Loulan: The Cursed Sand Arrives on PS5

Loulan: The Cursed Sand is a new action RPG that transports players to the historic Silk Road, specifically the ancient Western Regions of China. Players assume the role of a skeletal warrior known as the Cursed Sand, who harnesses the mystical power of sand while on a quest to locate the lost kingdom of Loulan and save his beloved princess.

Story Inspiration

The narrative of Loulan draws heavily from the archaeological discovery of the “Xiaohe Princess.” This captivating tale follows the Cursed Sand, a resurrected royal guard, who undertakes a poignant journey to find the Princess of Loulan. The protagonist’s character design is inspired by the Loulan mummies and the distinctive desert sand, resulting in a dual-form warrior.

Character Mechanics

The Cursed Sand possesses two forms: Sand Form and Bone Form. In Sand Form, he is enveloped in golden sand, establishing himself as a balanced fighter. When he unleashes his sand to create a formidable sand blade, he transitions into Bone Form, maximizing his combat prowess for intense one-versus-many battles.

Combat Challenges

During his adventure, players will encounter various formidable factions. These range from the powerful Loulan royal family, who wield solar energy, to the frost-bound spiders inhabiting the Western Regions. This diverse array of enemies adds depth to the gameplay experience.

Visuals and Environment

The game features reimagined landscapes of the ancient Western Region, blending fantasy elements with iconic settings. Players will traverse vast deserts and winding rivers of sand, immersing themselves in the visual splendor of this lost kingdom.

Development Team Insights

• Loulan is backed by SIE under the China Hero Project.
• The development team comprises 16 members from multiple regions.
• Team members are seasoned gamers from the ’80s and ’90s.
• Many have experience with renowned studios like Santa Monica Studio, FromSoftware, and PlatinumGames.

The team’s passion for the action genre is evident. They aim to expand its boundaries while infusing elements of fantasy inspired by the ancient Silk Road, particularly the enchanting kingdom of Loulan.

Gameplay Experience

Loulan: The Cursed Sand aims to deliver a unique gameplay experience through its retro top-down camera style. By combining classic arcade-style combat with modern game mechanics, players can engage in dynamic interactions with the protagonist’s sandblade. The developers sincerely hope that players enjoy this immersive journey through Loulan.