NetEase Games and developer 24 Entertainment have released a 19-minute gameplay video for "Blood Message", demonstrating the linear gameplay of the single-player action-adventure in the level "Shazhou City".
The footage shown confirms a rigorous combination of stealth mechanics and a directly controllable melee combat system. The demo level focuses on the escape of protagonist Pei Changguan and his brother Altai from Tibetan occupying forces, while the kidnapping of Pei's son A'ning simultaneously drives the primary plot forward.
Mechanics and mission design
The gameplay in “Blood Message“It relies on a clearly structured, linear sequence of areas. The gameplay mechanics primarily depend on the classic pillars of the action genre: light and heavy attacks, dodging, blocking, parrying, and subsequent counter and execution animations. God of War is repeatedly cited as an inspiration. The combat system demands precise timing when countering enemy attacks. Anyone who attacks without thinking will die instantly.”
Direct combat is complemented by rudimentary stealth elements. The video shows sections where the characters must bypass enemy groups by taking detours across rooftops or exploiting lines of sight to avoid being overwhelmed by soldiers. A constant alternation between forced confrontations and stealth sections determines the game's pace.
Narrative and historical context
The narrative structure is based on real historical conflicts of the Tang Dynasty. The dialogues illustrate the brutality of the occupation by Tibetan soldiers (Tubo), who systematically comb through a city in search of secret documents and execute the civilian population.
The gameplay's motivation shifts throughout the level from a political escape to a personal rescue mission. After Pei Changguan reaches his destroyed house, his son is nowhere to be found. A letter left behind points to the historical military leader Zhang Yichao, setting the course for the upcoming story acts. The game avoids narrative breaks; the story unfolds directly through in-game dialogue, emerging from the player's movements.
"Blood Message" delivers exactly what NetEase has promised since its announcement: a mechanically focused, linear single-player experience without any open-world baggage. The combat system relies on tried-and-tested standards but demands concentration. For players, this means an authentic, old-school action-adventure whose success will depend solely on precise hit detection and a consistent frame rate.
