Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio 2: Fox Sister is a text-heavy RPG set during the turmoil of the late Tang dynasty. Players take on the role of a general's second son who travels south through the haunted Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun alongside a ghost elder sister and a fox-spirit younger sister in search of a fabled paradise. The game draws from the short story Ying Ning in Pu Songling's classical collection Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio and serves as the follow-up to Strange Tales 1: Painted Skin.
Gameplay
The core experience centers on narrative progression through a story of ghosts, fiends, and family bonds in a wasteland shaped by historical upheaval. Exploration and decision-making drive the journey, with the protagonist accompanied by the two sisters whose supernatural natures influence events. Ying Ning appears as a white-haired girl of mixed human-demon bloodline whose extraordinary traits set her apart from both humans and the fox tribe. The game delivers its content through extensive written text supported by full voice acting for key lines, creating a focused single-player adventure that emphasizes character interactions and atmospheric storytelling over combat or resource systems.
Game Modes
The title operates as a linear single-player RPG experience without separate multiplayer components or named competitive modes. Players advance through the main narrative by following the southward journey, managing companion relationships, and navigating the dangers of the haunted regions. The structure supports one primary playthrough path with opportunities to revisit choices across multiple sessions, though the overall scope remains contained within a single cohesive story arc.
Story and Setting
Late Tang unrest has released supernatural forces that transform the Sixteen Prefectures into a dangerous frontier. The protagonist's quest for paradise serves as the central thread, blending historical atmosphere with classical Chinese supernatural elements. The adaptation of the Ying Ning tale provides the foundation for character dynamics, particularly the younger sister's fox-spirit heritage and the elder sister's ghostly presence, which shape both dialogue and plot developments.
Production Details
Developed by Huyu under the Night Fire Game label, the sequel expands on the first entry with 150,000 words of text and 1,500 fully voiced lines. Estimated playtime falls between five and ten hours, positioning the game as a compact experience suited for players who prefer story-driven RPGs that can be completed in a few sittings. The focus remains on textual depth and voice performances rather than expansive open-world mechanics or repeated content loops.
Is It Worth Playing?
This RPG appeals most to players interested in classical Chinese literature adaptations and companion-focused narratives. The combination of substantial text volume, voiced dialogue, and a contained playtime makes it accessible for those seeking a self-contained story without long-term grinding or complex systems. Reception centers on its atmospheric setting and character portrayals, with the short length allowing easy completion for fans of the genre or the source material. Those who enjoy single-player experiences built around choice and supernatural family dynamics will find the most value here, while players seeking action-heavy or multiplayer RPG elements may prefer other titles.
