Charming xianxia romp

The Sun

6 hours ago

FOR those unfamiliar with the sprawling, spirit-summoning world of xianxia dramas, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy might sound intimidating at first glance. Ancient costumes? Cultivation? Demon hunters with long names and even longer grudges? It is a lot to take in. But this 2024 Tencent series, now recently added on Netflix, based on The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus by Bai Yu Zhai Diao Gong, pulls off an unexpected trick, it makes the whole thing delightfully accessible. And not just accessible, funny, modern and above all, watchable.
Right from the first episode, it lobs viewers into a world of fantasy novels, demon clans, heavenly missions and metaphysical chaos. Yet somehow, it all makes sense, thanks to one mischievously relatable protagonist, a tongue-in-cheek premise and a structure that gamifies each story arc with clear rules and escalating stakes.
For any viewer wondering where to start with the genre: this is it. Try one episode and the rabbit hole practically digs itself.
Accidental heroine, intentional chaos
The story begins with a modern girl who vents her frustrations with a scathing online review, only to find herself accidentally pulled into the very fantasy novel she was criticising. Insert glitchy mission system, dramatic costume change and a sudden villainous identity and boom: the reluctant heroine is now part of a deadly game where failure means starting over.
What makes Love Game in Eastern Fantasy stand out is how self-aware it is. Unlike typical epic dramas that expect viewers to understand centuries-old lore, this series treats its genre with affectionate mockery. The heroine does not know the rules either, and that is the whole point. She learns them (and breaks them) as she goes, dragging the audience along for the ride with hilarious commentary, awkward encounters and the occasional jaw-dropping plot twist.
Demon royalty, twisted romance
Surrounding her is a colourful cast of demon-slayers, scholars and not-quite-human love interests. Among them: a cold-blooded half-demon with deep emotional trauma, a demon-slaying big sister with trust issues and a charming rogue who may or may not have ulterior motives. Everyone has at least three names, a dramatic backstory and the tendency to recite poetic lines while bleeding.
But thankfully, the show never takes itself too seriously. Its strongest moments come when it embraces the weirdness, mixing drama with comedy and fantasy with the emotional confusion of someone trying to flirt while surviving monster attacks. With each mission the heroine clears, the emotional stakes grow deeper and the once-chaotic world starts to make suspiciously coherent sense.
Stay for the plot
Despite its fantasy setting, the show has a structure that feels almost like a game, complete missions, survive resets and level up emotionally. The plot progression is easy to follow, even for first-time xianxia viewers. The pacing keeps things moving briskly and the visual production, from elaborate sets at Hengdian World Studios to its dreamy cinematography, is gorgeous.
The charm also lies in the fact that the story never demands full genre literacy. The heroine is confused by the ancient world? So are viewers. The rules keep changing? That is half the fun. The demons talk like misunderstood philosophers? That is just Tuesday.
Even the romantic elements, which in xianxia can sometimes get bogged down by fate and tragedy, feel fresh here. There is chemistry, banter and enough mystery to keep things interesting without the emotional drag.
But not without some bumps
No series is perfect and Love Game in Eastern Fantasy is not exempt. While its game-reset structure adds excitement, it occasionally causes abrupt plot shifts that might throw off viewers expecting a more grounded 'normal person trapped in a fantasy novel' arc. Certain emotional beats jump too quickly, as if the story skipped a few pages to hit the next dramatic twist. For some, this may make character development feel uneven, especially when the narrative pivots between comedy and trauma in the span of one sword fight.
That said, these jumps do not ruin the experience. They simply reflect a show that tries to do a lot, sometimes all at once. And in the spirit of its genre, that chaotic layering kind of works. As long as expectations are tempered, the ride is still wildly enjoyable.
For the genre-curious
What sets Love Game in Eastern Fantasy apart is its accessibility. Even with its 32-episode run, sprawling mythology and complex character arcs, it still feels like a story meant for anyone willing to press play.
Whether viewers are longtime xianxia fans or completely new to the scene, the series offers a refreshingly comedic take on a genre often steeped in heaviness. Its heroine is not a chosen saviour or immortal warrior, just a sassy, reluctant participant trying to find the exit. And that makes her journey one worth watching.
Love Game in Eastern Fantasy is best approached the same way its heroine stumbles into her adventure: by accident. All it takes is one episode and like her, viewers may find themselves unexpectedly hooked, cheering through the chaos and laughing through the lore.
A cleverly packaged mix of comedy, romance and demon-hunting fantasy, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy is one of 2024's most surprising genre hits. Though it may stumble with a few narrative jumps, its charm, cast and clever storytelling more than make up for it. An easy entry into xianxia and an absolute treat for fantasy drama fans, accidental or not.