Introduction

As the gaming industry continues to be flooded with major fighting titles like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, there's a surprise contender on the horizon that aims to break the mold. Enter *The Hidden Ones*, an exciting upcoming fighting game from Tencent's Morefun studio. Set to launch in the third quarter of 2025, with an anticipated pre-alpha in January and a closed beta scheduled for March, this title promises to blend motion-captured kung fu combat with thrilling supernatural elements, creating a 3D fighting experience that is both captivating and complex.

Gameplay Mechanics

Having previewed the game recently in Los Angeles, I found its fluid 3D fighting mechanics reminiscent of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero but enhanced with a diverse roster of fighters. The controls are intuitive, making it easy for newcomers to dive into combat, yet the game also offers profound depth that seasoned players will relish navigating. While typical 2D fighters have long reign supreme with their emphasis on technical precision, *The Hidden Ones* innovatively combines unrestricted 3D movement with intricate timing and counterplay, laying the groundwork for a dynamic and engaging combat system.

Narrative and Cultural Elements

Loosely based on the popular webcomic *Hitori no Shita: The Outcast*, which has also been adapted into a respected animated series and a live-action show, *The Hidden Ones* unfolds the story of the Eight Secret Arts—ancient martial techniques recently unearthed by fighters who are always ready for a showdown. The game weaves together elements of Chinese kung fu, Taoism, and other supernatural aspects, resulting in a unique blend of martial arts with mythological undertones.

Lead game designer Fox Lin highlighted the distinctive narrative perspective, noting its "interesting and unique" infusion of Chinese cultural elements that enhance the combat experience. The incorporation of Taoist philosophy, which emphasizes virtues like compassion and simplicity, runs deep, as martial arts historically are deeply rooted in Taoist teachings.

Authenticity in Combat

Unlike other flashy fighting games, *The Hidden Ones* focuses on authentic martial arts combat. With the help of motion capture technology, real martial artists have lent their skills to create lifelike character movements, ensuring that even the fighters with magical abilities engage in combat authentically. This commitment to realism shines through as players can execute seamless special abilities that complement their character's base fighting skills.

In testing out the game, I discovered each fighter features unique special abilities that can be skillfully integrated into basic attacks, adding layers to the combat strategy. What sets this game apart is its design for both PC and mobile platforms, streamlining commands for simple execution of abilities while accentuating strategic positioning and timing during battles. The thrill of anticipating an opponent's move and countering effectively creates a compelling dynamic that keeps players on their toes.

Game Modes and Features

In the preview, I experienced three distinct modes: single-player story, one-on-one duels, and a boss rush trial mode, all brimming with potential for exciting gameplay. Engaging in the single-player story mode, I embodied Wang Ye, a fighter navigating a thrilling urban landscape while solving mysteries surrounding his family's adversaries. The narrative, while adhering to the core of the webcomic and animated series, integrates new challenges and characters that elevate the storytelling aspect of the game.

Among the roster of fighters, characters displayed unique combat styles and skill sets, from swift, agile fighters to bulkier counterparts with staggering abilities. My own encounters showcased a selection of visually striking and thematically intriguing fighters, making each duel an exhilarating experience. The slower-paced combat mechanics hark back to classic 3D arena fighters while incorporating a sophisticated triad command system, where defense can counter attacks and special skills can yield potent openers.

Customization and Strategy

Customization is also a key feature of *The Hidden Ones*. Players can equip support skills before combat that augment their tactical potential, transforming every battle into a test of strategy, finesse, and adaptability. Additionally, fighters may recover health post-round depending on their performance, although factors like time management significantly impact recovery rates.

Cross-Platform Features

The unique crossplay feature poised to connect PC and mobile players raises questions about latency and performance compatibility. The developers acknowledge that while PC users might find greater ease of executing precise commands, they are actively addressing performance to ensure a smooth experience for mobile users.

Visually compelling cutscenes tailored to different screens ensure that the storytelling remains engaging, regardless of the platform used. Despite my limited time with the game, it’s clear that *The Hidden Ones* melds polished martial arts action with supernatural flair within a tight framework designed to captivate both amateur gamers and seasoned fighting veterans alike.

Conclusion

As we anticipate the unfolding of this all-important story mode, fans of *Outcast* and newcomers to the fighting game genre can't afford to miss the upcoming pre-alpha tests in January and the closed beta in March. Keep an eye out, as *The Hidden Ones* is shaping up to be the next big name in the fighting game arena!