Team Ninja has revealed the launch date for the dark action RPG: March 2027. A playable early access version—including multiplayer—will help pass the time.
On the eve of the Tokyo Game Show, Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja let the cat out of the bag: Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember will be released worldwide on March 4, 2027. It is the latest installment in the studio’s dark action-RPG series, which is heavily inspired by the story of the Three Kingdoms. The two companies also announced a massive alpha test in the form of a free demo. This offers an early look at the game. Included are a character creation system—still in development—as well as online multiplayer for up to three players.
The demo covers the “Open Field of Changban”—essentially a complete level from the game. There, you can “join Liu Bei’s troops in fierce battles against Cao Cao’s advancing army. Along the way, you’ll encounter demons heavily inspired by classic Chinese legends.” If you complete the demo, you’ll receive the “Fledgling Phoenix Helmet” as a bonus for the full game. This is a bonus that fans of Team Ninja and *Nioh* are likely very familiar with by now. After the demo, the team also asks for your feedback via a survey. Team Ninja takes this feedback very seriously, so I recommend filling out the survey as soon as you’ve played the demo thoroughly.
Day One on Game Pass and the Leap into the Three Kingdoms Era
The game is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2, as well as via Steam and Xbox for PC. The demo is also available on all these platforms. The final version will also be available on Xbox Game Pass right at launch.
To celebrate the announcement in style, the studio immediately released a new trailer (see above). The video gives us a good overview of the story, the main characters, and the gameplay systems. This time, the action moves away from the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the early conflicts of the Han Dynasty. The plot now delves deep into the actual era of the Three Kingdoms. In the demo, you join forces with Liu Bei. Together with him, you’ll shake Cao Cao’s defensive lines and test the sheer power of the legendary leader of the Wei Dynasty.
On the Way to Red Cliffs: New Story Details and “Insight Skills”
“Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember transports players to China in the year 208 AD, immediately following the events of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Cao Cao’s troops march into Jing Province, destroying the village of the protagonist and his friend Pang Tong in the process. The entire country is plunged into war, while demons roam unchecked,” according to a press release. “Seeking revenge, the protagonist paves the way for Liu Bei in the fight against Cao Cao’s army. He then joins Sun Quan in Jiangdong. There, they reunite with Pang Tong and devise a plan to repel Cao Cao as he sets his sights on the Red Cliffs.
“These two rising talents, brimming with intelligence and courage, soar above the decisive battle. With an improved combat system, they confront the demons on the battlefield. Players will rediscover the fast-paced combat of *Wo Long*. They combine attack and defense with advanced actions exclusive to this sequel. With the help of ‘Insight Skills,’ they can dodge enemy attacks and use the terrain to their advantage to launch counterattacks. This allows them to turn the tide even when outnumbered. It makes the combat more acrobatic, exhilarating, and deadly than ever before.”
