Summary of Key Points
The new installment of "Gu Jian Qi Tan" has removed the word "Qi Tan" and is now titled simply "Gu Jian," which is a common signal of "series reboot" in the gaming industry. Reboots allow development teams to shed the burden of previous games and lower the barrier for new players to enter the franchise. However, this also raises questions among veteran players: Does "Gu Jian" without the "Qi Tan" element still retain the core essence of the IP? Trial play sessions have revealed a mismatch between the needs of older fans (who prefer story-driven gameplay) and the more action-oriented gameplay of the new game, as well as challenges in adapting the traditional narrative style to the new gameplay. Although there are potential solutions, whether the balance between inheritance and innovation can be achieved will only be determined once the game is officially released.
1. Has the Name Change Signified a Reboot? — The "Secret Code" in the Gaming Industry
Why has "Gu Jian Qi Tan" suddenly become just "Gu Jian"? This is a clear signal of a reboot in the gaming community:
- Examples Abound: Games like "War God" were not titled as "War God 4," "Far Cry" abandoned its numbering system, and "Resident Evil 7" has the same name in both Japanese and English (literally meaning "Resident Evil 7: Resident Evil"). These are all examples of using the same name to "redefine" a series.
- Benefits Are Obvious: For developers, they are no longer constrained by the previous games' storyline and settings, allowing them to use new technologies like Unreal Engine 5. For new players, there is no fear that they won't understand the game without playing the first three installments, making it easier for them to get started.
- The Cost Is Also High: A reboot means having to "cut off part of the history." If only the IP name is retained while losing the elements that players care about most (such as the storyline and character relationships), it becomes a mere "skin change," and veteran players will likely not be interested.
2. The Conflict Between Veteran Players' Story-Driven Preferences and the New Game's Action-Oriented Gameplay
The most immediate issue in trial play sessions is the discrepancy between fans who want a story and those who prefer action-packed gameplay:
- Who Are the Veteran Players? The "Gu Jian" IP has built up a loyal base over more than a decade, with many players drawn to the stories of Bai Li Tu Su and Feng Qing Xue, as well as the unique character personalities. Many of these fans have low tolerance for intense action.
- What Is the New Game Like? The trial version features a gameplay similar to "Dark Souls," requiring players to repeatedly die and figure out boss combat strategies. Even seasoned journalists had difficulty completing it after several attempts. Some female players simply gave up after failing to defeat the first boss.
- What Are the Risks? The more action-oriented the new game, the more it may deter fans who prefer story-driven gameplay. These players were initially attracted by the name "Gu Jian," but if the high level of action becomes a barrier, it could affect both the game's reputation and sales.
3. How to Adapt the Story to the New Gameplay? — The Incompatibility Between Soul-Like Gameplay and Traditional Narrative
Gameplay and storyline are inseparable, just like food and its container: they need to complement each other for a good experience.
- What Makes Traditional Gu Jian Unique? It follows the JRPG format of "Final Fantasy," where players form teams, travel together, and experience various events (such as the bond between Bai Li Tu Su and his companions).
- What Does Soul-Like Gameplay Require? In games like "Elden Ring," players are alone, and the story is constructed through environmental descriptions and item interactions (with no long-term teammates). This style is not well-suited for traditional narrative storytelling but works well for stories about a deteriorating world or heroic destinies.
- Gu Jian 3 Already Shows Signs of This Issue: Although it retains a team element, the storyline focuses mainly on Bei Luo, with other characters serving as background. Players find the main emotional thread unclear. If the game fully adopts a soul-like gameplay, the sense of companionship that veteran players cherish may be lost.
4. Reboots Are Not a Dead End, but the Right Approach Is Needed to Preserve the IP's Essence
The problem is not insurmountable, but we need to focus on preserving the core essence of "Gu Jian":
- Difficulty Issues: We can learn from games like "Elden Ring" by incorporating elements like summoning spirits (which are already present in the trial version) to make the game more accessible to less skilled players.
- Storytelling Solutions: The game could adopt a "episode-based" structure, with each chapter telling a separate story. Alternatively, we could use techniques from "The Legend of Zelda," such as having companions who do not interfere with combat, to maintain character relationships.
- What Is the Core? Players miss not the specific gameplay mechanics (turn-based or real-time) but the emotional connection between characters like Bai Li Tu Su and Feng Qing Xue. If the new "Gu Jian" can find new ways to convey these emotions through a soul-like gameplay, it will still be "Gu Jian." If it only changes the combat system without addressing the narrative, it's understandable for fans to question whether it's still the same game.
In conclusion, a reboot is both an opportunity and a risk. It can either continue the spirit of the IP or lead to the creation of a completely new brand. Only when the game is officially released will we know the answer.