Info about Sword and Fairy 7:

Official game description:
Notice
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We suggest you upgrade both Windows OS and graphics drive to the latest version.  
AMD graphics don't support Ray Tracing for this game in this version, we are working hard on it for optimization and will bring this cool technology to AMD graphics users in the near future.
About the Game
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“Swords and Fairy 7” is an action role-playing game developed by Softstar Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
This game starts with the story among three clans “Human”, “Deity”, and “Demon”, it brings rich story-lines as well as improves the battle system compared with its previous episodes. Third person real time action mode is being used to replace the traditional turn-based battle, more fun and excitements will be brought to the players. With the smooth combat experience, this game will come at you with a boom of the traditional oriental aesthetics. Get ready for the adventure in this beautiful oriental world.
Variety of game systems, brand new battle system
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Other than its previous episodes, this time, real-time fight is adopted, players can enter the battle anytime, plus the character you control can be switched anytime as you wish.  
Multi-skills make the battle smoother than ever
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Skills can be equipped in for each character, they can be used anytime during the battle, making combats more diverse and smoother.  
Pet your Spirits
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Those little cute spirits can be available as the story goes deeper, they will assist you for better exploration along the journey, don’t forget to feed them.  
Mini Game
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A card game can be a better choice for you after the intense battle.

Release date: Oct 21, 2021

Categories: Action RPG, Character Progression, Character Customization, Third-Person Shooter, Real-time Combat, Pet Raising System, Mini-game Collection, NPC Relationships & Romance, Story-driven Gameplay

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 90; verdict: Predatory Monetization; summary: The game employs aggressive monetization tactics centered around its DLC, 'Dreamlike World Expansion.' The most critical issue is the locking of the *complete ending* behind a paid DLC, which users widely condemn as a predatory 'Day-1 DLC' strategy. The base game is frequently described as incomplete or flawed, with the DLC acting as a narrative patch to address these shortcomings. This creates a 'create problem, sell solution' dynamic, where players are pressured to purchase the DLC to experience the full story. Additionally, the DLC introduces gameplay mechanics that feel disjointed or poorly integrated, further detracting from the user experience. While the DLC improves the game's narrative and emotional impact, the monetization strategy is exploitative and significantly impacts the game's perceived fairness.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Instructional Data Dependency (Tier 3); summary: The primary user pain points revolve around **external data dependency** to compensate for in-game shortcomings. The most severe issues include poor quest guidance (forcing wiki reliance), hidden collectibles requiring spatial data, and bug-induced progression blocks. While lore context is appreciated, it is not a critical barrier. The game’s design inadvertently pushes users toward external resources, particularly for instructional and spatial data.
- Steam Deck: score 80; verdict: Broken; summary: The game suffers from critical technical flaws, including frequent crashes, GPU errors, and black screens (High severity), alongside pervasive optimization issues causing frame drops and stuttering even on high-end hardware (High severity). Visual fidelity and UI readability are also problematic, with users reporting blurry textures and poorly animated characters (Medium severity). While Steam Deck compatibility is noted as a positive, it is overshadowed by the broader stability and performance issues. The lack of forced Proton/launcher workarounds prevents a lower score, but the game's technical shortcomings are severe enough to warrant a 'Broken' verdict.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging and Emotional Story (weight 0.96): The narrative is described as immersive, emotionally resonant, and well-paced, with multiple twists and a satisfying conclusion. The DLC 'Human World Like Dream' is particularly noted for enhancing the story.
- Outstanding Music and Soundtrack (weight 0.95): The game's music, including collaborations with artists like Zhou Shen and Chen Zhiyi, is frequently mentioned as emotionally impactful and top-tier. Tracks like '相守' and '人间如梦' are standout examples.
- Stunning Visuals and Art Design (weight 0.94): The game is praised for its high-quality visuals, detailed environments, and beautiful Chinese-style aesthetics. Specific locations like the Xianxia Sect and character models are highlighted as exceptional.
- Innovative Real-Time Combat (weight 0.92): The transition from turn-based to real-time combat is seen as a major improvement, offering fluid and dynamic gameplay. The combat system is praised for its responsiveness and visual feedback.
- Nostalgic Easter Eggs and Lore (weight 0.9): The game includes numerous references to previous installments, such as characters, music, and lore, which evoke nostalgia and add value for long-time fans of the series.
- Well-Developed Characters (weight 0.88): Characters are praised for their depth, backstories, and relationships. Side quests and dialogues enhance immersion and provide meaningful character development.
- DLC Enhances Experience (weight 0.87): The DLC 'Human World Like Dream' is highlighted for providing a satisfying conclusion, additional story content, and improvements to the base game's narrative and gameplay.
- Good Value for Money (weight 0.84): The game is considered reasonably priced, especially with the inclusion of DLC, offering a high-quality audiovisual experience and substantial content volume.
- Optimized Performance (weight 0.82): The game runs smoothly on various hardware configurations, including laptops with RTX 2060/3060 GPUs, and offers good optimization for high settings and 4K resolution.
- Fun and Engaging Mini-Games (weight 0.8): Mini-games and puzzles are enjoyable and not overly difficult, with options to skip them if desired. They add variety and relaxation to the gameplay experience.
- Dynamic NPC Interactions (weight 0.78): NPCs adapt their dialogues based on story progression and player actions, enhancing immersion and making the world feel alive and responsive.

Common complaints:
- Frustrating Puzzles and Platforming (weight 0.57): Puzzles are poorly designed, confusing, and often feel like padding to extend playtime. Platforming mechanics are described as clunky, frustrating, and poorly implemented, particularly in the DLC.
- Poor Side Quest Design (weight 0.51): Side quests are described as repetitive, overly long, and lacking meaningful content. Many feel like filler or 'toilet cleaning' tasks with no substantial narrative or gameplay value.
- Inconsistent and Unbalanced Difficulty (weight 0.46): The game suffers from inconsistent difficulty, with some boss fights being overly easy while others are unfairly difficult due to poor mechanics, long animations, or lack of save points.
- Excessive Bugs and Glitches (weight 0.35): Numerous technical issues, including game-breaking bugs, crashes, and poor optimization, are reported. Players frequently encounter frame drops, stuttering, and unresponsive controls, particularly in specific areas.
- Forced and Unskippable Content (weight 0.27): Players express frustration with unskippable cutscenes, forced dialogue, and mandatory mini-games that disrupt gameplay flow. Some content, like the DLC, is criticized for locking key story elements behind a paywall.
- Short and Unfulfilling Playtime (weight 0.19): The main story and DLC are described as too short, with players completing the game in under 30 hours. The pacing is criticized as slow, with excessive cutscenes and repetitive tasks.
- Poor Localization and Voice Acting (weight 0.19): The English translation is criticized for awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and lack of immersion. Voice acting is inconsistent, with some characters lacking lip-sync or emotional depth.

Gameplay feedback:
- Story-driven cinematic focus (weight 0.63): The game emphasizes narrative with frequent cutscenes, detailed character dialogues, and a three-act plot structure. Some players felt the story overshadowed gameplay, especially in DLC.
- Diverse mini-games and puzzles (weight 0.62): Mini-games (e.g., card games, platforming, stealth) and puzzles are integrated throughout the game, though some are criticized as poorly designed or repetitive. DLC content often focuses on these elements.
- Real-time combat overhaul (weight 0.58): The game replaced its traditional turn-based combat with a real-time action system, including cooldowns, combos, and character-switching mechanics. Players noted stiffness, poor hit detection, and unresponsive controls as key issues.
- Character progression and variety (weight 0.55): Four playable characters with unique combat styles, skill trees, and progression systems (e.g., spirit bonds, equipment crafting) are featured. Players appreciated the variety but noted balancing issues.
- Movement and platforming flaws (weight 0.55): Jumping, traversal, and platforming mechanics (e.g., Leaf Spirit puzzles) are inconsistent, with issues like poor collision detection and forced walking segments frustrating players.
- Boss fight challenges (weight 0.52): Boss battles are criticized for unclear mechanics, lack of stagger, and high difficulty. Players suggested improvements like clearer weaknesses or stun mechanics.
- Semi-open world limitations (weight 0.52): The game features semi-open zones with exploration, collectibles (e.g., Wanxiang), and fast travel, but invisible walls and air walls restrict movement, breaking immersion.
- DLC diverges from base game (weight 0.51): DLC content abandons the base game’s combat in favor of narrative-driven or puzzle-focused gameplay (e.g., map traversal, jumping puzzles), which some players found disjointed.

Performance notes:
- Cutscene performance problems (weight 0.24): Cutscenes frequently cause stuttering, audio desyncs, and crashes, with some users reporting black screens or visual glitches during transitions. These issues disrupt immersion and narrative flow.
- High system requirements (weight 0.23): The game demands significant GPU and VRAM resources, struggling to maintain stable performance on mid-to-high-end systems. Users report needing DLSS or lower settings for smooth gameplay.
- Hardware-specific instability (weight 0.22): High-end GPUs (e.g., RTX 3080/4070) experience unstable frame rates, often dropping below 30 FPS despite running other games smoothly. VRAM spikes and memory leaks exacerbate crashes.
- Visual and lighting glitches (weight 0.19): Users report blurry textures, overexposure during lighting transitions, and inconsistent anti-aliasing (TAA). Character models and grass textures appear pixelated in certain scenes.
- Limited graphics customization (weight 0.19): The game lacks key settings like DLSS toggles, custom FPS limits, or internal resolution scaling, forcing players to rely on external tools or hardware upgrades for performance.
- Loading time inconsistencies (weight 0.17): Map loading times vary drastically (2–10+ seconds), with ray tracing significantly increasing delays. Some users report smooth load times, suggesting hardware-dependent performance.
- Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.04): While playable on Steam Deck, the game suffers from visual compromises and occasional bugs, likely due to VRAM constraints or lack of platform-specific optimizations.
- DLC and post-launch issues (weight 0.01): DLC content introduces additional crashes (e.g., UE4 engine errors) and optimization regressions, such as screen freezes during gameplay or transitions.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for story-driven RPG fans (weight 0.28): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy narrative-heavy experiences, Chinese mythology, and emotional storytelling. Fans of the series or wuxia genre will find it particularly appealing, especially if purchased at a discount.
- DLC strongly recommended for completeness (weight 0.27): The DLC is frequently cited as essential for a complete story experience, including post-main-story content. It is recommended to purchase alongside the base game, especially for fans of the characters and narrative.
- Best for fans, not newcomers (weight 0.26): The game is primarily recommended for fans of the series or Chinese RPGs, with nostalgia and cultural appreciation cited as key motivators. Non-fans or those seeking fast-paced action may find it less appealing.
- Discount purchase advised (weight 0.25): Many reviewers recommend buying the game only at a discounted price, citing its flaws in writing and design. It is positioned as a worthwhile experience for its value, especially during sales.
- Puzzle and side content improvements (weight 0.25): Players suggest redesigning puzzles for better flow and exploring side content for deeper character development. Optional lore entries (e.g., like 'Xian 5’s' library) are proposed for Wanxiang.
- Controller and performance tips (weight 0.23): Using a PS5 controller is recommended over keyboard for better control. Players also advise setting depth sampling to 'balanced' for improved performance.
- Cultural openness and future potential (weight 0.22): Players encourage approaching the game with an open mind to cultural differences in writing. Future installments are anticipated to improve combat strategy and narrative sharpness.
- Combat and mechanics need refinement (weight 0.04): Players suggest improving combat fluidity, skill mechanics, and hit detection. Additions like defense mechanics, interruptible skills, and balanced difficulty are frequently requested to enhance gameplay depth.
- Modding and remaster potential (weight 0.02): There is interest in mods to enhance gameplay and a desire for a remastered version of the game to address technical and design limitations.

Other player notes:
- High industry and nostalgic value (weight 0.09): The game is praised for its nostalgic appeal to long-time fans and its significance in the Chinese gaming industry, often compared to other major franchises like 'Gu Jian' and 'Xuan-Yuan Sword.' It is seen as a benchmark for domestic single-player games.
- Critique of writing and romance subplots (weight 0.06): Some players criticize the game's writing quality and specific romantic subplots, such as those involving Wang Xiaohu and QiQi. There are suggestions that the series should not continue due to these issues.
- Strong cultural and historical inspiration (weight 0.05): The game draws heavily from Chinese mythology, particularly 'Journey to the West,' and incorporates historical elements like Song Dynasty architecture and Qin-Han armor. This cultural depth is a standout feature in the Chinese single-player market.
- Fan service and nostalgia-driven experience (weight 0.03): The game leverages fan service and nostalgia for the IP, creating a strong personal connection for players who have followed the series. This includes appreciation for character designs like '二师姐.'
- Comparisons to other games and series (weight 0.03): Frequent comparisons are made to other games in the series (e.g., 'Gu Jian 3,' 'Xuan-Yuan Sword 7') and previous installments like 'The Legend of Sword and Fairy 5,' highlighting expectations and benchmarks for quality.
- Lack of official Russian localization (weight 0.01): Players note the absence of official Russian language support, relying instead on fan-made localizations. The Russian localization team received specific thanks for their efforts.
- Mixed reactions to DLC and side content (weight 0.01): Some players did not engage with side quests or the DLC 'Dreamlike World,' suggesting either a lack of interest or time constraints in exploring additional content.
- Story-driven genre preference (weight 0.01): The game is described as heavily story-driven, requiring players to enjoy this genre to fully appreciate it. This is a key aspect of its design and appeal.
- Financial and sales context (weight 0.01): Discussions include the game's sales figures (around 1 million copies) and production costs (approximately 50 million RMB), providing context for its commercial success and industry impact.
- Anticipation for future installments (weight 0.01): Despite critiques, there is excitement and speculation about the future of the series, with players looking forward to the next installment.
- Preference for past installments (weight 0.01): Certain players express a preference for the characters and writers of previous games in the series, indicating a perceived decline in quality or attachment to past elements.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.24): Players experience significant frustration due to widespread technical issues, including frequent crashes, poor optimization, frame drops, and unplayable performance on various hardware. Additionally, gameplay mechanics such as unresponsive combat, clunky controls, poorly designed puzzles, and disruptive UI elements exacerbate the negative experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.21): The game fails to meet expectations due to shallow storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and repetitive or unengaging gameplay mechanics. Players express dissatisfaction with the decline in quality compared to previous entries in the series, citing weak combat, poor pacing, and a lack of innovation or depth in both narrative and gameplay systems.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.09): Longtime fans of the series are drawn to the game due to its emotional connection to past installments, including callbacks to beloved characters, music, and lore. The game evokes childhood memories and a sense of closure for the franchise, with players appreciating its cultural and artistic nods to classic elements of the series.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Players who enjoyed the game highlight its beautiful visuals, engaging story, and well-crafted music as key positive aspects. Some appreciate the DLC content, improved combat mechanics, and overall value for money, particularly when the game runs smoothly or aligns with their expectations for the series.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): The game is praised for its high-quality art design, scenic beauty, and immersive soundtrack, which create a romantic and culturally rich atmosphere. Players also appreciate the effort put into character development, storytelling, and technical details, such as Easter eggs and localization, which enhance the overall experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Players express excitement about the game’s engaging combat system, visually stunning cutscenes, and well-crafted story. The demo’s positive reception and the game’s unique aesthetic or features, such as remastered music or character appearances, also contribute to this emotion.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Fans of the series express hope for future installments, remakes, or improvements in subsequent games. Some players see potential in the developer’s efforts and anticipate a revival of Chinese single-player games, particularly in the xianxia genre, inspired by the game’s strengths.
- Disgust (weight 0.02): Players react strongly to poorly written dialogue, forced romantic subplots, and unappealing character designs. The game’s technical shortcomings, such as excessive bugs or poor combat mechanics, also contribute to feelings of disgust, with some describing the experience as frustrating or shallow.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Despite its flaws, some players find the game enjoyable due to its engaging story, fun combat, and immersive world-building. The relaxing or cinematic elements, such as beautiful scenery and well-crafted BGM, also contribute to a positive experience for certain audiences.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players express anger over game-breaking bugs, poor optimization, and frustrating design choices, such as unfair difficulty spikes or poorly implemented mechanics. Some also criticize perceived political or narrative missteps, such as forced censorship or poorly written story logic, which detract from the overall experience.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Players derive joy from the game’s beautiful visuals, emotional storytelling, and satisfying character interactions. The perfect ending for certain characters, immersive music, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the game create a deeply positive and emotionally resonant experience for some.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Some players find humor in the game’s unintentionally funny moments, such as awkward translations, absurd plot twists, or poorly written dialogue. These elements, while often criticized, provide a source of amusement for certain audiences.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire the game’s artistic design, including its visual effects, character models, and world-building. The attention to detail in combat mechanics, such as high-skill damage outputs or challenging boss fights, also earns praise from those who appreciate the game’s technical and creative efforts.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): The game evokes sadness among longtime fans due to the perceived decline of the series or its conclusion. Emotional moments in the story, such as character arcs or nostalgic callbacks, also contribute to feelings of melancholy, particularly for those invested in the franchise’s legacy.
- Affection (weight 0.01): Players develop affection for specific characters, such as Yue Qingshu or Bai Moqing, due to their design, personalities, or story arcs. The game’s music, visuals, and attention to detail also foster a sense of warmth and attachment among its audience.
- Awe (weight 0.01): The game’s stunning visuals, immersive soundtrack, and detailed world design create a sense of awe for some players. The Xianxia Sect’s design, in particular, is described as transporting players into a celestial world, evoking a feeling of wonder and admiration.}