Netease's 'Under the Mist Sea' Completes First Test: A Shooter Tailored for Chinese Food Lovers?

Summary

Hangzhou-based NetEase's Thunderfire Workshop has wrapped up the first public test of its new search-and-extract shooter "Under the Mist Sea" after a week-long run. Developed over three years, the game uniquely blends intense tactical combat with Chinese culinary culture, earning it the playful nickname "the shooter most suited for Chinese foodies." In this extract-style gameplay, players scavenge resources, engage enemies, and attempt to exfiltrate, all while collecting ingredients to cook up buffs or even lure foes with aromatic dishes. The highly detailed food presentation and cooking animations have proven surprisingly appealing, causing one reporter on a diet to endure both physical and psychological hunger throughout the test. The test received solid feedback from the community, with players praising the gunplay, map design, and the novel food-mechanic integration. Many are already asking for more regional cuisines and improved matchmaking in future builds. By combining casual culinary charm with hardcore tactical mechanics, "Under the Mist Sea" demonstrates a refreshing direction for the genre, showcasing NetEase's willingness to innovate in a crowded market. The game's successful first test hints that niche crossovers can attract a broader audience, potentially influencing future game design trends.