Yuan Gong Jian Hands-On: Counter-Focused Combat in a Mythological China
Chengdu-based developer Sword Cat Bear Network first unveiled Yuan Gong Jian (猿公剑) two years ago with a gameplay trailer. At the time, the seven-person team debut title received mixed reactions from players closely watching the growing Chinese action game scene. Rather than settling, the studio spent nearly a year overhauling the game based on feedback, resulting in a significantly more polished demo build. While still not final, the current version shows a completely redesigned protagonist, a combat system rooted in ancient Chinese martial arts philosophy, and a distinct mythological world setting that sets it apart from mainstream action titles.
The most visible change from the original reveal is the female lead complete visual overhaul. Her previous long robe and tied-back hairstyle have been replaced with a red garment cut shorter to reveal a mechanical leg, with decorative details carrying clear Sichuan and Chongqing cultural influences. The game world draws from the Spring and Autumn of Wu and Yue chronicles, specifically the legend of the white ape and the Yue maiden, blended with Chinese folk mythology. This fictional cultivation setting depicts a world where humans and spirits coexist, built on regional customs and classical literature references rather than conventional fantasy tropes.
The combat system centers on Bi Qing Ru Hong (避青入红), a concept derived from Emei sword techniques described in ancient texts. The principle requires evading an enemy strike at extremely close range and immediately counterattacking, similar in philosophy to Wing Chun defensive-offensive methods. Enemy attacks come in high, mid, and low variants, and players must dodge in the matching direction to trigger the auto-counter. Notably, there is no traditional dodge roll. Boss design reflects this philosophy: the Stone City Wild Dog adds delayed fire pillars in phase two that punish even successful counters, while the final boss, the Ape Master, announces attack directions beforehand for a structured learning curve. Depleting an enemy spirit gauge through aggression enables heavy damage and max HP reduction.
Yuan Gong Jian uses box-level map design but follows traditional RPG progression rather than Souls-like mechanics. Characters auto-level upon earning enough experience, granting merit points spent freely to upgrade weapons, the mechanical leg, talismans, and magical tools. Equipment drops from enemies and chests with shared unique skills per weapon type but varying stats and modifiers that can synergize with talismans for set bonuses. The mechanical leg breaks enemy shields, while the sword case repairs weapon durability and alters attack properties. A new demo weapon, the Horse-Slaying Sword, trades stricter timing for stackable counter damage and charge attacks. The loot system suggests equipment farming may become a core loop. Sword Cat Bear has built a solid foundation here, and for a small team making its first action game, knowing exactly what it wants to be is half the battle won already.
