Games Where Asian Mythology Was Respected and Expanded

Video games are now using Asian mythology in much more sophisticated ways than just for looks. Developers are going beyond common clichés and really studying Eastern legends to create meaningful stories that respect their origins and spiritual themes. These games can also teach players about different cultures, introducing them to complex mythologies and traditions. By combining historical details with fantastical elements, they offer a fresh take on ancient stories while staying true to their cultural background.

‘Black Myth: Wukong’ (2024)

I’m so excited about this new game! It’s made by Game Science, and it’s based on the classic Chinese story, ‘Journey to the West.’ You play as this character called the Destined One, and you basically travel through a world full of gods and demons from Chinese legends. What’s really cool is that the developers have actually rebuilt real places and religious symbols from China in the game. And the fighting? It’s based on actual martial arts and magical powers described in the original book – it looks amazing!

‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ (2019)

This action game, created by FromSoftware and published by Activision, takes place in a fantastical version of 16th-century Japan. Though inspired by history, the story explores Buddhist ideas about rebirth and the dangers of living forever. Players will battle mythical creatures and bosses drawn from Japanese folklore, like the massive Great Serpent and the powerful Guardian Ape. The game’s world is beautifully designed, reflecting careful research into the architecture and religious beliefs of the time.

‘Ghost of Tsushima’ (2020)

Ghost of Tsushima, created by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony, tells the story of the Mongol invasion of Japan. The main game is a sweeping historical tale, and the ‘Legends’ expansion adds a supernatural twist, drawing on Japanese folklore and Shinto beliefs. Players team up to battle demons and other mythical creatures, further enriching the game’s world. The developers worked closely with cultural experts to accurately and respectfully portray Japanese traditions and the way of the samurai.

‘Ōkami’ (2006)

Created by Clover Studio and published by Capcom, this game stars Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, who appears as a white wolf. It beautifully presents ancient Japanese stories using a unique art style inspired by traditional ink wash painting. Players control the game by using a special brush to paint and interact with the world, ultimately battling the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi. The story is filled with characters and tales from Japanese folklore, featuring figures like Susanoo and Kaguya.

‘Nioh 2’ (2020)

Created by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, this game takes place before the events of ‘Nioh’ and explores a world where spirits from Japanese folklore, known as Yokai, are part of historical Sengoku-era Japan. Players design their own character who can transform into these powerful, mythical beings. The game includes a detailed encyclopedia explaining the history and meaning behind each Yokai. Building on the gameplay of ‘Nioh,’ this title features even more challenging enemies and spirit companions.

‘Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty’ (2023)

Okay, so I’ve been playing this awesome dark fantasy game developed by Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, and it’s seriously cool. It’s set in ancient China during the Han Dynasty, right in the middle of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. You play as this soldier fighting not just other people, but also demons and warriors who’ve been corrupted. The coolest part? You get to use these powerful creatures – they call them Divine Beasts – based on classic Chinese mythology, like the Azure Dragon and the Vermilion Bird. It’s basically a retelling of the ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ story, but with a ton of supernatural stuff and Taoist magic thrown in. It’s a really fresh take on a classic!

‘Jade Empire’ (2005)

This action role-playing game, created by BioWare and published by Microsoft Game Studios, takes place in a world inspired by ancient China. Players can learn and use different martial arts styles and magical powers in combat. As they play, they’ll encounter spirits and gods rooted in traditional Chinese beliefs. The game’s environments and buildings are designed to look like historical Chinese landscapes and reflect Chinese philosophy.

‘Fate/Samurai Remnant’ (2023)

Okay, so I’m playing this new game developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo, and it’s seriously cool. It’s set in old Edo-period Japan, and the main thing is this big battle called the Waxing Moon Ritual. Basically, powerful masters summon heroes and spirits from the past – think historical figures and legends – to fight for them. It’s part of the ‘Fate’ series, but it really dives into Japanese history and folklore. I’m running around historical Tokyo, meeting all these awesome spirits like Tamamo-no-Mae, who are pulled straight from Asian myths. It’s a really neat blend of history, legend, and action!

‘Toukiden 2’ (2016)

This game, created by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo, puts you in the role of a Slayers warrior defending humanity from invading Oni. It’s set in a large, open world inspired by Japanese myths and Shinto beliefs, teeming with monsters. Players use special abilities, called the Hand of the Gods, to manipulate the environment and target weak points on massive, legendary creatures. The story highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual harmony in a world facing supernatural dangers.

‘Shin Megami Tensei V’ (2021)

This role-playing game, created by Atlus, boasts a huge collection of gods and demons, particularly from Asian traditions. Players take on the role of a student who joins forces with a powerful supernatural entity to navigate a ruined, post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The game is rich with background information on well-known figures like Izanagi, Hanuman, and different Bodhisattvas. Its story delves into complex religious ideas and the repeating patterns of creation and destruction found in Eastern thought.

‘Genshin Impact’ (2020)

Genshin Impact, created by HoYoverse, is an open-world game with areas inspired by different cultures around the globe. One prominent example is Liyue, which draws heavily from Chinese culture. The story in Liyue includes ideas from Taoism, mythical beings called Adepti, and celebrations like the Lantern Rite. Characters such as Zhongli and Xiao are designed based on Chinese myths and historical styles. Throughout the game, you’ll find buildings and stories that celebrate ancient Chinese philosophy and the art of landscape painting.

‘Wild Hearts’ (2023)

This hunting game, created by Omega Force and published by Electronic Arts, takes place in Azuma, a world based on feudal Japan. Players hunt massive beasts called Kemono using ancient Karakuri technology. These creatures are inspired by animals and spirits from Japanese folklore and mythology, and the game highlights the important connection between people and nature, a central idea in Shinto beliefs.

‘Naraka: Bladepoint’ (2021)

This battle royale game, created by 24 Entertainment and published by NetEase Games, is unique for its focus on martial arts and stories from Eastern mythology. The game’s background revolves around an endless conflict between Sunwing, the sun god, and Moonwing, the moon god. Players can choose from a variety of heroes with powers drawn from Asian folklore – for example, the monk Tianhai, who can transform into a powerful Vajra. The game environments, filled with temples and statues, are inspired by traditional Chinese art and religious beliefs.

‘Gujian 3’ (2018)

This Chinese role-playing game, created by Aurogon and published by Wangyuan Shengtang, is inspired by the rich world of Xianxia fantasy. It tells a story about achieving immortality, developing spiritual power, and maintaining harmony between different worlds. Players will discover creatures and landscapes taken from the ancient Chinese text, ‘Classic of Mountains and Seas’. The game is praised for its beautiful graphics and its commitment to showcasing Chinese culture.

‘Xuan-Yuan Sword VII’ (2020)

This action-RPG, created by Softstar Entertainment and published by Yooreka Studio, takes place in ancient China during the Western Han Dynasty. It combines real historical events with elements of Chinese mythology and the philosophy of Mohism. Players take on the role of Taishi Zhao, a skilled swordsman who can capture monsters and create new equipment using a special scroll called the Elysium Scroll. The game’s story explores the tension between new technologies and old beliefs in a world filled with supernatural occurrences.

Share which of these mythological worlds you found most captivating in the comments.

2026-01-22 14:46