Black Myth: Wukong, developed by Game Science, launched on PC and PS5 on August 20, 2024. The action RPG draws from Chinese mythology, particularly the novel Journey to the West. Reviewers note its blend of genres, offering an engaging experience despite some repetitive elements.
Black Myth: Wukong became available on PC and PS5 on August 20, 2024, with an Xbox version still in development to meet quality standards. Developed by Game Science, the title first gained attention with a gameplay trailer at Summer Game Fest. It centers on the Predestined One, a character inspired by Sun Wukong from the classic Chinese novel Peregrination to the West, one of the Four Extraordinary Books of Chinese literature.
The game's synopsis describes it as follows: "Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG inspired by Chinese mythology, and more specifically by 'The Peregrination to the West'... As the Predestined One, journey through a breathtaking universe and overcome countless challenges to discover the truth behind the veil of this glorious ancient legend. Along the way, you'll encounter powerful enemies and formidable rivals. Surrender is not an option, so be brave and engage in epic battles! In addition to stick fighting, you can use a multitude of spells, skills, weapons and equipment to develop a strategy perfectly suited to your style."
In a review after approximately eight hours of play, the game impressed with its graphics, described as very beautiful and highly detailed without excess. Cinematics stand out for their quality. Gameplay is straightforward to learn but challenging, akin to Elden Ring in difficulty yet more accessible, blending multiple genres rather than being a pure Souls-like title. Players customize equipment to influence strengths and weaknesses, adding strategy against monsters based on level and gear.
However, the review points out a limitation: few regular enemies in zones before bosses, requiring repeated traversals for leveling, which can feel tedious. Despite this, the captivating universe rooted in Chinese mythology and strong art direction make it addictive. Fans of challenging games may enjoy it most, while newcomers could find it approachable with persistence.
