The Bustling World

The Bustling World is an ambitious RPG with life sim and strategy elements. It was developed by an indie studio FireWo Games.

Plot

The Bustling World is set in ancient China. The playable character must make many decisions, all of which influence the adventures they'll experience.

Mechanics

The Bustling World is an isometric game set in a vast open world, consisting of bustling cities, smaller settlements and beautiful landscapes. It's up to us how our stay in China will look like. We can live in a city and run our own business (a shop, workshop, hotel, pharmacy), maintain a peaceful farm, go out adventuring, complete quests, learn China's secrets, face numerous dangers and even become a criminal, working solo or in a group. If we so desire, we can try claiming some land, establish our own kingdom, let it develop, set up laws and engage in diplomacy with our neighbors.

Compared to other RPGs, the game stands out with its numerous mechanics borrowed from other genres. Farming is very extensive, letting us cultivate dozens different plants and raise various animals. Crafting is just as complex, using diverse resources, obtained independently or purchased from merchants. We can even expand it into a business, hiring employees to create items for us. There are also numerous buildings to construct out of over two thousand different elements, furniture and decorations.

Many different systems ensure the game's realism. NPCs have their own personalities, live their own lives and react to our actions; we can make friends, enemies and even fall in love. The game's market operated by its own rules, prices depend on the region and demand for goods, as well as on the worldwide situation. If we commit a crime, we can either hide from the authorities, do our time or break into their headquarters to destroy incriminating documents.

During our downtime we can indulge in various activities, such as cards, martial arts competitions, horse racing and building.

Game modes

The Bustling World supports singleplayer and multiplayer.

Technical aspects

The Bustling World makes use of an animated artstyle reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings from the Tanf and Song dynasties. This is mostly visible in how buildings and clothes look, rendered with attention to minor details.