China Hero Project 2023: 5 Best Announcements

Although there are some exciting PlayStation games coming out this July, they did not take center stage. Instead, phase three of PlayStations China Hero Project, which took place on July 26, managed to steal the spotlight. With three new game trailers revealed, and updates on prior games, there was a lot to digest at the latest presentation. That's why we've got you covered with the five best announcements from the China Hero Project 2023 right below.

If you didn't know, the PlayStation China Hero Project is a program by Sony Interactive Entertainment Shanghai that gives Chinese developers a chance to enter global markets via PS5. From big international developers to small indies, PlayStations China Hero Project is a great way to discover games we normally don't get to see the likes of on our shores. And, as it looks right now, the games below are turning the most heads.

5. Lost Soul Aside

The first name on this list of the best announcements from the PlayStation China Hero Project 2023 is Lost Soul Aside, an upcoming action RPG from UltiZero Games that looks to be a blend between Square Enix's Final Fantasy series and Capcom's Devil May Cry series.

However, Lost Soul Aside will center its universe around Kazer, “following his accidental merger with the symbiont Arena”—a supernatural race. Joined by a crystal dragon that has the power to morph into whatever its companion needs, Kazer will venture forth and collect allies in a bid to defy the authorities—an outfit that brand the protagonist as “inhuman”.

The game is preparing to launch in 2024 for PS4 and PS5, which is just right around the corner. So, if it's piqued your interest, be sure to read everything we know about Lost Soul Aside here.

4. Exiledge

Although Exiledge is not one of the new announcements from phase three of the PlayStation China Hero Project, but rather an old one, it did show off some stunning new footage. From developers Enigmatrix, Exiledge is a “next-generation high-speed third-person shooting game.” However, shooting isn't Exiledges' only action component; the game also acts as a hack-and-slash with hero abilities. As a result, the action gameplay encompasses TPS, hero abilities, and hack-and-slash all into one.

It's a really groundbreaking idea, and it's a big reason why the China Hero Project is so crucial for us gamers to be aware of. Otherwise, where would we find excellent action games like Exiledge? Nonetheless, if you'd like to learn more about this title, check out this article to find out everything we know about Exiledge.

3. The Winds Rising

TiGames' The Winds Rising was one of the new announcements during phase three of PlayStations China Hero Project. The upcoming action RPG follows the story of “a girl from a peaceful village who embarks on a grand adventure after encountering a lost monster cub, which affects the rise and fall of the entire kingdom.” It sounds like quite the hero's journey, which in a videogame usually results in two things: a riveting narrative and exhilarating action gameplay.

The Winds Rising, which was unveiled during the China Hero Project, will, of course, be launched on PS5. However, it is too soon to say when. For the time being, you can learn everything else there is to know about The Winds Rising right here. Aside from that, let's see what else phase three of the project had to offer.

2. Daba: Land of Water Scar

Despite the lack of information so far, Daba: Land of Water Scar was one of the most impressive announcements at this year's China Hero Project. It appears to blend the mechanics of Elden Ring with Nioh, which can only imply one thing: You'll be fighting goliath, jaw-dropping enemies. Whatever the case may be, the announcement trailer did an excellent job of catching our interest.

Here's what developers Dark Star had to say, “It tells the story of a humanoid clay puppet. When the world is on the verge of collapse, the puppet traces the whereabouts of the water fragments within the ancient city, and throughout their journey of defeating enemies and seeking answers, unravels the story of the world and oneself.”

Even if that's a little ambiguous, the gameplay looks promising. What's more, if you're a fan of Elden Ring, Daba: Land of Water Scar looks to bring battles of equally epic proportions. So, if you're interested be sure to check out everything we know about the game here.

1. The God Slayer

Although there's a hefty four-year wait ahead of us, we can't contain our excitement over The God Slayer. Even though developers Pathe Games failed to give us an announcement trailer, the screenshots for the upcoming action RPG still made for one of the most intriguing announcements at this year's China Hero Project. We're not sure what is about this year's project and action RPG's, but hey, we aren't complaining one bit.

If we had to guess, we believe The God Slayer will follow in the footsteps of the other announcements on this list; after all, it is an action RPG. Its take, however, is a legendary quest based on Chinese folklore. As a result, it will have its own personality, which we believe to have a lot of promise. So, if you're curious to learn more, we've got all the details covered here.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other announcements from the China Hero Project that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!