaffe, a name synonymous with classic PlayStation action-adventure gaming, has expressed considerable enthusiasm after watching the Loulan previews. He describes the game's presentation as "spectacular," but emphasizes the significance of its core design philosophy. For Jaffe, Loulan represents the kind of classic action-adventure experience he feels is sorely missing in today's market, a stark contrast to the often complex and punishing "souls-like" formulas. He specifically mentioned it as the kind of game he'd want for a modern God of War on PS5 – a title that blends visceral combat ("killing") with exploration and puzzle-solving ("adventure"). His description highlights a desire for a more streamlined, yet still epic, journey: "This is the God of War I want for PS5. It's the real God of War. It has killing, exploration, puzzle-solving. It fulfills the adventure I've been seeking since God of War."

This praise from Jaffe is particularly potent because it signals a return to the foundational elements that made God of War such a phenomenon: powerful, satisfying combat, exploration of rich worlds, and a sense of epic scale. Loulan: Curse of Sand seems poised to offer this, potentially through its class-based combat system, allowing players to mix and match abilities, which adds another layer of strategy and personalization. While we're still awaiting concrete details on the game's world, narrative, and specific systems beyond the combat, the initial impressions are incredibly promising. It suggests a game that respects its roots while carving out its own identity on the PS5 platform. For fans of action-packed adventures with a clear focus on gameplay and presentation, Loulan: Curse of Sand is definitely one to watch for.