Justdan Unveils Tang Dynasty RPG 'Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients' for 2027
The Unreal Engine 5 title blends traditional ink-wash aesthetics with classic turn-based combat.
Taipei-based developer Justdan International has announced Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients, a turn-based RPG set in Tang Dynasty-era China. The title aims to merge traditional Asian art styles with modern gaming technology for a worldwide release in 2027.
Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and both the current Nintendo Switch and its successor, the "Switch 2." The project is directed by the creator of the influential Xuan-Yuan Sword series, signaling a high-profile return to the genre for the veteran developer.
A Blend of Tradition and Tech
The narrative centers on Shangguan Shuo, an amnesiac soldier of the Tianji Guard during the Tang Dynasty's Tianbao era. To bring this period to life, Justdan is employing a hybrid visual style that pairs 3D environments with 2D chibi characters. The game's most striking feature is its ink-wash painting aesthetic, utilized specifically for ink-on-canvas cutscenes to evoke traditional Chinese art.
Combat follows a turn-based structure powered by "Qi energy," where players must navigate elemental strengths and weaknesses to defeat enemies. Character progression is handled through a vertical skill tree, allowing for structured growth as the story unfolds.
Modernizing the Classic RPG
Tianji arrives during a broader industry resurgence of nostalgic turn-based RPGs and "HD-2D" styles. While the game draws heavily from the mechanics of the past, it incorporates modern quality-of-life features to streamline the experience. These include a 2x battle speed toggle and an auto-defeat system for low-level enemies, reducing the friction often associated with traditional grinding.
IGN described the project as "a tribute to RPGs of yesteryear, albeit with a distinctly mainland-Asian twist," highlighting the game's attempt to balance retro appeal with a specific cultural identity.
Industry Implications
This project represents a significant effort to export traditional Chinese historical settings and art forms to a global audience on next-gen hardware. By targeting the "Switch 2" and PS5, Justdan is positioning Tianji not as a niche historical piece, but as a competitive entry in the global RPG market.
As the 2027 release date approaches, the industry will be watching to see how the ink-wash aesthetic translates to high-fidelity 3D environments. While the core mechanics are established, further details on the full scope of the world and the specifics of the Qi-based combat system remain to be seen.