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Immortals Fenyx Rising: Myths of the Eastern Realm, the second DLC for Ubisoft’s Immortals Fenyx Rising, transports players from the familiar landscapes of Greek mythology to the vibrant, mystical world of ancient China. This expansion offers a fresh perspective while retaining the core gameplay mechanics that defined the original title. But does this Eastern adventure live up to the charm and excitement of its predecessor?

Myths of the Eastern RealmAlt: Ku, the protagonist of Immortals Fenyx Rising: Myths of the Eastern Realm, stands ready for adventure in a vibrant Eastern landscape.

A Standalone Experience

Myths of the Eastern Realm stands as a largely independent experience. Players step into the shoes of Ku, a villager awakened from a long slumber only to find his world plunged into chaos. Prior experience with Immortals Fenyx Rising isn’t required, as the DLC reintroduces core mechanics with a streamlined tutorial. You’ll discover a new world, new characters, and a new story, all steeped in Eastern mythology.

Embracing the East

The shift to an Eastern setting is immediately apparent. Gone are the Greek gods and monsters, replaced by figures and creatures inspired by Chinese legends. Ku’s journey begins after witnessing his fellow villagers turned to stone and encountering a celestial event that sets him on a path to meet the goddess Nuwa. From there, the familiar hero’s journey unfolds, albeit with an Eastern twist.

Myths of the Eastern RealmAlt: Ku battles a stylized enemy in Immortals Fenyx Rising: Myths of the Eastern Realm, showcasing the game’s combat mechanics.

New abilities, like launching swords in a Bagua formation and enhanced aerial mobility, provide a fresh feel to combat. Resources and collectibles also get an Eastern makeover, with Xi Rang replacing Ambrosia for health restoration. The humorous banter between characters returns, with Nuwa taking on the role of the comedic narrator, albeit with a different style of humor compared to Zeus and Prometheus.

Reimagined Puzzles

The most significant gameplay changes are found within the Vaults. While visually distinct, these puzzle chambers feature new and reworked challenges. Players will manipulate wind chimes while dodging lasers, ride clouds across treacherous gaps, and navigate intricate laser grids. These updated puzzles offer a fresh challenge, even for veterans of the original game.

A Story Lacking Depth

While the Eastern setting is refreshing, the narrative of Myths of the Eastern Realm falls short of the original. The plot feels recycled, mirroring the basic premise of a world threatened by ancient evil, requiring a hero to rise and restore balance. The character roster is significantly smaller, lacking the depth and development of the original cast. Nuwa’s attempts at humor often fall flat, while Ku’s personality and dialogue can be grating.

Myths of the Eastern RealmAlt: A scenic view of the Eastern-inspired landscape in Immortals Fenyx Rising: Myths of the Eastern Realm.

Recycled Content and Limited Scope

The feeling of recycled content extends beyond the narrative. The smaller map, limited story, and reduced cast contribute to a sense of unfulfilled potential. While the Vaults are generally longer, the puzzles within often feel repetitive. Combat encounters also lack the dynamism and challenge of the original, with enemies offering little motivation for engagement.

Myths of the Eastern RealmAlt: Nuwa, the goddess, observes Ku in Immortals Fenyx Rising: Myths of the Eastern Realm, offering guidance and commentary.

A Missed Opportunity?

Ultimately, Myths of the Eastern Realm feels less like a fully realized expansion and more like a reskinned, abbreviated version of the original game. While the Eastern aesthetic and some new gameplay elements are welcome additions, the lackluster story, limited scope, and repetitive content prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor.

Myths of the Eastern RealmAlt: Ku explores a puzzle chamber within a Vault in Immortals Fenyx Rising: Myths of the Eastern Realm, showcasing the game’s puzzle mechanics.

Conclusion

Myths of the Eastern Realm offers a glimpse into a new mythological world with a fresh visual style and some interesting gameplay tweaks. However, its shortcomings in narrative, scope, and overall depth prevent it from capturing the magic of the original Immortals Fenyx Rising. While fans of the core gameplay loop may find some enjoyment, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to fully explore the potential of an Eastern-inspired adventure.