Follow TV Tropes

Following

History VideoGame / TheLegendOfTianding

Go To

OR

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


-> In 1895, the Qing Dynasty lost the First Sino-Japanese war, and ceded Taiwan and Penghu Islands to the Japanese. \\

to:

-> In ->''In 1895, the Qing Dynasty lost the First Sino-Japanese war, and ceded Taiwan and Penghu Islands to the Japanese. \\



His name is '''Liao Tian-ding'''.

to:

His name is '''Liao Tian-ding'''.
Tian-ding'''.''



The game is available for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation4, PC, and UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch.

to:

The game is available for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation4, Platform/PlayStation4, PC, and UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch.Platform/NintendoSwitch.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:

Added DiffLines:

* DisposableDecoyDoppelganger: Tian-ding can utilize a shadow-clone jitsu as a DoppelgangerAttack, and the shadow clone can be "killed" in Tian-ding's place. The cutscene after the weapons plant stage notably has BigBad General Shimada announcing his presence by impaling Tian-ding InTheBack via katana, only for the skewered shadow-clone to dissolve - the ''real'' Tian-ding is already well outside the plant.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Whoops, wrong character name, my bad


* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: [[spoiler:Tian-ding, after witnessing the Mansion 28 massacre, gets pinned down by two Japanese soldiers. When the hero refuses to give in, Ding Peng then orders the soldiers to fire. Cue a gunshot... from the reformed Matsumoto shooting at his own men to free Tian-ding]].

to:

* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: [[spoiler:Tian-ding, after witnessing the Mansion 28 massacre, gets pinned down by two Japanese soldiers. When the hero refuses to give in, Ding Peng Shimada then orders the soldiers to fire. Cue a gunshot... from the reformed Matsumoto shooting at his own men to free Tian-ding]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* DarkerAndEdgier: Compared to the obscure 2004 Flash game which this one's a remake of, at least. The original game is a straightforward platformer light on plot; this one has themes like forced prostitution, betrayals and backstabbings, Tian-ding going through far more intense situations and facing severe, near-death moments, [[spoiler:and it is possible to obtain a depressing BittersweetEnding to boot]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* {{Rotoscoping}}: In a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuXKWKk9ml8 behind-the-scenes]] interview, this is how the game's production crew made the backgrounds, by visiting older buildings around Taiwan and incorporating them into the scenery.

to:

* {{Rotoscoping}}: In a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuXKWKk9ml8 behind-the-scenes]] interview, this is how the game's production crew made the backgrounds, by visiting older buildings around Taiwan Taiwan's Dadaocheng area and incorporating them into the scenery.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* {{Rotoscoping}}: In a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuXKWKk9ml8 behind-the-scenes]] interview, this is how the game's production crew made the backgrounds, by visiting older buildings around Taiwan and incorporating them into the scenery.

Added: 1163

Changed: 727

Removed: 1156

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


--> In 1895, the Qing Dynasty lost the First Sino-Japanese war, and ceded Taiwan and Penghu Islands to the Japanese. \\

to:

--> -> In 1895, the Qing Dynasty lost the First Sino-Japanese war, and ceded Taiwan and Penghu Islands to the Japanese. \\



----

''The Legend of Tian-ding'' is a 2021 {{Metroidvania}}-style open-world action game made by Taiwan's Zebra Game Studios, and was notably the remake of an older 2004 game from the same company.

to:

----


''The Legend of Tian-ding'' is a 2021 {{Metroidvania}}-style open-world action game made developed by Taiwan's Zebra Game Studios, Creative Games Computer Graphics Corporation and was notably the published by Neon Doctrine. It is a remake of an older a 2004 Flash game from by the same company.
director, Maso Lin.






!! Once Upon a Time in 1900s Taiwan...

to:

!! Once !!Once Upon a Time in 1900s Taiwan...



* AcidPool: The sewer levels beneath Wong's mansion somehow contains entire streams of potent acid, that kills anything that fell inside.
* AllMythsAreTrue: The legend of the Pirate Queen's Sword of Seven Shackles, which allegedly grants immortality and control of the elements to it's wielder. Tian-ding dismisses it as a myth when Ding Peng tells him about it; but as the game's ending attests, it's ''very'' true.

to:

* AcidPool: The sewer levels beneath Wong's mansion somehow contains contain entire streams of potent acid, that kills anything that fell falls inside.
* AllMythsAreTrue: The legend of the Pirate Queen's Sword of Seven Shackles, which allegedly grants immortality and control of the elements to it's its wielder. Tian-ding dismisses it as a myth when Ding Peng tells him about it; but as the game's ending attests, it's ''very'' true.



* AnachronismStew: As per history, the deeds of Liao Tian-ding are from Taiwan in the late 1900s… but then again, it's a manhua-like setting that runs on RuleOfCool.

to:

* AnachronismStew: As per history, the deeds of Liao Tian-ding are from Taiwan in the late 1900s… 1900s... but then again, it's a manhua-like setting that runs on RuleOfCool.



* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: [[spoiler:Tian-ding, after witnessing the Mansion 28 massacre, gets pinned down by two Japanese soldiers. When the hero refuses to give in, Ding Peng then orders the soldiers to fire. Cue a gunshot… from the reformed Matsumoto shooting at his own men to free Tian-ding]].

to:

* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: [[spoiler:Tian-ding, after witnessing the Mansion 28 massacre, gets pinned down by two Japanese soldiers. When the hero refuses to give in, Ding Peng then orders the soldiers to fire. Cue a gunshot… gunshot... from the reformed Matsumoto shooting at his own men to free Tian-ding]].



* CutsceneIncompetence: Related to the above-mentioned BittersweetEnding; [[spoiler:the final cutscene have Tian-ding getting killed by a SINGLE bullet fired from A-Lin, who still thought Tian-ding is a traitor. The hero will die regardless the amount of health he has leftover after defeating Shimada, even though in gameplay he could survive getting hit by rockets]].
* DisguisedInDrag: Tian-ding does this twice in the game; firstly as a courtesan to infiltrate the Jiangyue-lou Restaurant, and later as an elderly woman to sneak past Matsumoto's checkpoint in the train station.

to:

* CutsceneIncompetence: Related to the above-mentioned BittersweetEnding; [[spoiler:the The normal ending's final cutscene have Tian-ding has [[spoiler:Tian-ding getting killed by a SINGLE single bullet fired from A-Lin, who still thought Tian-ding is was a traitor. The hero will die regardless the amount of health he has leftover left over after defeating Shimada, even though in gameplay he could survive getting hit by rockets]].
* DisguisedInDrag: Tian-ding does this disguises himself as a woman twice in the game; firstly as a courtesan to infiltrate the Jiangyue-lou Restaurant, and later as an elderly woman to sneak past Matsumoto's checkpoint in the train station.



* {{Foreshadowing}}: While the game's ending is pretty much a ForegoneConclusion because is based on real-life, this line from Tian-ding to his mentor, Master Zeng Guo-ying speaks ''massive'' volumes in the light of [[spoiler:his inevitable demise in the ending]].

to:

* {{Foreshadowing}}: While the game's ending is pretty much a ForegoneConclusion because is based on real-life, real life, this line from Tian-ding to his mentor, Master Zeng Guo-ying speaks ''massive'' volumes in the light of [[spoiler:his inevitable demise in the ending]].



* GiantMook: Japanese boxers, who fights using their fists, are taller than Tian-ding with muscles bulging out of their uniforms and absorbs more damage than regular enemies before going down. Sometimes they can be seen carrying rocket launchers.

to:

* GiantMook: Japanese boxers, who fights fight using their fists, are taller than Tian-ding with muscles bulging out of their uniforms uniforms, and absorbs absorb more damage than regular enemies before going down. Sometimes they can be seen carrying rocket launchers.



* GraveRobbing: The Mausoleum of Lu Yao-hsian, a legendary Pirate Queen from the Qing Dynasty, which stores entire vaults filled with gold (which the game states, a single chest can last for ''three lives'') and a powerful CoolSword that the Japanese is seeking after. The final stage have General Shimada and his men finally entering the mausoleum, and Tian-ding needs to prevent Shimada from obtaining said sword [[spoiler:only for Shimada to retrieve the sword moments before Tian-ding]]. Cue an insanely tense and long FinalBoss battle.
* GunsAreWorthless: Several enemies carry firearms, and their bullets deals ''slightly'' more damage to Tian-ding's health than bayonets and swords. On the other hand, the bullets can be [[ParryingBullets deflected back to their shooters]] simply by way of ''punching''.
* HeartContainer: Collecting high-quality wine will expand Tian-ding's maximum health by a new bar, and restore it to the new level. There are only four areas in the entire game that allows this function though.

to:

* GraveRobbing: The Mausoleum of Lu Yao-hsian, a legendary Pirate Queen pirate queen from the Qing Dynasty, which stores entire vaults filled with gold (which the (the game states, states that a single chest can last for ''three lives'') and a powerful CoolSword that the Japanese is seeking after. The final stage have has General Shimada and his men finally entering the mausoleum, and Tian-ding needs to prevent Shimada from obtaining said sword [[spoiler:only for Shimada to retrieve the sword moments before Tian-ding]]. Cue an insanely tense and long FinalBoss battle.
* GunsAreWorthless: Several enemies carry firearms, and their bullets deals deal ''slightly'' more damage to Tian-ding's health than bayonets and swords.swords do. On the other hand, the bullets can be [[ParryingBullets deflected back to their shooters]] simply by way of ''punching''.
* HeartContainer: Collecting high-quality wine will expand Tian-ding's maximum health by a new bar, and restore it to the new level. There are only four areas in the entire game that allows allow this function function, though.



* LethalLavaLand: The final area of the Lu Yao-hsian Mausoleum, where Tian-ding must jump over platforms and bridges on lava or die instantly from AMoltenDateWithDeath. [[spoiler:It's also the area where Tian-ding fights Shimada as the FinalBoss]].
* LikeRealityUnlessNoted: On one hand, the game's depiction of Taiwan in the 1900s looks ''exactly'' like the real deal, save for the hero Tian-ding performing some exaggerated feats during gameplay. On the other hand, there's a kunoichi with actual ninja powers, a Chinese acrobat with unexplained PlayingWithFire abilities, a magic sword that grants the user ElementalPowers... and that's not getting into [[spoiler:the villain General Shimada turning into a shadowy demon after his defeat]].
* LocomotiveLevel: After escaping Matsumoto's checkpoint and boarding a train heading towards Taipei, Tian-ding needs to contend with Japanese soldiers on board and fight his way through. Predictably, it leads to a TraintopBattle.
* PainfullySlowProjectile: Some enemies carry firearms, but their bullets tend to be ridiculously slow, where Tian-ding can simply jump or waltz over to avoid them. Or deflect with his fists.



* LethalLavaLand: Final area of the Lu Yao-hsian Mausoleum, where Tian-ding must jump over platforms and bridges on lava or die instantly from AMoltenDateWithDeath. [[spoiler:It's also the area where Tian-ding fights Shimada as the FinalBoss]].
* LikeRealityUnlessNoted: On one hand, the game's depiction of Taiwan in the 1900s looks ''exactly'' like the real deal, save for the hero Tian-ding performing some exaggerated feats during gameplay. On the other hand there's a kunoichi with actual ninja powers, a Chinese acrobat with unexplained PlayingWithFire abilities, a magic sword that grants the user ElementalPowers… and that's not getting into [[spoiler:the villain General Shimada turning into a shadowy demon after his defeat]].
* LocomotiveLevel: After escaping Matsumoto's checkpoint and boarding a train heading towards Taipei, Tian-ding needs to contend with Japanese soldiers on board and fight his way through. Predictably it leads to a TraintopBattle.
* PainfullySlowProjectile: Some enemies carry firearms, but their bullets tend to be ridiculously slow, where Tian-ding can simply jump or waltz over to avoid them. Or deflect with his fists.



* ShieldBearingMook: Japanese soldiers and military police with riot shields can take far more damage than their unshielded counterparts, though their shields could be smashed by repeated punching and slashing. Alternatively, Tian-ding can relive them of their shields by tying them via sash, and collect those shields for himself.
* {{Sidequest}}: There's around 10 optional side-quests besides the main storyline, all which revolves Tian-ding retrieving assorted MacGuffin(s) and items for the townspeople to boost his reputation as a hero, which players can complete or ignore all. From locating Cheng's certificate, getting the Kaoliang Liquor Label, finding Mr. Huang's stamps, completing Uncle He's medicinal broths, and others.
* SittingOnTheRoof: While most of the beggars in the city are sitting in the streets, one of them is - rather ''bafflingly'' - sitting on a rooftop (how did he even get there or expect to come across generous passer-bys is beyond anyone's guess), in a hard-to-reach spot. Finding said beggar and giving him alms will reward Tian-ding with a special item.

to:

* ShieldBearingMook: Japanese soldiers and military police with riot shields can take far more damage than their unshielded counterparts, though their shields could can be smashed by repeated punching and slashing. Alternatively, Tian-ding can relive relieve them of their shields by tying them via sash, and collect those shields for himself.
* {{Sidequest}}: There's There are around 10 optional side-quests besides the main storyline, all of which revolves involve Tian-ding retrieving assorted MacGuffin(s) {{MacGuffin}}s and items for the townspeople to boost his reputation as a hero, which players can complete or ignore all.ignore. From locating Cheng's certificate, getting the Kaoliang Liquor Label, finding Mr. Huang's stamps, completing Uncle He's medicinal broths, and others.
* SittingOnTheRoof: While most of the beggars in the city are sitting in the streets, one of them is - rather ''bafflingly'' - sitting on a rooftop (how did he even get there or expect to come across generous passer-bys passers-by is beyond anyone's guess), in a hard-to-reach spot. Finding said beggar and giving him alms will reward Tian-ding with a special item.



* StorybookOpening: Or ''Manhua'' opening, the game opens with the pages of a manhua depicting the deeds of Liao Tian-ding unfolding, which then segues into the hero's introduction.
* SuspiciousVideogameGenerosity: While the game tends to have tea stations (which boosts Tian-ding 's health to maximum) at random points, they show up most of the time a few areas before bosses. Notably the restaurant stage which contains a tea station ''five seconds'' before Kaguya reveals herself.

to:

* StorybookOpening: Or ''Manhua'' ''manhua'' opening, the game opens with the pages of a manhua depicting the deeds of Liao Tian-ding unfolding, which then segues into the hero's introduction.
* SuspiciousVideogameGenerosity: SuspiciousVideoGameGenerosity: While the game tends to have tea stations (which boosts Tian-ding 's boost Tian-ding's health to maximum) at random points, they show up most of the time a few areas before bosses. Notably the restaurant stage which contains a tea station ''five seconds'' before Kaguya reveals herself.



* WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue: In the normal ending the game ends with a montage in the credits, depicting the fates of every other character after [[spoiler:the death of Tian-ding]].

to:

* WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue: In the normal ending ending, the game ends with a montage in the credits, depicting the fates of every other character after [[spoiler:the death of Tian-ding]].



* WrittenSoundEffect: Punches, kicks, and most physical impacts will be illustrated via onscreen text, in Mandarin. '''碰!''' (''peng'', or the equivalent to '''bang'''!) being the most common.

to:

* WrittenSoundEffect: Punches, kicks, and most physical impacts will be illustrated via onscreen text, in Mandarin. '''碰!''' The most common of these is "碰!" (''peng'', or the equivalent to '''bang'''!) being the most common."bang!").
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* BandOfBrothels: There's a red-light district uptown, where A-Guai - Tian-ding's girlfriend and a HookerWithAHeartOfGold - works, as a result of being sold by her family. One of Tian-ding's major character arcs is trying to earn enough money to "buy" A-Guai's freedom after learning she's going to be sold off to a Japanese tycoon, [[spoiler:but sadly it doesn't work]].

to:

* BandOfBrothels: There's a red-light district uptown, where A-Guai - Tian-ding's girlfriend and a HookerWithAHeartOfGold - works, as a result of being sold by her family. One of Tian-ding's major character arcs is trying to earn enough money to "buy" A-Guai's freedom after learning she's going to be sold off to a Japanese tycoon, [[spoiler:but sadly it doesn't work]].work, requiring a stealthy plan to sneak her to safety]].



* ClearMyName: [[spoiler:After Ding Peng, the Mansion 28's leader, is revealed to be a traitor, his subordinate, Ching Feng, then sets off to the big city with false news that Tian-ding is the one who sold them to the Japanese leading to the resistance being massacred. Tian-ding must prove himself innocent by thwarting General Shimada's final plan]]. He barely succeeds, but unfortunately [[spoiler:couldn't convince his protégé, A-Lin, of the truth, leading to A-Lin killing Tian-ding in the final cutscene]].

to:

* ClearMyName: [[spoiler:After Ding Peng, the Mansion 28's leader, is revealed to be a traitor, his subordinate, Ching Feng, then sets off to the big city with false news that Tian-ding is the one who sold them to the Japanese leading to the resistance being massacred. Tian-ding must prove himself innocent by thwarting General Shimada's final plan]]. He barely succeeds, but unfortunately [[spoiler:couldn't convince his protégé, A-Lin, of the truth, leading to A-Lin killing Tian-ding in the final cutscene]].cutscene, if the player didn't fulfil the conditions for the GoldenEnding]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** The rocket launcher-mooks uses weapons which are far too advanced and modern for the game's setting. Note that the first Japanese-made shoulder-mounted rocket launcher, the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_4_70_mm_AT_rocket_launcher Type 4-70mm]], made it's debut in 1944.

to:

** The rocket launcher-mooks uses weapons which are far too advanced and modern for the game's setting. Note that the first Japanese-made shoulder-mounted rocket launcher, the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_4_70_mm_AT_rocket_launcher Type 4-70mm]], made it's its debut in 1944.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Removing unexplained natter.


* LikeRealityUnlessNoted: On one hand, the game's depiction of Taiwan in the 1900s looks ''exactly'' like the real deal, save for the hero Tian-ding performing some exaggerated feats during gameplay. On the other hand there's a kunoichi with actual ninja powers, a Chinese acrobat with unexplained PlayingWithFire abilities, a magic sword that grants the user ElementalPowers… and that's not getting into [[spoiler:the villain General Shimada turning into a shadowy demon after his defeat]]. (???)

to:

* LikeRealityUnlessNoted: On one hand, the game's depiction of Taiwan in the 1900s looks ''exactly'' like the real deal, save for the hero Tian-ding performing some exaggerated feats during gameplay. On the other hand there's a kunoichi with actual ninja powers, a Chinese acrobat with unexplained PlayingWithFire abilities, a magic sword that grants the user ElementalPowers… and that's not getting into [[spoiler:the villain General Shimada turning into a shadowy demon after his defeat]]. (???)

Added: 151

Changed: 116

Removed: 37

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Unwilling to kneel to a foreign ruler, the people of Taiwan begin to form a resistance...

to:

Unwilling to kneel to a foreign ruler, the people of Taiwan begin to form a resistance...\\
\\
... and heroes are born from oppression. Among them, hides an elusive outlaw, a legend among the locals of Taiwan.\\
His name is '''Liao Tian-ding'''.



... and heroes are born from oppression. Among them, hides an elusive outlaw, a legend among the locals of Taiwan.

His name is '''Liao Tian-ding'''.
----

to:

... and heroes are born from oppression. Among them, hides an elusive outlaw, a legend among the locals of Taiwan.

His name is '''Liao Tian-ding'''.
----
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None





* BittersweetEnding: The normal ending. [[spoiler:Tian-ding has defeated Shimada, destroyed the Sword of Seven Shackles, and saves Taiwan - and the ''world'' - from Shimada's tyranny, only to be shot by A-Lin, who mistook him as a traitor. In the aftermath, Matsumoto will clear Tian-ding of his crimes and ensure history remembers him as a hero, as A-Lin, learning the truth, then spreads the word and have entire generations of Taiwanese in the future to remember Tian-ding's deeds]].

to:

* BittersweetEnding: The normal ending. [[spoiler:Tian-ding has defeated Shimada, destroyed the Sword of Seven Shackles, and saves Taiwan - and the ''world'' - from Shimada's tyranny, only to be shot by A-Lin, who mistook him as a traitor. In the aftermath, Matsumoto will clear Tian-ding of his crimes and ensure history remembers him as a hero, as A-Lin, learning the truth, then spreads the word and have entire so that future generations of Taiwanese in the future to will remember Tian-ding's deeds]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* BittersweetEnding: [[spoiler:Tian-ding has defeated Shimada, destroyed the Sword of Seven Shackles, and saves Taiwan - and the ''world'' - from Shimada's tyranny, only to be shot by A-Lin, who mistook him as a traitor. In the aftermath, Matsumoto will clear Tian-ding of his crimes and ensure history remembers him as a hero, as A-Lin, learning the truth, then spreads the word and have entire generations of Taiwanese in the future to remember Tian-ding's deeds]].

to:

* BittersweetEnding: The normal ending. [[spoiler:Tian-ding has defeated Shimada, destroyed the Sword of Seven Shackles, and saves Taiwan - and the ''world'' - from Shimada's tyranny, only to be shot by A-Lin, who mistook him as a traitor. In the aftermath, Matsumoto will clear Tian-ding of his crimes and ensure history remembers him as a hero, as A-Lin, learning the truth, then spreads the word and have entire generations of Taiwanese in the future to remember Tian-ding's deeds]].



* WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue: The game ends with a montage in the credits, depicting the fates of every other character after [[spoiler:the death of Tian-ding]].

to:

* WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue: The In the normal ending the game ends with a montage in the credits, depicting the fates of every other character after [[spoiler:the death of Tian-ding]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* {{Foreshadowing}}: While the game's ending is pretty much a ForegoneCOnclusion because is based on real-life, this line from Tian-ding to his mentor, Master Zeng Guo-ying speaks ''massive'' volumes in the light of [[spoiler:his inevitable demise in the ending]].

to:

* {{Foreshadowing}}: While the game's ending is pretty much a ForegoneCOnclusion ForegoneConclusion because is based on real-life, this line from Tian-ding to his mentor, Master Zeng Guo-ying speaks ''massive'' volumes in the light of [[spoiler:his inevitable demise in the ending]].



** [[spoiler:News of Shimada's treachery and betrayal reaches Tokyo, where the Japanese governors, ashamed of Shimada's actions, decide to have his crimea swept under the rug. The promoted Matsumoto takes over Shimada's position and decide to make amends to the local Taiwanese, just the way Tian-ding would have wanted]].

to:

** [[spoiler:News of Shimada's treachery and betrayal reaches Tokyo, where the Japanese governors, ashamed of Shimada's actions, decide to have his crimea crimes swept under the rug. The promoted Matsumoto takes over Shimada's position and decide to make amends to the local Taiwanese, just the way Tian-ding would have wanted]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: [[spoiler:When Tian-ding, after witnessing the Mansion 28 massacre, gets pinned down by two Japanese soldiers. When the hero refuses to give in, Ding Peng then orders the soldiers to fire. Cue a gunshot… from the reformed Matsumoto shooting at his own men to free Tian-ding]].

to:

* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: [[spoiler:When Tian-ding, [[spoiler:Tian-ding, after witnessing the Mansion 28 massacre, gets pinned down by two Japanese soldiers. When the hero refuses to give in, Ding Peng then orders the soldiers to fire. Cue a gunshot… from the reformed Matsumoto shooting at his own men to free Tian-ding]].

Added: 614

Changed: 356

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* AllMythsAreTrue: The legend of the Pirate Queen's Sword of Seven Shackles, which allegedly grants immortality and control of the elements to it's wielder. Tian-ding dismisses it as a myth when Ding Peng tells him about it; but as the game's ending attests, it's ''very'' true.



** [[spoiler:The reformed Matsumoto decides to reveal his superior, Shimada's atrocities to the public, and clear Tian-ding of his crimes posthumously. He was promoted for his subsequent efforts, but still regrets over being the pawn of a bloodthirsty traitor]].

to:

** [[spoiler:The reformed Matsumoto decides to reveal his superior, superior Shimada's atrocities to the public, and clear Tian-ding of his crimes posthumously. He was promoted for his subsequent efforts, but still regrets over being the pawn of a bloodthirsty traitor]].



** [[spoiler:The Japanese occupation in Taiwan eventually comes to an end. A shrine was built in Liao Tian-ding's honor, with it [[OurFounder a statue in his likeness]], and his deeds later becomes legends to the entire nation]].

to:

** [[spoiler:News of Shimada's treachery and betrayal reaches Tokyo, where the Japanese governors, ashamed of Shimada's actions, decide to have his crimea swept under the rug. The promoted Matsumoto takes over Shimada's position and decide to make amends to the local Taiwanese, just the way Tian-ding would have wanted]].
** [[spoiler:The Japanese occupation in Taiwan eventually comes to an end. A A-Lin, now a free man, gathers the remaining resistance members to build a shrine was built in Liao Tian-ding's honor, with it [[OurFounder a statue in his likeness]], and his likeness in the center]]. Decades later, the deeds later becomes of Liao Tian-ding are stories of legends to the entire nation]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Mistake, he DOES die a hero in the aftermath, not this trope


* TheGreatestStoryNeverTold: [[spoiler:Sadly, the deeds of the hero, Liao Tian-ding, may never be known to the rest of Taiwan - or the world - when Tian-ding, having defeated General Shimada, exits the mausoleum... only to be shot dead by A-Lin, who still believes Tian-ding to be a traitor]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* {{Foreshadowing}}: While the game's ending is pretty much a ForegoneCOnclusion because is based on real-life, this line from Tian-ding to his mentor, Master Zeng Guo-ying speaks ''massive'' volumes in the light of [[spoiler:his inevitable demise in the ending]].
--> '''Tian-ding''': I remember you told me that "While duty is heavier than a mountain, death is lighter than a feather." I'd rather do something meaningful before ''I die'' than hide in a mountain ''waiting for death'' to find me.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* WrittenSoundEffect: Punches, kicks, and most physical impacts will be illustrated via onscreen text, in Mandarin. '''碰!''' (''peng'', or the equivalent to '''bang'''!) being the most common.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/packshot_d61604c5bbf763b39006de552f561bf6.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Witness the truth behind a legend.]]

--> In 1895, the Qing Dynasty lost the First Sino-Japanese war, and ceded Taiwan and Penghu Islands to the Japanese. \\
With the treaty of Shimonoseki signed, Taiwan entered the Japanese colonial period.\\
Unwilling to kneel to a foreign ruler, the people of Taiwan begin to form a resistance...
----
... and heroes are born from oppression. Among them, hides an elusive outlaw, a legend among the locals of Taiwan.
His name is '''Liao Tian-ding'''.
----

''The Legend of Tian-ding'' is a 2021 {{Metroidvania}}-style open-world action game made by Taiwan's Zebra Game Studios, and was notably the remake of an older 2004 game from the same company.

Loosely based on a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liao_Tianding real-life historical figure]], the game chronicles the escapades of Liao Tian-ding, the hero of Taiwan and a mythical thief who steals from the rich, JustLikeRobinHood, in his last days during his struggle against Japanese imperialists. Told in a manner reminiscent of {{Manhua}}, players assumes the role of Tian-ding as he completes quests and attempts to buy the freedom of his girlfriend, A-Guai, while staying one step ahead of the Japanese chief of police, Matsumoto, who will stop at ''nothing'' to arrest him at all costs.

But the legend of a powerful artifact hidden in the hills of Taiwan resurfaces, with a ruthless Japanese commander seeking to find it. Tian-ding eventually uncovers a conspiracy to instigate doomsday, and it's up to him to stop it.
The game is available for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation4, PC, and UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch.

----
!! Once Upon a Time in 1900s Taiwan...
* AbsurdlySpaciousSewer: In order to infiltrate Piggy Wang's mansion, Tian-ding needs to cross a ''huge'' sewer full of enemies and traps. One large enough for him to ''swing around''.
* AcidPool: The sewer levels beneath Wong's mansion somehow contains entire streams of potent acid, that kills anything that fell inside.
* AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs: [[spoiler:The Mansion 28 hall gets captured by General Shimada, owing to their leader, Ding Peng, actually being a traitor serving the Japanese. Most of their members are executed on the spot under Shimada's orders, with Tian-ding nearly suffering the same fate if Matsumoto didn't suddenly have a change of heart]].
* AnachronismStew: As per history, the deeds of Liao Tian-ding are from Taiwan in the late 1900s… but then again, it's a manhua-like setting that runs on RuleOfCool.
** The rocket launcher-mooks uses weapons which are far too advanced and modern for the game's setting. Note that the first Japanese-made shoulder-mounted rocket launcher, the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_4_70_mm_AT_rocket_launcher Type 4-70mm]], made it's debut in 1944.
** There's also the shield-carrying enemies whose weapons appear to be [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_shield ballistic shields]], introduced in the 1970s.
** The ''entire'' boss fight against Nakamura, basically. His weapons wouldn't look out of place in a modern-day war film, from Gatling guns to shotguns to modern-day rocket launchers.
* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: [[spoiler:When Tian-ding, after witnessing the Mansion 28 massacre, gets pinned down by two Japanese soldiers. When the hero refuses to give in, Ding Peng then orders the soldiers to fire. Cue a gunshot… from the reformed Matsumoto shooting at his own men to free Tian-ding]].
* BandOfBrothels: There's a red-light district uptown, where A-Guai - Tian-ding's girlfriend and a HookerWithAHeartOfGold - works, as a result of being sold by her family. One of Tian-ding's major character arcs is trying to earn enough money to "buy" A-Guai's freedom after learning she's going to be sold off to a Japanese tycoon, [[spoiler:but sadly it doesn't work]].
* BittersweetEnding: [[spoiler:Tian-ding has defeated Shimada, destroyed the Sword of Seven Shackles, and saves Taiwan - and the ''world'' - from Shimada's tyranny, only to be shot by A-Lin, who mistook him as a traitor. In the aftermath, Matsumoto will clear Tian-ding of his crimes and ensure history remembers him as a hero, as A-Lin, learning the truth, then spreads the word and have entire generations of Taiwanese in the future to remember Tian-ding's deeds]].
* BoobyTrap: The game has plenty of hidden traps and obstacles throughout various levels, all of them trying to skewer or crush Tian-ding for ''existing''. From bamboo spikes in the sewers to gears and blades in the warehouse, as well as falling rocks in the underground mausoleum (which inevitably leads to an IndyEscape with Tian-ding outrunning a boulder).
* ClearMyName: [[spoiler:After Ding Peng, the Mansion 28's leader, is revealed to be a traitor, his subordinate, Ching Feng, then sets off to the big city with false news that Tian-ding is the one who sold them to the Japanese leading to the resistance being massacred. Tian-ding must prove himself innocent by thwarting General Shimada's final plan]]. He barely succeeds, but unfortunately [[spoiler:couldn't convince his protégé, A-Lin, of the truth, leading to A-Lin killing Tian-ding in the final cutscene]].
* ContrivedClumsiness: In the Jianyue-lou Restaurant stage, Tian-ding - disguised as a waitress named Ding-ding - "accidentally" spills some wine on the shirt of a rogue collaborator working for Shimada, and quickly offers to clean his clothes. And pickpocket one of the {{MacGuffin}}s he need for the game, of course.
* CutsceneIncompetence: Related to the above-mentioned BittersweetEnding; [[spoiler:the final cutscene have Tian-ding getting killed by a SINGLE bullet fired from A-Lin, who still thought Tian-ding is a traitor. The hero will die regardless the amount of health he has leftover after defeating Shimada, even though in gameplay he could survive getting hit by rockets]].
* DisguisedInDrag: Tian-ding does this twice in the game; firstly as a courtesan to infiltrate the Jiangyue-lou Restaurant, and later as an elderly woman to sneak past Matsumoto's checkpoint in the train station.
--> '''Tian-ding''': [''disguised as a courtesan''] Now, it's time for Liao ''Ding-ding'''s big debut.
* EliteMook: Some enemies are higher-ranked, deals more damage, and far more durable than lower-level mooks. These are few in-between regular enemies, but can be identified by their purple health-bars.
* GiantMook: Japanese boxers, who fights using their fists, are taller than Tian-ding with muscles bulging out of their uniforms and absorbs more damage than regular enemies before going down. Sometimes they can be seen carrying rocket launchers.
* GottaCatchThemAll: The 28 amulets and seals which can unlock all of Tian-ding's abilities, of which only around half is needed to finish the game. Of course, collecting more will make the final battle against Shimada easier.
* GraveRobbing: The Mausoleum of Lu Yao-hsian, a legendary Pirate Queen from the Qing Dynasty, which stores entire vaults filled with gold (which the game states, a single chest can last for ''three lives'') and a powerful CoolSword that the Japanese is seeking after. The final stage have General Shimada and his men finally entering the mausoleum, and Tian-ding needs to prevent Shimada from obtaining said sword [[spoiler:only for Shimada to retrieve the sword moments before Tian-ding]]. Cue an insanely tense and long FinalBoss battle.
* TheGreatestStoryNeverTold: [[spoiler:Sadly, the deeds of the hero, Liao Tian-ding, may never be known to the rest of Taiwan - or the world - when Tian-ding, having defeated General Shimada, exits the mausoleum... only to be shot dead by A-Lin, who still believes Tian-ding to be a traitor]].
* GunsAreWorthless: Several enemies carry firearms, and their bullets deals ''slightly'' more damage to Tian-ding's health than bayonets and swords. On the other hand, the bullets can be [[ParryingBullets deflected back to their shooters]] simply by way of ''punching''.
* HeartContainer: Collecting high-quality wine will expand Tian-ding's maximum health by a new bar, and restore it to the new level. There are only four areas in the entire game that allows this function though.
* HyperactiveMetabolism: Tian-ding gains health from eating ''mantou'' buns and drinking tea. Somehow a stuffed bun can offset the damage from five bullets.
* LaResistance: Mansion 28, the local Taiwanese resistance who opposes the Japanese governing party. [[spoiler:And turns out to be a ruse started by their leader, Ding Peng, in order to flush Tian-ding out of hiding]].
* LethalLavaLand: Final area of the Lu Yao-hsian Mausoleum, where Tian-ding must jump over platforms and bridges on lava or die instantly from AMoltenDateWithDeath. [[spoiler:It's also the area where Tian-ding fights Shimada as the FinalBoss]].
* LikeRealityUnlessNoted: On one hand, the game's depiction of Taiwan in the 1900s looks ''exactly'' like the real deal, save for the hero Tian-ding performing some exaggerated feats during gameplay. On the other hand there's a kunoichi with actual ninja powers, a Chinese acrobat with unexplained PlayingWithFire abilities, a magic sword that grants the user ElementalPowers… and that's not getting into [[spoiler:the villain General Shimada turning into a shadowy demon after his defeat]]. (???)
* LocomotiveLevel: After escaping Matsumoto's checkpoint and boarding a train heading towards Taipei, Tian-ding needs to contend with Japanese soldiers on board and fight his way through. Predictably it leads to a TraintopBattle.
* PainfullySlowProjectile: Some enemies carry firearms, but their bullets tend to be ridiculously slow, where Tian-ding can simply jump or waltz over to avoid them. Or deflect with his fists.
* RestingRecovery: Finding a tea-station will have Tian-ding pausing to take a sip, restoring his health to max.
* RoofHopping: Most of the outdoor stages have Tian-ding jumping from one rooftop to another, either to escape enemy officers, pursue clues or retrieve vital items.
* SentryGun: Oddly enough, the game has areas containing {{steampunk}} turrets which fires upon Tian-ding on automatic. They belong to the WeakTurretGun variety, however – two or three slashes is enough to dismantle them (or alternatively, deflecting their shots which destroy them instantly).
* ShieldBearingMook: Japanese soldiers and military police with riot shields can take far more damage than their unshielded counterparts, though their shields could be smashed by repeated punching and slashing. Alternatively, Tian-ding can relive them of their shields by tying them via sash, and collect those shields for himself.
* {{Sidequest}}: There's around 10 optional side-quests besides the main storyline, all which revolves Tian-ding retrieving assorted MacGuffin(s) and items for the townspeople to boost his reputation as a hero, which players can complete or ignore all. From locating Cheng's certificate, getting the Kaoliang Liquor Label, finding Mr. Huang's stamps, completing Uncle He's medicinal broths, and others.
* SittingOnTheRoof: While most of the beggars in the city are sitting in the streets, one of them is - rather ''bafflingly'' - sitting on a rooftop (how did he even get there or expect to come across generous passer-bys is beyond anyone's guess), in a hard-to-reach spot. Finding said beggar and giving him alms will reward Tian-ding with a special item.
* SteppingStonesInTheSky:
** The level where Tian-ding fights enemies on top of a train has occasional eagles passing by. That he can use the spiderwire to grab and use as platforms... yes, ''eagles''.
** In the final cutscene, after [[spoiler:Tian-ding defeats Shimada and sends the villain to AMoltenDateWithDeath, he then escapes the collapsing cavern by jumping on rocks]].
* StorybookOpening: Or ''Manhua'' opening, the game opens with the pages of a manhua depicting the deeds of Liao Tian-ding unfolding, which then segues into the hero's introduction.
* SuspiciousVideogameGenerosity: While the game tends to have tea stations (which boosts Tian-ding 's health to maximum) at random points, they show up most of the time a few areas before bosses. Notably the restaurant stage which contains a tea station ''five seconds'' before Kaguya reveals herself.
* VideoGameCaringPotential: Performing good deeds will bestow Tian-ding with rewards - giving alms to beggars, helping the innocent townsfolk by performing side-quests, distributing wealth to citizens, all these will increase Tian-ding's experience points and boost his health.
* WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue: The game ends with a montage in the credits, depicting the fates of every other character after [[spoiler:the death of Tian-ding]].
** [[spoiler:Ching-feng, the ''actual'' traitor, was eventually arrested for his crimes, and sentenced to life imprisonment]].
** [[spoiler:The reformed Matsumoto decides to reveal his superior, Shimada's atrocities to the public, and clear Tian-ding of his crimes posthumously. He was promoted for his subsequent efforts, but still regrets over being the pawn of a bloodthirsty traitor]].
** [[spoiler:A-Guai, Tian-ding's girlfriend, was unable to attain her freedom, where she later marries a Japanese tycoon against her will. She spends the rest of her life unhappily while mourning the hero who saved Taiwan]].
** [[spoiler:A-Lin, who pulled the trigger, learns the truth that Tian-ding was a good man framed by the actual traitors. Filled with remorse, A-Lin, upon being released, takes over Tian-ding's role as leader]].
** [[spoiler:The Japanese occupation in Taiwan eventually comes to an end. A shrine was built in Liao Tian-ding's honor, with it [[OurFounder a statue in his likeness]], and his deeds later becomes legends to the entire nation]].
----

Top