The Defiant, developed by Hangzhou Hoothanes Entertainment, is a single-player shooter set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, offering a rare look at China's role in World War II with a campaign spanning multiple perspectives
The Defiant is an upcoming single-player shooter from Hangzhou Hoothanes Entertainment that shifts the World War II focus to China's War of Resistance against Japan. While most shooters in the genre revisit familiar European and Pacific battlefields, The Defiant explores the Second Sino-Japanese War through the eyes of several Chinese soldiers, each with their own narrative and gameplay style. The game was recently demonstrated at the BiliBili: First Look event in Shanghai, providing a glimpse into its campaign structure and combat systems.
Campaign Structure and Setting
The Defiant's campaign is divided into four main chapters, each following a different fictional Chinese soldier across distinct locations and missions. These chapters are designed to reflect the diversity of the conflict, ranging from espionage in Shanghai's neon-lit streets to sabotage operations targeting Japanese supply lines. The developers have based the battles on real historical encounters, with environments reconstructed through detailed research to ensure authenticity. This approach aims to deliver a narrative-driven experience that stands apart from the multiplayer-centric focus of many modern shooters.
Players can expect a variety of gameplay mechanics depending on the chapter, including stealth, puzzle-solving, and direct combat. For example, one mission places the player in the role of a spy gathering intelligence, while another focuses on demolishing infrastructure to disrupt enemy logistics. The arsenal includes era-accurate weapons such as the Liao Type 13 rifle, pistols, machine guns, grenades, and even melee options like a broadsword. Weapon handling is supported by robust audio design and animation, with the health system relying on visual cues rather than traditional medkits or bandages.
Combat, Mechanics and Cinematic Moments
Combat in The Defiant is described as intense and often overwhelming, with players fighting alongside AI squadmates against large numbers of Japanese infantry. Missions feature a mix of open environments and confined spaces, such as snowy mountain trenches and burning homesteads. The game's interface uses blood splatter and screen vignette effects to indicate damage, requiring players to seek cover and recover rather than relying on instant healing items.
Cinematic moments are woven into the gameplay, including scripted ambushes, quick-time events, and dramatic set-pieces where the player's squad faces overwhelming odds. The preview build showcased a mission ending with the apparent defeat of the protagonist's squad, only for an unexpected ally to intervene. Outside the main campaign, a shooting range mode allows players to test a selection of weapons and grenades, with the full arsenal set to expand as the story progresses.
Co-op Mode and Technical Limitations
Although The Defiant is primarily a solo experience, the developers have confirmed an additional co-op mode will be available at launch. This mode is separate from the main story and will feature PvE missions inspired by campaign scenarios. The exact player count and mission types are still being finalised, but the mode is intended as an optional addition rather than a core focus. Based on the current information, a horde-style mode is likely, though details remain subject to change.
There are several technical and gameplay limitations in the preview build. Player movement is restricted, with no ability to jump or vault over obstacles, and crouching does not allow going fully prone. Some cover mechanics are inconsistent, occasionally leaving players exposed. The absence of deployable traps, despite their historical use, was also noted. The developers have stated that these issues, along with AI behaviour and HUD clarity, are being addressed as development continues.
Development Status and Platform Plans
The Defiant is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. No release date has been announced, but the project has been underway since 2023 and is not expected to launch before late 2026 at the earliest. The campaign is planned to last around 15 hours, positioning the game as a substantial single-player experience reminiscent of earlier story-driven shooters. English audio is planned for the final release, with the preview build featuring translated subtitles.
For players interested in lesser-known theatres of World War II, The Defiant offers a rare perspective on China's role in the conflict. Its focus on narrative and solo play distinguishes it from the multiplayer-heavy approach of franchises like Call of Duty, which has explored other aspects of the war, including experimental modes such as the recently uncovered Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops. The Defiant's development team continues to refine the game based on feedback, with further updates expected as the project moves closer to completion.
In the context of modern shooters, The Defiant's approach to health and damage is notable. Rather than relying on traditional health bars or medkits, the game uses visual cues-such as blood splatter and screen effects-to communicate player status. This system, common in many contemporary shooters, is designed to increase immersion and encourage tactical use of cover, but can also make it harder for players to judge their exact health. As with other mechanics, the effectiveness of this approach will depend on final balancing and player feedback closer to release.
