Since its first reveal in 2020, Black Myth: Wukong has been one of the most highly anticipated titles in the gaming world. Developed by Game Science, this dark fantasy action RPG draws heavily from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, promising an immersive, action-packed experience steeped in rich mythology. The game, which finally launched in August 2024 for PlayStation 5 and Windows, has captured the attention of gamers and critics alike. But does it live up to the immense hype surrounding it? Let’s delve into the article and find out.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

The game follows the story of a monkey protagonist, known as the Destined One, who is based on Sun Wukong, the iconic Monkey King from Journey to the West. Armed with a mystical staff that can change size and form, the player can switch between different stances during combat, providing a dynamic and versatile fighting system. The staff plays a central role in combat, offering three primary stances: smash, pillar, and thrust, each suited to different combat scenarios. Mastering these stances is key to overcoming the game's many challenges, as enemies require different strategies to defeat.

Black Myth: Wukong offers an engaging gameplay experience that combines fast-paced, fluid combat with strategic elements. Although it draws comparisons to games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and God of War, it carves out its own identity with its fast-paced, dodge-centric mechanics, replacing the traditional parry system seen in games like Sekiro. While some may debate whether it’s truly a Soulslike, the game undeniably shares key features of the genre: high difficulty, a shrine-like save system, and numerous unforgettable boss battles. The dodge-only combat system not only feels smooth but also delivers some of the most intense and satisfying fights seen in any game of this style. The pace of combat is faster than anything previously encountered in the genre, making it particularly appealing to fans of rhythm-based action. The game also features a resource management system where players accumulate Focus through well-timed light attacks and dodges. Once enough Focus is gathered, it can be spent to unleash powerful combos or charged heavy attacks, adding a layer of tactical depth to the fast-paced action.

Exploration and World Design

Set in a world inspired by ancient Chinese mythology, this game invites players to explore a variety of stunning landscapes, each meticulously crafted to reflect the mythological themes of the source material (Journey to the West). While the game is not open-world in the vein of Elden Ring, it features expansive areas within a mostly linear progression. These large, open environments are filled with secrets, hidden paths, and challenging enemies that encourage exploration.

Throughout the game, players will encounter a diverse range of foes, from smaller yaoguai (demon-like creatures) to towering bosses. Each enemy presents a unique challenge, requiring players to adapt their strategies and make full use of the game’s combat mechanics. Boss fights, in particular, stand out for their intensity and the need to carefully study attack patterns to emerge victorious. Keeper’s shrines serve as checkpoints, allowing players to save their progress and replenish resources. These shrines are strategically placed, offering moments of respite in a world filled with danger.

Graphics and Performance

Visually, Black Myth: Wukong is a masterpiece. The game features stunning graphics, with detailed environments and character models that bring the world of ancient Chinese mythology to life. It vividly portrays Chinese classical architecture and culture in a way that’s rarely seen in video games. The attention to detail in the design of buildings and environments is comparable to how Assassin’s Creed highlighted iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame, potentially boosting interest in the cultural heritage of various Chinese provinces. The game’s portrayal of traditional Chinese aesthetics is so impactful that it has even caught the attention of local authorities and social media, further demonstrating its cultural significance. We can spend hours simply exploring the game’s environments to take in the breathtaking visuals.

However, the game is not without its technical challenges. While the performance is generally smooth, some players have reported occasional frame rate drops, particularly when exploring graphically intense areas like waterfalls. Despite these minor issues, the overall visual and performance quality of the game is impressive and does not detract significantly from the experience.

Storytelling and Character Development

At its core, Black Myth: Wukong is a story-driven game that delves deep into the mythology of Journey to the West. Players will uncover the origins, personalities, and motivations of a wide array of characters, both friend and foe. The narrative explores themes of love, hate, greed, and redemption, adding emotional weight to the protagonist’s journey. The game’s storytelling is enhanced by high-quality cinematics and voice acting, which bring the characters and world to life. Each cutscene is meticulously crafted, drawing players deeper into the story. We have to admit that we were captivated by the game’s narrative, opting not to skip any cutscenes in order to fully absorb the experience.

Spellcasting and Transformations

Another standout feature of the game is its intricate spellcasting system. Spells are categorized into four main types: mysticism, alteration, strand, and transformations. These spells are on cooldowns and consume mana, encouraging players to use them strategically rather than relying on them constantly. Transformations are another exciting aspect of the game. The protagonist can shapeshift into various creatures or beings, each with unique abilities and combat styles. For instance, one transformation allows the player to become Guangzhi, a wolfman wielding a flaming glaive. These transformations add variety to combat, as each form has its own moveset and health pool, offering fresh gameplay experiences with each shift.

We can acquire Spirits by defeating certain enemies, provide additional skills and passive effects. These spirits can be equipped to further customize the player’s combat style. For example, the Wandering Wight spirit enables a powerful headbutt attack. Managing these spirits, along with the protagonist’s transformations and spells, adds depth and complexity to the combat system.

Digital Deluxe Edition and Additional Content

For those looking to enhance their gameplay experience, the Digital Deluxe Edition of Black Myth: Wukong offers a wealth of exclusive content. This edition includes the full game, along with special in-game items such as the Bronzecloud Staff and the Folk Opera equipment set. Additionally, players receive a curio item called Wind Chimes and a selected digital soundtrack, which can be accessed from the game’s title screen. These items are designed to give players a head start in the game, providing useful tools and enhancing the overall experience.

Worth the Hype?

The reception to Black Myth: Wukong has been overwhelmingly positive. Players and critics alike have lauded the game for its innovative combat system, captivating story, and stunning visuals. We did definitely see why. We are actually surprised at how well the game turned out, given that it is the first major release from Game Science.

The game’s balance of challenge and reward has been a particular highlight. We surely enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that came from mastering its combat mechanics. The combination of fluid gameplay, deep strategic elements, and rich storytelling has led us to consider Black Myth: Wukong a strong contender for Game of the Year. The game itself can be considered a masterpiece starting from its visuals, its combat system, diverse boss encounters, and the satisfaction of overcoming difficult challenges. While the game is not open-world, its linear progression and open environments provide plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

As a final thought, despite a few early hiccups, Black Myth: Wukong emerges as an action RPG that’s well worth your time, especially if you’re a fan of challenging combat and rich visual storytelling. The game’s combination of smooth, dodge-based combat and stunning visuals makes it one of the standout titles of this year. Whether you're familiar with the source material or not, the experience is undeniably engaging, and it could very well be your game of the year too.

Pros

- Stunning Visuals: The game excels in its depiction of Chinese mythology and classical architecture, creating an immersive world that is both beautiful and culturally rich.

- Fast-Paced Combat: The dodge-only combat system offers a refreshing and exhilarating experience, especially for fans of rhythm-based action games like Sekiro.

- Challenging Boss Fights: The game features numerous memorable boss battles that test your skills and keep the gameplay engaging.

- Cultural Significance: Beyond its gameplay, the game has sparked interest in Chinese culture and architecture, similar to the impact Assassin’s Creed had on historical tourism.

Cons

- Story Accessibility: For those unfamiliar with Journey to the West, the story may feel a bit weak or confusing, particularly in the early stages.

- Performance Issues: Some players have reported occasional frame rate drops, not huge but which can be a little distracting during intense gameplay moments.

- Initial Learning Curve: The first few hours may not feel as smooth or polished, potentially leading to initial disappointment for some players.

Suggestions for Improvement

- Narrative Depth: Enhancing the storytelling, particularly for players unfamiliar with the source material, could make the game more accessible and engaging.

- Optimization: Improving performance stability, especially regarding frame rates, would ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

- Combat Tweaks: While the dodge-based combat is a strong point, adding more variation or refining certain mechanics could further enhance the gameplay, possibly making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Conclusion

Black Myth: Wukong is a standout title that has successfully captured the essence of Journey to the West while delivering an engaging and visually stunning gaming experience. With its combination of challenging combat, deep narrative, and rich mythological elements, it’s a game that offers something for both fans of

the original story and newcomers alike.

Final Thoughts

We definitely consider Black Myth: Wukong a must-play for any fan of action RPGs or mythological stories. Its unique combat mechanics, stunning visuals, and deep storytelling make it one of the most exciting releases of the year. It stands as a testament to what independent developers can achieve with dedication and passion.

Don’t miss out on our gameplay video along with benchmark where we delve deep into the world of Black Myth: Wukong, Check it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

https://youtu.be/bbi2HwFKVak?si=wAVI1RCde9DrQdS7

If you are interested in purchasing the game or need to know more about the game, visit here : https://store.steampowered.com/app/1038370/Black_Myth_Wukong/

Happy Gaming!