Great Games From Asia And The Pacific Islands

Each May, the United States celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a means of commemorating the contributions and influence of peoples who have shaped the country throughout its history. During this time, local communities hold gatherings and festivities that aim to promote their respective cultures and traditions. Moreover, there are educational activities to help inform the younger generation not just about the events of the past, but also their shared responsibilities for the future. Given the occasion, we sought to highlight several games that best showcase the cultures of Asia and Polynesia, as well as the talents of developers from these regions.There are countless games from Asia and the Pacific Islands that rounding them down to just a dozen or so can be a daunting task. Still, we've prioritized titles made by studios from the region, as well as those that put a spotlight on a country's culture or history.That said, there are a select few games made by developers based in other parts of the world. The developers are either of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, or the title clearly immerses you with a slice of life from that country. Mainland China: Black Myth: WukongBlack Myth: Wukong, a Souls-adjacent action RPG made by Hangzhou-based Game Science, managed to exceed all expectations by selling 18 million copies in just three weeks. It eventually capped things off by winning Best Action Game and Player's Voice Award at The Game Awards, as well as Game of the Year 2024 at the Steam Awards.In Black Myth: Wukong, you play as the Destined One, a humanoid monkey following in the footsteps of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. What makes the story remarkable is that it's a creative adaptation of--and a sequel to--Journey to the West, the most popular folktale in China and East Asia. Not only do you meet beloved characters from that wondrous tale, but you also learn about the fates of others throughout your adventure. Even better, it's filled to the brim with many secrets, too. If you're keen on partaking in this journey, you can check our Black Myth: Wukong guides hub. South Korea: Lost ArkIt's hard to think of just a single game from South Korea, which has had a burgeoning industry for decades. There have been several popular MMOs over the years, such as Ragnarok Online and Gunbound, as well as more recent hit single-player titles like Stellar Blade and Lies of P. The local competitive scenes for first-person shooters and MOBAs remain vibrant as well.Still, we can't deny the enduring popularity of Lost Ark, a free-to-play MMO that became a massive success when it launched in South Korea in 2019. Lost Ark boasts over 20 classes/archetypes, a progression system where you join dungeon delves and raids, and a dynamic combat system where you chain abilities. However, we weren't too enthused by the loot and microtransactions when we reviewed the game back in 2022. Japan: Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the GoddessLet's face it: Japan has been doing some heavy lifting when it comes to games for several decades. There are just too many amazing offerings made by studios based in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other metropolises. You've got everything from the historical backdrops seen in Rise of the Ronin, Nioh, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Nobunaga's Ambition, to the urban sprawl in Ghostwire: Tokyo, Neo: The World Ends With You, and the Yakuza series. And, yes, we can throw in some video game adaptations of popular anime shows as well.But if we were to think of just one recent release, then it has to be none other than Capcom's Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. In GameSpot's Kunitsu-Gami review, Jason Fanelli praised the exciting blend of action and strategy, one that made tower defense mechanics even more engaging in the long run. Just as well, Kunitsu-Gami is heavily inspired by Japanese folklore, right down to the Kagura dances and music, along with the dark denizens that assail your village. Hong Kong: Sleeping DogsWhile it's true that there are several development studios in Hong Kong, we feel that there's one game that perfectly captures the essence and gritty atmosphere of Hong Kong: Sleeping Dogs. Made by now-defunct United Front Games, Sleeping Dogs puts you in the shoes of Chinese-American Wei Shen who's tasked with infiltrating the Triad.While general gameplay might be derivative of other titles released in previous years--i.e. a "heat meter" akin to wanted levels in Grand Theft Auto--Sleeping Dogs nonetheless utilizes mechanics that evoke the stylized action seen in movies from Hong Kong. Right from the get-go, you feel as though you're playing an adaptation of Internal Affairs, mixed with a bit of Hard Boiled, Flash Point, and other memorable blockbusters. Perhaps most notably, the voice acting, which sees several characters speak in Cantonese, truly immerses you in the setting.Lastly, since we're already on the subject of mentioning games set in Hong Kong, we might as w

May 29, 2025 - 19:40

Great Games From Asia And The Pacific Islands

Each May, the United States celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a means of commemorating the contributions and influence of peoples who have shaped the country throughout its history. During this time, local communities hold gatherings and festivities that aim to promote their respective cultures and traditions. Moreover, there are educational activities to help inform the younger generation not just about the events of the past, but also their shared responsibilities for the future. Given the occasion, we sought to highlight several games that best showcase the cultures of Asia and Polynesia, as well as the talents of developers from these regions.

There are countless games from Asia and the Pacific Islands that rounding them down to just a dozen or so can be a daunting task. Still, we've prioritized titles made by studios from the region, as well as those that put a spotlight on a country's culture or history.

That said, there are a select few games made by developers based in other parts of the world. The developers are either of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, or the title clearly immerses you with a slice of life from that country.

Mainland China: Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong, a Souls-adjacent action RPG made by Hangzhou-based Game Science, managed to exceed all expectations by selling 18 million copies in just three weeks. It eventually capped things off by winning Best Action Game and Player's Voice Award at The Game Awards, as well as Game of the Year 2024 at the Steam Awards.

In Black Myth: Wukong, you play as the Destined One, a humanoid monkey following in the footsteps of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. What makes the story remarkable is that it's a creative adaptation of--and a sequel to--Journey to the West, the most popular folktale in China and East Asia. Not only do you meet beloved characters from that wondrous tale, but you also learn about the fates of others throughout your adventure. Even better, it's filled to the brim with many secrets, too. If you're keen on partaking in this journey, you can check our Black Myth: Wukong guides hub.

South Korea: Lost Ark

It's hard to think of just a single game from South Korea, which has had a burgeoning industry for decades. There have been several popular MMOs over the years, such as Ragnarok Online and Gunbound, as well as more recent hit single-player titles like Stellar Blade and Lies of P. The local competitive scenes for first-person shooters and MOBAs remain vibrant as well.

Still, we can't deny the enduring popularity of Lost Ark, a free-to-play MMO that became a massive success when it launched in South Korea in 2019. Lost Ark boasts over 20 classes/archetypes, a progression system where you join dungeon delves and raids, and a dynamic combat system where you chain abilities. However, we weren't too enthused by the loot and microtransactions when we reviewed the game back in 2022.

Japan: Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Let's face it: Japan has been doing some heavy lifting when it comes to games for several decades. There are just too many amazing offerings made by studios based in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other metropolises. You've got everything from the historical backdrops seen in Rise of the Ronin, Nioh, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Nobunaga's Ambition, to the urban sprawl in Ghostwire: Tokyo, Neo: The World Ends With You, and the Yakuza series. And, yes, we can throw in some video game adaptations of popular anime shows as well.

But if we were to think of just one recent release, then it has to be none other than Capcom's Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. In GameSpot's Kunitsu-Gami review, Jason Fanelli praised the exciting blend of action and strategy, one that made tower defense mechanics even more engaging in the long run. Just as well, Kunitsu-Gami is heavily inspired by Japanese folklore, right down to the Kagura dances and music, along with the dark denizens that assail your village.

Hong Kong: Sleeping Dogs

While it's true that there are several development studios in Hong Kong, we feel that there's one game that perfectly captures the essence and gritty atmosphere of Hong Kong: Sleeping Dogs. Made by now-defunct United Front Games, Sleeping Dogs puts you in the shoes of Chinese-American Wei Shen who's tasked with infiltrating the Triad.

While general gameplay might be derivative of other titles released in previous years--i.e. a "heat meter" akin to wanted levels in Grand Theft Auto--Sleeping Dogs nonetheless utilizes mechanics that evoke the stylized action seen in movies from Hong Kong. Right from the get-go, you feel as though you're playing an adaptation of Internal Affairs, mixed with a bit of Hard Boiled, Flash Point, and other memorable blockbusters. Perhaps most notably, the voice acting, which sees several characters speak in Cantonese, truly immerses you in the setting.

Lastly, since we're already on the subject of mentioning games set in Hong Kong, we might as well give a shout out to Sega's Shenmue 2, which saw protagonist Ryo Hazuki journey from Japan to Hong Kong, and BlueTwelve Studio's Stray, whose Walled City was inspired by Kowloon. There's also 1000xResist made by Sunset Visitor, a Vancouver-based studio, which examines the 2019 Hong Kong protests, all while exploring the nuances of cultural identity and diaspora politics.

Taiwan: Nine Sols

Nine Sols, a Sekiro-like metroidvania made by developer Red Candle Games, exhibits a theme known as "Taopunk," essentially a combination of Taoism and Far Eastern cultures and cyberpunk. Of course, you also play as a cat, and not just any cat, mind you--you're a cat that can blow up hostiles.

Interspersed with platforming and discovering secrets using newfound abilities are Nine Sols' brutal boss fights. Similar to Sekiro, you absolutely need to parry an opponent's blows, lest you meet a rather ignominious end. Parrying is central to combat as it lets you negate damage and build up your Qi resource. Qi can then be expended by dashing toward an enemy and slapping an explosive talisman on them. Alongside the core mechanic of parry-and-make-enemies-go-boom, you've also got ranged options and various acrobatic maneuvers to aid you in battles.

Philippines: Until Then

Compared to most other countries, the Philippines has a relatively small games industry, albeit with many passionate developers and designers. While Western and Asian companies outsource jobs to the country, there are still studios that craft their own offerings independently. One particular studio, Polychroma Games, even made a visual novel called Until Then, which was released last year.

Until Then gives you a glimpse into daily life in Manila, including jeepney rides, fish ball "tusok-tusok," and trips to the local "peryahan." As teen student Mark, you get to experience the joys of hanging out with rambunctious friends, the butterflies when meeting your crush, and the soul-crushing tragedies of losing loved ones. However, what makes Until Then special is its narrative arc, one that you think ends too abruptly, only to realize that there's more in store. We don't want to spoil all the details, but we do advise you to stay put during the end credits.

Indonesia: A Space for the Unbound

Speaking of student life, A Space for the Unbound, made by Surabaya-based Mojiken Studio, tells the story of two high school sweethearts: Atma and Raya. If Until Then is set in bustling modern-day Manila, then A Space for the Unbound takes you to quaint locations in 90s rural Indonesia... just as strange events start happening around you.

Of course, you have your own abilities to help you solve mysteries, such as Atma's power that lets him enter the mind of other characters to discover clues. Most importantly, even with its charming art style and atmosphere, A Space for the Unbound delves deeper into mature topics, such as depression and suicide. The deft exploration of these themes, and how characters addressed these issues, led to its Games for Impact nomination in The Game Awards 2023.

Malaysia: Giga Bash

To be clear, gargantuan kaijus aren't rampaging in Malaysia at the moment. That said, Giga Bash deserves a spot on the list because, if there's one thing everyone loves, it's gargantuan kaijus that are rampaging all over the place, damn it!

Developed by Petaling District-based Passion Republic Games, Gigabash lets you control kaijus and mechs, all running amok in fully destructible cities. Yes, you can even partake in minigames or take on wave after wave of enemies in various modes. Another surprising treat is that Gigabash has DLCs that let you play as Godzilla's foes like King Ghidorah and characters from Ultraman. There's even another DLC that adds a Volton/Voltes V-esque robot called R.O.J.A.K.

Singapore: Ghostlore

Singapore's games industry continues to grow, with companies looking to make the next big hit. Among these hits, we considered titles like Springloaded's Let's Build a Zoo, a management sim where you create a park for animals, both real-world counterparts and hybrids borne from DNA splicing (with hilarious results). Likewise, we thought about the Cat Quest series, made by The Gentlebros, which now spans a full trilogy.

In the end, though, we felt that Andrew and Adam Teo's Ghostlore best captures a fascinating subject frequently explored in East Asian media: the supernatural. An action role-playing game (ARPG) inspired by Diablo and Titan Quest, Ghostlore has you facing off against hordes of monsters from folktales in the region. You've got everything from the Penglot, a doll-like creature feared by people from Indonesia, the Jiang-shi, also known as the Chinese hopping zombie/vampire, the Penanggal, a disembodied woman whose upper torso floats around (the Filipino variant of this Malay creature is called the Manananggal), and so much more. Oh, and you get buffs from eating satay, so what's not to love?

Thailand: Home Sweet Home

Thailand might be known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, but I'd argue there's another facet that you should definitely check out as well: its horror films. Indeed, the country has had its fair share of bone-chilling hits, including older flicks like Shutter and Alone, and more recent releases like The Medium and the Death Whisperer duology.

As far as horror games go, few can compare to Home Sweet Home. Made by Bangkok-based Yggdrazil Group and originally released in 2017, Home Sweet Home took players on a creepy romp through abandoned buildings and ruined facilities, the haunting grounds of entities inspired by folktales and mythology. A sequel eventually followed in 2019, though other projects, such as a 4v1 asymmetrical multiplayer game, didn't really pan out. Perhaps as a fitting bookend, Home Sweet Home did end up with its own horror film adaptation, which came out earlier this year.

Vietnam: The Death, Blood Field, and The Scourge

Continuing our focus on horror games, we now move on to Vietnam which, as it so happens, has several studios crafting spine-tingling titles for fans. There's The Death (Thần Trùng), a psychological horror game made by DUT Studio, which consists of only three developers. Likewise, there's Blood Field (Cỏ Máu), made by another small team from TEGA Studio, which focuses more on the supernatural. Lastly, there's The Scourge (Tai Ương), a first-person puzzle game set in 90s Saigon that delves into dark urban legends. The Scourge (pictured above) is made by Rare Reversee and is available as an early access title.

India: Raji: An Ancient Epic and Venba

Certain games wear their cultural identity proudly on their sleeves. One of these is Raji: An Ancient Epic (pictured above), which was developed by Pune-based Nodding Heads Games. Inspired by the epic tales from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, further complemented through its wonderful depiction of Hindu mythology, Raji takes you on an unforgettable journey to rescue your sibling. Indeed, the richness of Indian heritage and culture are on full display.

Thousands of miles across the world, there's also another game that manages to share a unique story of India from the perspective of an immigrant family. Venba, made by Toronto-based Visai Games, tells of a family's struggles as characters adjust to a new life far from their original home in Tamil Nadu. At the center of it all are cooking mechanics, where you're tasked with creating South Indian dishes. As we cited in our review, cooking is also "about reminiscing, salvaging, and appreciating where you (or others) come from." The narrative is told through the culture's cuisine that will "make players empathize and sympathize."

Kyrgyzstan: Manas

Even though Central Asia isn't particularly known for having a large video game industry, that didn't stop University of Southern California (USC) student Omar Uraimov from paying homage to his roots in a surprisingly creative way. Uraimov, who was enrolled in the USC Viterbi College of Engineering in 2023, detailed in a campus interview that he struggled with the lack of representation for Kyrgyz culture--and Central Asian culture in general--in the media. "It's like we don't exist," he adds.

Uraimov, intrigued by the Epic of Manas from the time he read it in middle school, felt that this tale of how the Kyrgyz people were scattered across Central Asia would make for a great video game. Fast forward and Uraimov completed his work, Manas, which became part of the USC Games - Advanced Games Project course.

In Manas, you play as the titular hero, who can eliminate foes with his sword and bow while on horseback. You can download it for free via Itch.io.

Iran: Children of Morta

Children of Morta was developed by Dead Mage, which has several designers and programmers that are either based in Iran or are of Iranian descent. At its core, it's a roguelike dungeon crawler, one that will have you facing countless hordes of enemies. That said, it's also a story that focuses on family.

By controlling members of the Bergson family, you get to use various characters as you trek through inhospitable zones and dark caverns. Some characters focus on melee and martial arts, while others offer defensive quirks or offensive boons. There are also those that excel when fighting foes from afar with spells. You can learn more about Children of Morta in our official review.

Maori culture: Umurangi Generation

Made by Australia-based Origame Digital, Umurangi Generation takes you to a cyberpunk rendition of Tauranga, a city in Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand). In our review, we mentioned that Umurangi Generation manages to "achieve so much more," though it's a game that's "ostensibly about photography."

Part of it is due to aesthetics and themes. Yes, your main tasks are to photograph various objects and locations in the city, but you can also observe your surroundings. There's a certain feel or vibe to it, along with visual storytelling and enriched through depictions of Maori culture, including symbolic huia feathers and koru. Perhaps the most important facet one could glean is that, in this retro-futuristic cyberpunk world with a catastrophe looming, the Maori continue to survive and thrive. It's representation, resilience, and resistance, all in one.

Polynesia: Sid Meier's Civilization series

While there are several games set in the Pacific Islands, we feel that Firaxis' Civilization series is one that has managed to provide representation for peoples in the region. In Civilization V, players can choose the Polynesian civ led by King Kamehameha I. While the civ has access to the Maori Warrior unit and Moai improvement, it's the Wayfinding perk that seals the deal, since it allows for instant embarkation and movement across ocean tiles. To those who don't play Civilization games, this might not seem much, but it's actually a huge boon since early exploration leads to continuous expansion. The ability is quite fitting as well, as the Polynesians of yore were known seafarers who ventured far and wide.

Come Civilization VI, we see the Maori led by Kupe, a legendary explorer said to have sailed from Hawaii to Aotearoa (New Zealand). By default, the civ has the Sailing and Shipbuilding technologies unlocked, which are great for early-game naval supremacy, and, as usual, units are able to enter ocean tiles immediately. The key feature, however, is Kupe's Voyage, which causes your Settler to start in the middle of the ocean. Naturally, you have to find land to create your first settlement, though every turn before you do that also grants science and culture. It's as though Kupe continues to build his legend across the waves.

The latest entry to the franchise, Civilization VII, introduces Hawaii as a playable nation. Just like its geographical location, Hawaiian settlements on islands and on the coast have an advantage, since expansion to marine tiles nets a cultural bonus. That said, Civilization VII actually makes leaders and nations separate from one another. As of the time of this writing, we've yet to see a playable Polynesian leader in the game.

More games from Asian and Pacific Islander developers

If you've noticed thus far, our AAPI Heritage Month feature has only included games that have already been released, as well as those in early access. As such, it's only fair that we also highlight titles that will be launching in the near future. Here are a few examples:

China:
- The Bustling World - The Bustling World (pictured above) is an open-world RPG with unique art design and aesthetics. Set in ancient China, you can hone your craft as a tradesman, farm crops to amass wealth, and gain might through martial deeds.
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers - A souls-like game set during the fall of the Ming Dynasty. Wuchang also incorporates themes and elements from the Bronze Age-era Ancient Kingdom of Shu.
- Lost Soul Aside - Initially the project of solo developer Yang Bing, this action game inspired by Final Fantasy XV and Devil May Cry is now being published by Sony.
South Korea: Lies of P: Overture - The hit souls-like game from Neowiz has an upcoming DLC, which acts as a prequel to the catastrophe that befell the city of Krat.
Japan:
- Whiskerwood - Lead your mice as you focus on logistics and production chains, but watch out for dastardly cats.
- Mars Tactics - Take control of two disparate forces and capture regions on a strategic map. Then, eliminate opposing squads in turn-based tactical battles.
India: Suri: The Seventh Note - This Metroidvania isn't just about traversal and exploration. You also have to listen to the beat of the music, which determines the movements and patterns of platforms and traps.
Singapore:
- SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure - Explore environments inspired by Southeast Asian locales, all while collecting ingredients for your next dish.
- After School Afterlife - Explore a strange mansion, chat with ghosts, and watch out as the world of the living switches to the realm of the dead.