[All] [2025 Latest] Cast and walkthrough for The Rising of the Shield Heroes! When will there be a sequel to this Tang Dynasty conspiracy drama starring Huang Yi, Guan Hong, and Yao Chi?

The much anticipated live-action interactive drama of 2025, "The Rise of the World: The Journey to Empress," is set in the Tang Dynasty and depicts the life of Empress Wu. A spectacular palace survival tale unfolds. Featuring a star-studded cast including Huang Yi, Guan Hong, and Yao Yu, your choices will change your fate. We'll introduce the characters, guide you through the game, and even give you a prediction for the release date of Part 2!

1. What is "The Rise of the World: The Path to Empress"?

The Road to Empress is a live-action interactive drama based on the only female emperor in Chinese history, Wu Zetian. It tells the dramatic story of how players themselves influence the fate of the imperial court. Set during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, players play as a young girl named Wu Yuanzhao (later known as Wu Zetian) who enters the harem and begins her journey from the lowest-ranking concubine to the throne.

With over 100 branching paths, this game is designed as an extreme political drama where a single player decision can mean the difference between life and death. Filmed entirely in live action, the game features lavish sets, costumes, art design, and meticulous historical research, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel as if you've stepped into the Tang Dynasty court.

The game is being developed by New One Studio, a studio specializing in interactive video production. It is scheduled to be released on Steam, the App Store, and Google Play in the fall of 2025, and was first unveiled to the public at BitSummit the 13th, held at Miyako Messe in Kyoto in July. The game has been gaining attention even before its release, with demo corners, limited-edition merchandise distribution, and on-site challenge events.

2. List of the stellar cast

One of the reasons why "The Rising Sun" is attracting so much attention is its impressive cast. Leading the way is Huang Yi, and featuring a cast of young, talented Chinese actors, including Guan Hong, Yao Yu, and Lin Xiaozhai, who bring color to this profound palace drama. Their acting skills and presence support the realism of the entire work.

In this work, the performances of each actor add to the weight of the story. In particular, Huang Yi's sharp gaze and delicate emotional expression create a presence that overwhelms the viewer.

3. Story and System Features

The greatest feature of this work is its "immersive drama experience" that transcends the boundaries between live action and games. The player's choices change the fate of all the characters, creating a constant sense of tension and immersion. Each character has their own motivations and backgrounds, and those who seek power, those who are consumed with love, and those who live for revenge are intricately intertwined. The darkness and scheming that lurks behind the splendor of the Tang Dynasty are realistically reproduced, making this a work that truly deserves to be called a "life-risking palace survival."

There are also over 100 branching stories, and each choice the player makes will lead to a different fate. For example, small choices such as who you look at at a banquet or what food you eat can greatly influence how things unfold later. If you make a mistake, you may immediately reach a bad ending, so you will always be forced to make tense decisions.

While the setting is based on historical facts, it also incorporates original elements, and historical figures such as Emperor Taizong and Li Shimin and Shangguan Wan'er appear. It is a structure that is well worth watching for fans of historical dramas.

4. Strategy: Tips for conquering all routes

Unlocking all routes in this game requires careful choices and multiple playthroughs. First, it's important to avoid rash actions when making choices in the early stages. Food events and drug choices are particularly dangerous, and incorrect decisions can lead to an immediate death ending. The "Lotus Incense Burner Route" in the middle of the game has a special mechanism that unlocks a hidden episode by intentionally failing. If you don't know this, you won't be able to achieve 100% progress.

Furthermore, you won't be able to see the special ending unless you check all the options in "Choice of Hairpin" in Chapter 7 and "Costume Flashback Scene" in Chapters 15 and 16. The dialogue and images change depending on the type of costume, so experiencing all the patterns is the key to clearing the game.

There are many endings that cannot be reached in just one playthrough, and the true story is only revealed through multiple playthroughs.

5. When will Part 2 (Season 2) be released?

There has been no official announcement at present, but according to information from the official Chinese community, Part 2 (Season 2) is expected to be released between winter 2025 and spring 2026. Considering that Part 1 was released on September 9, 2025, a release six months later would be the most natural timeline for the production cycle. Players are excited that "Wu Yuanzhao will finally ascend to the throne as empress in Part 2," and the number of wishlists on Steam is already skyrocketing. If you want to keep up with the latest information, be sure to follow the official X (@RoadtoEmpressjp) and Weibo accounts.

6. Overall Review and Fan Reactions

"The Rise of the World: The Path to Empress" is not just a live-action drama, but has been highly praised as an "experiential visual work" in which the player's fate changes depending on their choices. Review sites have recorded a high average score of 7.3/10, with many comments stating that the "visual beauty and acting are of a high level of perfection" and "the fusion of historical drama and gameplay is novel." On the other hand, some have pointed out that "there is little freedom in some routes" and "there are too many bad endings," but these are also viewed favorably as elements that add to the tension of the work.

Visually, the show has been particularly praised for its spectacular sets and lighting, which recreate the Tang Dynasty palace. The show thoroughly pursues oriental aesthetics throughout, and the realism in the costumes and decorations, down to the finest detail, is breathtaking. It's a new-generation drama that offers an experience that's not just something to watch, but something to live.

7. Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Where can I play?
It will be released on three platforms: Steam, App Store, and Google Play.

Q2. What is the lead actor Huang Yi's social media account?
He interacts with his fans on Instagram "@cryptohy."

Q3. Is Zhi Wei, who plays the monk, a former idol?
Yes. He is an actor and idol, and is a multi-talented singer and dancer.

Q4. When will season 2 be released?
The film is likely to be released between winter 2025 and spring 2026 (production is currently underway).

Q5. How many branching routes are there?
There are 16 chapters in total, approximately 80 to 100 branches, and multiple hidden endings.

8. Summary

"The Rise of the World: The Path to Empress" is a new-generation interactive drama that combines beautiful visuals, scriptwriting, and acting. As the Tang Dynasty's intrigues and human desires intersect, players must survive as both a young girl and an empress. Your choices will change history itself.

The next chapter will depict the fateful moment when Takemoto Teru challenges for the position of "Empress." To make sure you don't miss the continuation of this epic story, pre-register now and prepare for that moment.

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