A new Chinese series is not only attracting domestic audiences but also appealing to viewers worldwide with its unique Chinese aesthetics and fantasy themes.

A still from "Love Game in Eastern Fantasy." [Photo courtesy of Tencent Video]

"Love Game in Eastern Fantasy," directed by Zhao Yilong and starring Yu Shuxin, Ding Yuxi and Zhu Xudan, is a historical fantasy that incorporates video game elements with ancient Chinese motifs. 

Adapted from the web novel "The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus" by Bai Yu Zhai Diao Gong, the series follows a modern-day, white-collar worker who gets trapped within the novel "Monster Hunting," becoming the character Lin Yu, the county magistrate's daughter. In order to return to the real world, Lin must capture the affection of the novel's second protagonist, a mysterious, young monster hunter with a dark side. Besides dealing with demon catchers, Lin also finds herself battling monsters, leveling up and working to mend a deep-seated animosity between the human and demon clans, ultimately seeking to change a doomed fate and save the world. 

The 32-episode series debuted on Nov. 1 on Tencent Video and quickly generated significant online buzz as well as a large viewership. On Douban, a major social platform and review website in China, the series has received a rating of 7.7 out of 10 based on more than 180,000 user reviews, crowning the series with the highest score for a Chinese fantasy so far this year.

The historical fantasy is now also available on international platforms like Netflix, YouTube, WeTV and Rakuten Viki, and has received high ratings — 9.4 on Rakuten Viki, 8.1 on IMDb and 8.4 on MyDramaList. 

Acclaimed for its themes of love and inclusiveness, "Love Game in Eastern Fantasy" has sparked extensive discussions worldwide. Audiences are particularly drawn to the characters' development and self-discovery, which unfold against a backdrop of traditional Chinese culture that is enriched by modern thinking. According to viewers, the series is also celebrated for its blend of Chinese cultural elements with a cybernetic costume comedy style, resulting in a refreshing and youthful narrative. 

"Eastern aesthetics have sparked a new trend with 'Love Game in Eastern Fantasy,' a fantasy story infused with the beauty of traditional Chinese culture that profoundly touches audiences and demonstrates Tencent Video's deep insight and determined potential in creating quality content," reads Tencent Video's statement for the series. 

"Love Game in Eastern Fantasy" is scheduled to next be broadcasted on platforms in South Korea, Japan and China's Taiwan region.

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