Road to Empress just launched on mobile, and it’s basically a Chinese drama where you get to decide what happens next. New One Studio filmed everything with a real celebrity cast on actual sets, all shot in 4K.
Think of it like binge-watching a historical series, except your choices actually change the plot.
The cast includes names like Kuan Hung, Evie Huang, Zeawo, Hana Lin, Zi Yu, and Qi Xiaxia. Every scene gets acted out by these performers rather than relying on animation or static images.
Tang Dynasty Drama With Supernatural Twists
The story takes place in a version of the Tang Dynasty’s imperial court, drawing inspiration from legends about Wu Zetian – the only woman who ever ruled China as emperor.
What you’ll find:
- Political plotting and power struggles
- The Prince’s secret affair with a bard
- The Princess’s hidden relationship
- Ghosts wandering the abandoned Cold Palace
- Scandals mixed with supernatural elements
Your decisions steer where the story goes. Small choices turn into bigger consequences, and one wrong move of trust could end in betrayal or death.
100+ Ways the Story Can Branch
With more than 100 branching storylines, replaying reveals completely different paths. The goal is survival, with the ultimate prize being the empress throne.
The game includes a system for collecting traditional artifacts and accessing hidden paths. You can also join worldwide polls that crown the most popular characters.
About New One Studio
The team behind Road to Empress already has a track record. Their 2019 release, The Invisible Guardian, earned BAFTA nominations and drew millions of players.
That experience shows in the production quality and branching narrative structure.
Pricing and Availability
Road to Empress is now available on the Google Play Store. The game has 16 chapters total.
Chapters 1 and 2 are free to play. You need to purchase the rest if you want the full story. This lets you try the format before committing to the complete experience.
The interactive film format won’t appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy Chinese historical dramas and want more control over the narrative, Road to Empress delivers exactly that combination.