We Love It's Guide to…
As Wu Yuanzhao enters the Tang imperial palace, choose how she navigates court plots, builds alliances, and survives lethal missteps.
Released 08 Sep 2025
Survive Court Schemes
Choose Allies Carefully
Replay Fatal Outcomes
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.
Developed by New One Studio · Published by New One Studio, Ariel
Set in the Tang imperial court, this live-action story follows Wu Yuanzhao, a young woman entering palace life as a fifth-rank consort. She must navigate rivalries and shifting loyalties as she tries to survive the court’s power struggles.
Players watch filmed scenes and make decisions for Yuanzhao, including how she responds to other characters and whom she trusts or allies with. Some choices move the story forward; others lead to dangerous consequences or a death ending. Quick-time events also affect scenes.
A branching story map records choices and lets players revisit scenes and explore alternatives. Character profiles and bonus videos reveal more about the cast, while a trait sketch reflects the player’s choices. The game also includes collectibles and popularity contests.
Players who enjoy the game often praise its live-action palace-drama presentation, especially the costumes, sets, and acting. Reviews also highlight the court intrigue and character stories, with some finding the repeated, sometimes darkly comic death endings entertaining. Others appreciate its dramatic and emotional moments, though views on the story and how much choices shape it vary.
You've never played a game like this—cinematic palace adventure where your moves shape drama!
Full live-action on real sets, starring Kuan Hung, Evie Huang, Zeawo, Hana Lin, Qi Xiaxia. 4K HD delivers unprecedented immersion—step into grand Eastern imperial court.
This is where film meets gaming in perfect harmony. Here, every choice you make can take the story in a whole new direction! One moment of misplaced trust could send you spiraling into betrayal and death. Who's manipulating you? Who can you manipulate in return?
Amid multiple story branches and high mortality, can you rise from nobody to power with charm, wisdom, courage? First...survive.
Behind imperial court's golden facade: webs of desire, secrets, buried truths. Discover scandals—prince's affair with court bard, princess's hidden lover, vengeful spirits in abandoned Cold Palace, and more...
8+ hours content, every playthrough unique. Your choices shape story and you. Get custom Trait Sketch, collect artifacts, unlock hidden plots, crown top picks in popularity contests!
About New One Studio
We are an independent team focused on interactive storytelling, dedicated to innovatively blending Eastern culture with interactive media. In 2019, everyone who journeyed with The Invisible Guardian shared its BAFTA glory, reaffirming that great interactive storytelling can truly stay in people's hearts. Over the past few years, we have immersed ourselves in the prosperous ancient Chinese dynasty, brewing an entirely new story. Road to Empress not only depicts the deadly beauty of Eastern intrigue, but it also brings the audience a battlefield that will test your wisdom and courage.
Two works, different stories, one shared vision—we hope users worldwide can once again experience the charm of traditional Eastern culture through our story. It will serve as a bridge across cultures, bringing a brand-new experience to every user who supports FMV works.
In Road to Empress, you will personally write the epic of a ruling empress. Road to Empress I focuses on her legendary origins—watch how she transforms from an unknown girl into someone who survives the deadly power struggles of a crisis-ridden court through wisdom and courage, gradually emerging as a formidable force.
In Road to Empress II, you return as a seasoned master, and the stakes are brutally higher. Pull the strings from the shadows, keep your ministers in check, and unify an empire amid calculated scheming. You will write every word of a golden age yourself!
(Official Orange Light Authorization, with sincere thanks to Orange Light for their music support.)
| Platforms | Windows |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 40 |
| Age ratings |
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| Controller required | No |
| DLC / extras | 1 listed on Steam |
| DRM / EULA |
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| Content notices |
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| Metacritic | 83/100 View on Metacritic |
