Tencent and Morefun Studio have taken a bold step into the realm of action fighting games with their upcoming title, The Hidden Ones. Based on the popular webcomic Hitori No Shita: The Outcast, this 3D action game blends martial arts combat with a mystical world inspired by Eastern philosophies, including Taoism and the balance of Yin and Yang. Ahead of the pre-alpha test starting January 7th, I had the chance to spend two hours exploring the game’s Story, PvP, and Trial modes, offering a glimpse into what players can expect when the game launches in Q3 2025.
Visual Style and Character Design
One of the first things that stands out in The Hidden Ones is its stunning presentation. The game’s art style and character design take heavy inspiration from kung fu martial arts and Eastern mysticism, including the Eight Secret Arts. The result is a visual aesthetic that feels cinematic and fluid, making it akin to playing an interactive anime. Each character, known as an Outcast, boasts a unique moveset and fighting style, adding variety and depth to the gameplay.
Another exciting feature is the inclusion of Doppelgangers, which serve as support abilities during battles. Players can assign these abilities strategically within limited slots and points, allowing for a level of customization that complements individual playstyles. This thoughtful design ensures that every encounter feels tailored to the player’s preferences while adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Hands-On Impressions of Combat Mechanics
The combat system in The Hidden Ones is skill-based, focusing on reading enemy attack patterns, managing stamina, and reacting with well-timed blocks and dodges. During my hands-on session, this approach led to intense, moment-to-moment battles where I found myself chaining combos, dodging ranged attacks, blocking incoming strikes, and unleashing powerful ultimate moves.
The controls felt responsive and precise, which is crucial for a game with such a high emphasis on skill. Both keyboard-and-mouse setups and controllers are supported on PC. While I preferred using a controller, both options appeared to work seamlessly. However, I am curious to see how the controls translate to mobile devices, given the game’s planned Android and iOS release.
One of the game’s standout features is its balanced design, with no apparent pay-to-win elements or microtransactions mentioned during the preview. This ensures that competitive play remains fair and focused on player skill, a refreshing departure from many modern free-to-play titles.
Exploring Gameplay Modes: Story, PvP, and Trial
Story Mode
The Story mode serves as an excellent introduction to the game’s mechanics and world. Players step into the role of Wang Ye, the main character, as he pursues the chapter’s villain, Ling Jiu. This mode provides ample opportunities to familiarize yourself with Wang Ye’s moveset and the fundamentals of dodging and parrying before culminating in a climactic boss fight.
The boss fight with Ling Jiu was particularly challenging, pushing me to apply everything I had learned during the chapter. The combination of narrative and combat training makes Story mode a must-play before diving into the more competitive modes.
PvP Mode
PvP mode is where The Hidden Ones truly shines as a competitive fighting game. During my session, I faced off against both the Morefun team and other media representatives. The matches were intense, requiring a mix of strategy and skill to chain offensive attacks and land devastating combos.
Each player has three characters to use in PvP, and they cannot be rotated mid-match. This setup encourages players to think carefully about their roster and adapt to their opponents’ strategies. The competitive aspect of PvP is bound to appeal to fans of esports and fighting games.
Trial Mode
Trial mode is essentially a boss rush mode, allowing players to select a difficulty level and face off against a series of challenging encounters. While I spent the least time with this mode, it’s clear that it will serve as an excellent test of skill for seasoned players looking to push their abilities to the limit.
Release Date and Platforms
The Hidden Ones is set to release in Q3 2025 and will be free-to-play on PC, Android, and iOS devices. This broad platform availability ensures that a wide range of players can experience the game. Notably, the game’s pre-alpha test begins on January 7th, giving early adopters a chance to dive into the action ahead of its official launch.
Final Thoughts
The Hidden Ones combines breathtaking visuals, skill-based combat, and a variety of gameplay modes to create a unique and engaging experience. Whether you’re a fan of martial arts action, Eastern mysticism, or competitive fighting games, there’s something here for everyone. With its focus on fair play and responsive mechanics, this title has the potential to become a standout in the free-to-play market.
If you’re intrigued, mark your calendars for the pre-alpha test on January 7th and stay tuned for more updates as The Hidden Ones approaches its highly anticipated release.
