If you’re an avid gamer, there’s every chance you’ve played a Chinese mythology-themed game. The world of Chinese mythology and history has long fascinated gamers, offering rich narratives, iconic characters, and breathtaking landscapes.
With the recent release of Black Myth: Wukong, a game inspired by the classic tale of the Monkey King, this fascination has reached new heights. While Black Myth: Wukong is making waves on consoles, a vast selection of mobile games also draws heavily from Chinese legends, history, and traditional symbols.
From action-packed MOBAs to immersive strategy titles and casual slots, there’s something for every type of gamer. Let’s turn back time and dive into Chinese mythology through the eyes of mobile games.
Honor of Kings
Termed as the world’s most-played mobile MOBA, Honor of Kings is a fast-paced, competitive mobile game that blends Chinese mythology with modern gaming mechanics.
Published by Tencent, this multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game allows players to choose from a list of characters inspired by Chinese history and mythology. For instance, you have the fierce warrior Zhao Yun and the legendary Monkey King.
The gameplay is simple. Beat opponents to accumulate experience points and gold. These points will help you unlock your character’s abilities and further improve their power. What about the gold, you ask? Well, you can buy them at the shop to acquire specific attributes for your character or even acquire new heroes.
To win in the game, you need to destroy your enemy’s base also known as turrets. You must then advance to the heart of the base and also destroy the base crystal.
Game of Heroes: Three Kingdoms
If you’re one with history, you know about the Three Kingdoms Era in China. This is a period filled with tales of massive battles, political intrigue, and legendary heroes.
It’s this short and bloody era that has since been the subject of not only historical fiction but other art forms including Chinese-themed mobile games. One of the most popular examples is Game of Heroes: Three Kingdoms.
It’s all about strategy in this game as players are tasked with collecting and leveling up different characters associated with the three kingdoms.
Look out for the team battle, an offline mode, and authentic mode settings. Additionally, you will find a government system with weekly bonuses, a guild system for a public corporation, and warlords.
The Fortune Series
For those seeking a more casual gaming experience with a touch of cultural flair, PG Soft’s Fortune Series slot games offer a delightful mix of mythology and chance. The series includes games like Fortune Tiger, Fortune Ox, Fortune Dragon, and Fortune Mouse, each representing traditional symbols from Chinese culture. These symbols aren’t just for show—they carry deep meanings tied to luck, prosperity, and fortune.
One of the best parts? These games can be played on both desktop and mobile, with the iPad’s touchscreen offering an enhanced, immersive experience. For more information on the best iPad casinos you should explore to play these, click here.
Fortune Tiger
This exciting slot game features three reels and five paylines. However, don’t let the reduced paylines fool you into thinking this is a boring release.
For starters, this game draws its inspiration from Chinese mythology.
According to folklore, a thousand-year-old emperor lives in immortality as he rules but the secret behind his long life is a golden tiger.
However, in addition to immortality, it’s said the tiger gives birth once in 12 years. When it does, it rains gold and it has the power to cure illnesses and also fertilize the soil.
The gameplay features respins plus a 10x multiplier. Additionally, players can bag up to 2500x their bet amount.
Fortune Ox
Have you ever heard of the Year of the Ox? Well, according to the ancient Chinese, farming during this year brings abundance because it’s always associated with fair weather. The ox symbol is part of the 12-year periodic sequence associated with happiness thanks to a legend that states whoever meets the ox rider and touches the horns will be bestowed with eternal happiness.
In this slot, PGSoft applies this theme hoping you will end up happy after bagging the maximum 2000x your bet win. Similar to Firtune Tiger, the game comes with three reels but more paylines (10). You also have a 10x multiplier plus respins to boost your winnings.
Fortune Dragon
Another Chinese mythology, this time it’s about an injured dragon. A villager during their rounds came across this dragon and tended to it until it regained full health.
However, the dragon would later thank the villagers with luck and prosperity. According to legend, this event occurred during the Lunar New Year. As a result, every Lunar New Year is celebrated at midnight. The Chinese hold celebrations in honor of the dragon, praying for health, good weather, and happiness.
If you receive the dragon’s blessing, you can walk away with the maximum prize of 2500x your bet. Furthermore, this 96.74%release comes with a 10x reel multiplier and a free spins feature played with an expanded multiplier reel. That means you can look forward to 2x or 3x multipliers awarded on every spin until the feature ends.
Fortune Mouse
Also, as part of the zodiac signs, the mouse earned the status through a cunning move. According to Chinese folklore, the Jade Emperor organized a race to establish which animal would be among the 12 Zodiac signs.
Once the race started, the cow leaped into a commanding lead. Unknowingly, the cow thought it was about to win. However, just as it approached the finish line, the mouse jumped from the cow’s back from where it hitched a ride and crossed the line, making it the first Zodiac sign.
In this game, players have only one bonus round. Three wild symbols will appear in the central reel. A respin of the remaining 2 reels will ensue until you bag a win. Unlike the other games in the Fortune series, the maximum win is lower at 1000x your bet.
Kemono Mahjong
Mahjong has been a popular pastime in China for centuries, and Kemono Mahjong brings this traditional game into the digital age with a charming twist.
In this mobile version, players face off against anthropomorphic animal characters in the familiar four-player Mahjong format.
The game stays true to the core mechanics of traditional Mahjong, while the addition of these unique characters adds a playful and engaging dimension.
What you’ll appreciate is how the game bridges the gap between Western gaming and the cultural significance the game holds in East Asia.
A Journey Through China’s Myths and Legends
From the strategic depth of Game of Heroes: Three Kingdoms to the fast-paced action of Honor of Kings, these mobile games bring Chinese history and mythology to life in unique and exciting ways.
The addition of casino-themed games like the Fortune Series further showcases how Chinese symbols and mythology can be woven into modern gaming experiences, making these games both fun and culturally enriching. And with the ability to play these games on devices like the iPad, the immersive experience is just a tap away, offering players a gateway into a world of history, myth, and chance.
