What are the pros of Road to Empress I?

Exceptional production quality and acting for a budget title.. Compelling historical narrative based on the life of Wu Zetian.. Deep character development for both main and side characters.. Excellent value for money at its low price point.. Strong emotional impact and gripping drama..

What are the cons of Road to Empress I?

Use of generative AI for background illustrations and certain story segments.. Mandatory online connection requirement prevents offline play.. Restrictive choice system where incorrect decisions often lead to immediate death.. Technical friction on Steam Deck, including age verification and connection errors.. Inconsistent or wonky English translation in some sections..

Road to Empress I

You've never played a game like this before. Road to Empress I is a cinematic palace adventure where your choices decide everyone's fate. Tackle multiple story branches and a high mortality rate with charm, wisdom and courage? First...survive.

87%

Very Positive

DeveloperNew One Studio

PublishersAriel, New One Studio

Release DateSep 8, 2025

$8.49

Peak Players15.6K

Metacritic83

PlatformsWindows

AI Review Summary

Road to Empress I is a high-production interactive FMV that chronicles the rise of Wu Zetian, earning praise for its compelling acting and emotional storytelling at a budget-friendly price. However, the experience is marred for some by the inclusion of generative AI artwork and a mandatory online connection requirement.

Pros

Exceptional production quality and acting for a budget title.90%
Compelling historical narrative based on the life of Wu Zetian.80%
Deep character development for both main and side characters.70%
Excellent value for money at its low price point.90%
Strong emotional impact and gripping drama.80%

Cons

Use of generative AI for background illustrations and certain story segments.80%
Mandatory online connection requirement prevents offline play.70%
Restrictive choice system where incorrect decisions often lead to immediate death.60%
Technical friction on Steam Deck, including age verification and connection errors.50%
Inconsistent or wonky English translation in some sections.60%

Notable Mentions

Requires a constant internet connection to play.
Features a historical setting focused on China's only female ruler.
Steam Deck users may encounter unexpected age verification prompts.

Confidence: 57%

Based on the 107 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Oct 11, 2026

Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak

355

Peak · last 90 days

2.4K

All-time peak

15.6K

Price

Current price

$8.49

Lowest tracked

$6.79since Jan 20, 2026

Review Sentiment

Last 30 days

94%

All-time positive

87%

Review Statistics

Total Reviews13.5K

Positive: 11.7K (87%)Negative: 1.8K (13%)

Reviews from Steam Deck

Dev Response Rate

Avg Playtime at Review

95%

Credible Reviews