NetEase Unveils Blood Message: A Single-Player Action Game Set in Ancient China

06/20/2025 Action

NetEase, known for games like Marvel Rivals and Naraka: Bladepoint, is stepping into the single-player arena with Blood Message. Set in Tang dynasty China, it seems like we're going to be following a "nameless messenger" and his son as they navigate a land steeped in history and culture. Think legendary Silk Road trade routes and uprisings in places like Shazhou, Dunhuang. The goal? To carve a lasting tale of loyalty, all brought to life with the power of Unreal Engine 5.

While I'm no expert on the historical setting, the gameplay snippets in the trailer definitely gave me some God of War vibes. We're talking squeezing through tight spaces (likely while the next area loads!), having an AI partner to help you progress and brutal environmental finishers. Plus, who doesn't love a good bit of sliding through collapsing scenery or desperately QTE-ing to avoid becoming roadkill? It definitely seems action-packed.

Admittedly, I might be a tad cynical about the whole "vibrantly violent" thing, especially since it seems to be full of exploding environments. On the other hand, the game's setting is a very interesting period of history, and seeing it up close could be pretty cool. I just hope the game doesn't take itself too seriously.

NetEase wants us to ponder the profound question of how ordinary people leave their mark on history. Their answer is that future generations will remember and praise them, essentially building an eternal monument. Which is a nice thought, considering those monuments in the trailer seem to be held together with sheer willpower and a prayer. According to NetEase executive vice president Zhipeng Hu, this is their first fully single-player focused game. No release date has been announced yet, so stay tuned!