Song of Nanzhao

Song of Nanzhao is a music-driven puzzle game inspired by traditional Chinese folk music, particularly the Nanzhao Fengsheng music. This vertical slice presents the first chapter of the game.

In the year 798 AD, war swept across the land. The Tang Dynasty launched massive conscription campaigns, leaving border kingdoms in turmoil. For years, the Nanzhao Kingdom clashed with the Tang in endless conflict.

Born into this chaos, you are a court musician—silent by birth, but never voiceless. With music as your only bridge to the world, you must carry the hope of a nation longing for peace.

Wander through an ancient Chinese village during a time of war. Meet villagers shaped by hardship, uncover their personal stories, and build trust through empathy and kindness. Use music to interact with people and the world around you.

Every object has its own sound. Listen closely, and you’ll hear melodies hidden in the world. Learn and record these melodies using a pentatonic system based on the five elements. Each note is a tool—helping you speak, unlock secrets, and gather key items.

Use your music to solve puzzles, unlock forgotten memories, and progress through the story. Whether you're delivering the right tune to a villager or playing a melody to open sealed paths, every note you play brings you one step closer to understanding the past—and shaping what’s to come.

As the musician of Nanzhao, your melodies carry more than sound—they carry meaning, memory, and hope. In a world scarred by war, can music offer a path to peace?