Road to Empress is out on mobile. Created by New One Studio, it’s a full-motion video game with a celebrity cast. The story is a historical one, set in China, so the entire experience is more like watching a Chinese drama than playing a game.
Truly blurring the line between TV drama and interactive game
Everything in Road to Empress is acted out by a live cast on carefully built sets, all shot in 4K detail. Names like Kuan Hung, Evie Huang, Zeawo, Hana Lin, Zi Yu, and Qi Xiaxia headline the ensemble.
The story revolves around tangled alliances and betrayals in a version of the Tang Dynasty’s imperial court. It draws inspiration from Tang Dynasty legends, particularly the rise of Wu Zetian, the only woman to ever rule China.
The writers have added scandals and supernatural elements alongside the political plotting. You’ll stumble across the Prince’s secret affair with a bard, the Princess’s hidden relationship, and the ghosts said to wander the abandoned Cold Palace.
Your decisions steer the story in Road to Empress. Small choices turn into larger consequences, and one misplaced bit of trust could end in betrayal or death. With more than 100 branching storylines, the goal is survival, but the ultimate reward is ruling as empress.
There is also a system for collecting traditional artefacts and accessing hidden paths. You can also join worldwide polls that crown the most popular characters.
The Road to Empress ain’t an easy one!
New One Studio, the team behind the title, has already made a name for itself in the interactive film space. Their 2019 release, The Invisible Guardian, earned BAFTA nominations and drew millions of players.
Road to Empress is now out on the Google Play Store. There are a total of 16 chapters in the game. While chapters 1 and 2 are free to play, you need to purchase the rest if you want the full story.
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