Black Myth: Wukong – Game Review

A warrior with intricate armor stands confidently; text reads "Black Myth Wukong" in English and Chinese characters.

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG developed and published by GameScience. This game draws inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, which has fascinated people for centuries. You step into the shoes of Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King, as you explore the world filled with mythical creatures and challenging enemies.

Black Myth: Wukong has been highly anticipated since its announcement, generating excitement among gamers worldwide. The developers have poured their hearts and souls into creating an absolutely jaw-droppingly experience using Unreal Engine 5. Trust me when I saw this, you have to see this game in motion to appreciate its breathtaking environments and dynamic combat that truly brings the story to life.

Whether you’re a fan of action RPGs or new to the genre, this game offers something for everyone. Let’s dive into a world of adventure, magic, and epic battles as we look at Black Myth: Wukong.

Mythical Adventures

Drawing inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the game begins with an epic clash of gods—setting the stage for your adventure. You play as Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King. At the start, you are powerful, but soon you are cast down to the forest below, stripped of your abilities.

As the story unfolds, you set on a journey to regain your lost powers. Your journey takes you through beautifully designed biomes filled with mythical creatures and challenging enemies. Each chapter of Wukong’s story introduces new characters and challenges—keeping the story fresh and interesting. The game does an excellent job of combining action and storytelling, letting you fully dive into the world.

GameScience did a great job in the pacing of the game’s story. It gradually builds tension as you confront various gods who have wronged you. The interactions with NPCs provide lore and context to your journey. Black Myth: Wukong’s story is rooted in rich folklore that leaves you hungry for more.

A warrior with a staff stands amidst zombie-like creatures in a snowy, post-apocalyptic environment, reminiscent of Black Myth: Wukong's intense battles.

Mastering Combat

Black Myth: Wukong delivers an exciting gameplay experience that successfully combines action and strategy. The game features a unique combat system that emphasizes dodging over blocking. This approach encourages you to stay quick and adaptable during fights.

One of my favourite aspects of Wukong’s gameplay is the transformation mechanic. As you progress through the game, you can transform into various creatures, each with unique abilities. The transformations can be earned by defeating rare enemies, making them feel rewarding and special. This adds a strategic element, meaning you have to adapt your playstyle to tackle various challenges.

There is also a skill tree that allows you to unlock and upgrade your abilities. To be honest, at first, the skill tree was overwhelming. But the option to respec at any time means you can experiment without having fear of being locked into one playstyle.

However, there are areas for gameplay improvement in Wukong. The camera angles at times can be frustrating during intense battles. Occasionally, the camera can get stuck in tight spaces, making it hard to see your surroundings. Additionally, some boss encounters can feel like sudden difficulty spikes. If you are like me and enjoy a more balanced level of challenge, this is a big turn off.

A warrior engages in battle with a large beast on a rocky mountain path surrounded by cliffs and trees, evoking scenes straight out of Black Myth: Wukong.

Unreal Engine 5 Brings the World to Life With Astonishing Detail

Black Myth: Wukong is one of the best looking games I’ve ever seen. The game is built using Unreal Engine 5, which brings the world to life with breathtaking detail. Each environment is beautifully crafted, from lush forests to towering mountains. The landscapes are filled with rich colours and intricate designs.

The character models are equally impressive, with a high level of detail. Sun Wukong and other characters are animated smoothly, making every movement feel fluid and natural. You have to see the game in motion to appreciate how well it looks and moves. The game’s cutscenes pull you deeper into the story that add to the overall story.

The game features a rich audio landscape filled with realistic sounds from nature. You’ll hear the rustling of leaves, flowing rivers, and the distant calls of wildlife. Traditional Chinese instruments, like the zither and flute, add an authentic touch to the soundtrack. Voice acting is another feather in Black Myth: Wukong’s cap. Furthermore, the characters are brought to life by voice actors who deliver their lines with emotion and depth. It makes you feel more connected to the story and its characters.

A rugged character with animal-like features drinks from a pouch in a rocky, fire-lit environment, reminiscent of a scene straight out of Black Myth: Wukong.

Black Myth: Wukong Is a Remarkable Achievement for an Indie Studio and One of This Year’s Must-Play Games

Black Myth: Wukong from GameScience is an impressive addition to the action RPG genre. Its no surprise that it made our list of top 5 games to play in the cloud this fall. It near perfectly blends amazing graphics, exciting combat, and a rich story inspired by Chinese mythology. The game’s environments are beautifully crafted, making exploration a joy. I often found myself stopping to look around at the world around me and taking it all in.

Wukong’s combat system , with various stances and combos, allows you to create unique strategies to defeat enemies. As a result, the ability to experiment with different playstyles, along with the transformations and magic abilities keeps the gameplay exciting and fresh.

Black Myth: Wukong stands out as a remarkable achievement for an indie studio. Additionally, it manages to capture the essence of classic Soulslike games while offering its own unique twist. The combination of beautiful graphics, immersive sound design, and satisfying combat make this a must-play game this year.

Black Myth: Wukong

Review by @4ScarrsGaming

A warrior with intricate armor stands confidently; text reads
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Summary

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG where you play as Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King. The game features stunning graphics and dynamic combat, immersing you in a world inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. As you explore beautifully designed environments, you face mythical creatures and challenging bosses while regaining your lost powers. With its unique transformation mechanics and intriguing story, Black Myth: Wukong is a game that should at the top of your list to play.

4.6

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4ScarrsGaming

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

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