Road to Empress
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About Road to Empress
Road to Empress casts you as Wu Zetian, a historical figure who rose to become China's only female emperor. It’s an RPG wrapped in a full-motion video format where every choice matters. The story follows her path through political intrigue, betrayal, and moral dilemmas as she navigates the treacherous halls of the Tang dynasty court. New One Studio crafted it for PC, launching September 8 2025. Think of it as a visual novel meets interactive drama with cinematic acting and a focus on dialogue-driven conflict. The game thrives on tough decisions: spare a rival or eliminate them? Prioritize power or ethics? It’s a single-player journey where your actions shape the narrative.
Gameplay
You spend most sessions watching 30-minute FMV scenes with branching decision points every few minutes. Each choice impacts relationships, reputation, and available story paths. The controls are simple, quick-time events and dialogue trees, but the stakes are high. For example, during a banquet scene, you might pick between a diplomatic retort or a veiled threat, altering how nobles perceive you. Combat is minimal, replaced by strategy in court politics. The game rewards careful listening; subtle cues in performances hint at character motivations. With 12 possible endings, replayability hinges on exploring different moral alignments. Sessions often last 45 minutes to an hour, with frequent pauses to weigh consequences.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 82% with 78% critic score. Average playtime is 15 hours, though 37% of players complete all storylines. Community moods lean intrigue (68%) and tension (55%) but also frustration (22%) over repetitive dialogue options. One review says “the narrative depth justifies the slow pacing,” while another gripes “same choices feel forced after three playthroughs.” Achievements include 35 total, with “Reign Unchallenged” requiring a bloodless path. Completion rates drop sharply after the third act, but 41% of players report finishing within 20 hours. Critics praise the acting but note underdeveloped secondary characters.
PlayPile's Take
Road to Empress works best for fans of historical dramas and branching narratives. It’s a slow burn with dense dialogue, so casual players might tire of the pacing. At a modest asking price, it’s worth trying if you enjoy moral quandaries and rewatching scenes with new context. The 35 achievements add replay value, though grinding for perfect endings could stretch playtime to 30+ hours. Skip this if you prefer action or open worlds. For those patient enough, the story of Wu Zetian’s rise offers a gripping, if occasionally repetitive, experience.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
80.0
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