Not bad, but not great.
By Collin Junkin
Wo long 2: Wings of Ember feels like Team Ninja is branching out of its shell moving its flashy combat into an open world filled with treasures and secrets. But as of now, this evolution falls short with its lackluster presentation and weak player feedback in the 2 hours I spent with the demo on PS5 Pro.
Changban Is a Vast World That Almost Inspires Awe
Wo Long 2 does not ease you in. after I created my character which features a familiar character creation from previous Team Ninja games. A short tutorial gives you a feel for the martial arts combat and spirit gauge system. There’s no story setup here which is expected as this is an “Alpha Demo” but I don’t expect that to change much as Team Ninja’s main focus is in the gameplay and the systems that surround it.
The biggest gripe with Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty was the core level design which had a strictly linear almost hallway like feel. This sequel flips that philosophy on its head and places you in an open world. Changban hosts plenty of secrets and hidden chests that I found myself scouting for constantly. Wall running above high level mobs to reach a valuable chest to get stronger and also look cooler is addictive. I also had not forgotten about that boss from earlier that nearly made me rage quit, so after I got better gear and learned some new skills, backtracking to a place of previous death felt rewarding. However this core loop suffers from an over abundance of loot. I found myself constantly switching gear pieces and sifting through menus more than exploring the world which made immersing myself difficult.
Combat Has Good Flow, But Is Missing Weight
Wo Long 2 takes the spirit gauge of its predecessor and adds an aerial twist to the combat which I loved. Using your highly stylized skills that can be equipped whenever to break the enemy’s spirit gauge while maintaining your own to ensure you don’t open yourself up to a devastating attack is a dance that feels excellent. The game wants you to use these unique moves as much as possible but also makes it clear to keep an eye out on your gauge or else you will be punished. It’s a risk and reward system that requires you to manage a balance in combat instead of placing a second bar that can be refilled using a sip from a flask. A lot of these skills also feature an aerial move when used mid jump. Juggling your enemy in the air, using your martial art skills midair, to then open the enemy up to a devastating spirit disruption attack all while balancing your spirit gauge is immensely satisfying but lacked the weight and impact I was expecting.
Coming off the heels of Capcom's Onimusha: Way of the Sword, attacks in Wo Long 2 feel light and lack the robust sounds of my sword slashing through the flesh of my enemy which is disappointing. Deflects are the main counter in Wo Long and they just feel okay. There’s a real lack of weight and pressing the deflect button which is also awkwardly bound to the dodge button, feels too similar to a basic attack. There’s also Insight Deflection which is a riskier deflect that also uses juice from the spirit gauge but launches enemies backwards when timed right which feels better and rewarding in practice.
A Dated Look And Unsteady Performance
The aspect that made me pull back was the visual presentation and performance. I played Wo Long 2 on PS5 Pro and Changban looks like a 2020 Team Ninja game. Textures look flat and lack detail, edges are rough and facial animations during dialogue are poor. What’s missing is a distinct art style that could separate its battlefield from other souls-like games. Enemy designs are also forgettable and lack a visual identity. One enemy in particular bore a resemblance to a silhouette from Elden Ring which was what I remembered it by the most.
Performance does not help as the game could not hold 60fps. Constant frame rate drops are present and even dropped below the PS5’s VRR window which is disappointing and makes it feel even more dated.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS VERDICT
After my 2 hours with Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember, I wasn’t left starstruck but understood who this game is for. If you love the systems behind Team Ninja games, or get hooked by Elden Ring-esque freedom and looting for hidden secrets, the open world and quick paced spirit gauge centered combat system are enough to keep March 4, 2027 on your mind. If you want a cinematic story with weighty combat that looks like a next generation title this demo is not for you. I’m somewhere in between. I’m not counting down the days until launch.