The Test
If there is one game that has caused significant controversy and debate this summer, it is Black Myth Wukong. Developed by Chinese studios Game Science, the title has been making waves with both criticisms and accolades over the past few weeks. Fifteen days after the end of its press embargo and ten days following its release, I am now able to present my review of one of the games that best exemplifies next-generation features since its announcement in 2020, having just completed the main campaign, though with some difficulties. Not because the game is subpar, but rather due to the immense challenge it presents. Set against a backdrop of Chinese mythology, Black Myth Wukong positions itself as a strong contender for Game of the Year 2024. Detailed analysis follows.
OPEN YOUR MIND
“Journey to the West” is undoubtedly one of China’s most renowned tales, having traveled extensively, inspiring other works, and being a story that my father used to tell me when I was a child. Why? Because Wu Cheng’en’s novel primarily serves as a reminder of human values—what to follow and what to avoid. The narrative centers on a monk who embarks on a journey westward; while Westerners might view it as a physical journey towards the West, it essentially symbolizes a man’s spiritual quest for redemption. This monk is accompanied by four guardians: an immortal monkey, a dragon, a gluttonous pig whose focus is on eating and starting a family, and another monk who is undoubtedly the most virtuous among them. All were chosen by the gods to protect the monk but also to atone for their past transgressions, prove their worthiness of divinity, and achieve Buddha’s wisdom.
The story of Sun Wukong resonates more strongly than others as he embodies the arrogance, contempt, and pretension that Buddha banished. This is evident in the introduction of Black Myth Wukong, a monkey who has nearly reached a divine threshold or at least considers himself equal to the gods due to his immortality. However, since he refuses to obey the rules imposed by the divinities and wishes to live life as a mortal, disregarding concessions made when one becomes equal to the guardians of heaven, he is punished and reduced to an ordinary monkey, after being imprisoned in a stone prison for millennia. We will follow his entire path of redemption in the game, with a revised, revisited version rich in references to Asian culture. The 12 signs of Chinese astrology are perfectly represented, whether as bosses to defeat or allies encountered along the way, offering respite and advice.
NARRATION, IMMERSION
Those who are unfamiliar with Chinese mythology might miss out on a great deal, but it is important to note that Black Myth Wukong pays homage to this often overlooked yet richly thematic culture in Western contexts. The game’s narrative, character development, references, and environmental elements are meticulously crafted; nothing is left to chance. The effort put into bringing this dark fantasy lore to life is unprecedented. The game contains numerous discoverable elements and readings that provide insight into Sun Wukong’s journey westward. What truly stands out, however, is the extensive narrative implemented by Game Science, which offers a worthy spectacle.
The narrative framework of Black Myth Wukong is supported by a high-quality presentation, evident in the impressive introduction that surprised many players and put significant pressure on the developers, as Laurely Birba noted. Although not all 100 bosses are introduced with equal fanfare, at least thirty of the main and most important ones receive meticulous introductions, complete with individual speeches for each. This attention to detail contrasts with Hidetaka Miyazaki’s nearly 15-year refusal to implement similar features, but it is welcome here. Overall, these elements contribute to a deeper immersion for players, for which we can express gratitude.
Black Myth Wukong, developed by Game Science, has attracted considerable attention this summer due to its impressive scale and adherence to next-gen standards since its announcement in 2020. The game is heavily inspired by the Chinese classic “Journey to the West,” focusing on Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), a character known for his arrogance and rebellion against divine rules, ultimately seeking redemption. Black Myth Wukong intricately incorporates elements of Chinese mythology, including the 12 signs of Chinese astrology represented as bosses or allies. The narrative depth is notable, with meticulous attention to detail and cultural references that might be lost on those unfamiliar with Chinese lore but offer a unique and rich experience for others. The game’s presentation is ambitious, featuring an elaborate introduction sequence that sets high expectations, similar to the works of Hidetaka Miyazaki. Notably, key bosses receive detailed character introductions through spoken dialogue, significantly enhancing player immersion. While challenging, Black Myth Wukong’s commitment to its source material and execution suggests it’s a strong contender for Game of the Year 2024, providing an in-depth, culturally resonant dark fantasy experience.
The attention to detail extends beyond the lore and staging to include the execution, especially in terms of graphics. Since its inception, Black Myth Wukong has been heralded for its visual rendering. Following its first video release in August 2020, a few months prior to the launch of PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, Game Science’s title garnered significant attention due to the quality of its visuals, providing a glimpse into what true next-generation capabilities could offer. However, given the history of the video game industry with regard to exaggerated claims and disappointments, skepticism was warranted. Nevertheless, four years later, Black Myth Wulong arrives, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in visual excellence. In summary, Black Myth Wukong is among the most visually stunning games currently available, featuring an impressively robust technical foundation (with some minor flaws), but more importantly, it is distinguished by its breathtaking artistic direction.
Each region explored in Black Myth Wukong gives the impression of a living painting, whether in dense forests, snowy mountains, or arid deserts. The sense of disorientation is complete due to the meticulous craftsmanship evident even in interior spaces. It is remarkable how Game Science achieved this level of detail, especially considering they were only 13 individuals initially in 2018. What’s more surprising is the richness of the environments; each level contains an astonishing number of elements that bring it alive, with an ultra-detailed arrangement taking into account even the relief. While wind effects are lacking, the lighting management and light plays contribute a majestic visual texture. I leave you to admire the images, but it’s worth noting how many times I stopped playing just to contemplate every nook of the scenery.
This visual richness has a drawback: it can be overwhelming without clear navigation aids, leading players to spend considerable time searching for their bearings, especially when returning to previously visited areas. While Black Myth Wukong is not strictly an open-world game, the expansive zones introduced after Chapter 3 encourage exploration, particularly for those looking to discover optional bosses and hidden secrets within the game. I will refrain from divulging too much detail about these concealed locations, but it’s worth noting that some are extremely well-hidden, necessitating a journey into subsequent chapters before retracing steps to uncover critical lore-related hideouts. However, missing them does not detract from the primary narrative; rather, it underscores Black Myth Wukong’s willingness to reward those who seek out its hidden elements with curiosity and dedication. Critics or players who dismiss exploration in Black Myth Wukong either haven’t progressed far enough through the game or are overlooking its rewards for those willing to explore hidden areas, rare items, and unexpected encounters. While it may not offer the depth of exploration seen in games like Elden Ring, Black Myth Wukong is certainly more than a linear adventure; that notion is entirely incorrect.
STEEL-TRAP GAMEPLAY
Regarding the gameplay, Black Myth Wukong draws heavily from existing titles but manages to inject its own distinct personality, particularly through the agility of our monkey king and his magical staff, which can extend at certain moments. Despite having only one weapon for both attack and defense, Wukong offers varied techniques and combos thanks to a stance system implemented by Game Science’s Chinese developers, reminiscent of Nioh. This system features three stances that players unlock after approximately an hour of gameplay, assuming they do not encounter difficulties with LingZu Si, the white snake, during this period.
In Black Myth Wukong, there are three Staff Stances that provide distinct combat advantages: the Crushing Stance, Pillar Stance, and Spearing Stance. The Crushing Stance is particularly favored by players as it increases damage output against enemies, even from a distance, thanks to Wukong’s jumping attacks that conclude with a ground-crushing impact. However, this stance necessitates charging time, making the player highly vulnerable during that period.
Black Myth Wukong is a video game centered on exploration, combat, and narrative depth. The game centers around Sun Wukong, a protagonist wielding a magical staff that can extend to facilitate various attacks. Combat mechanics in Black Myth Wukong are based on three distinct stances of the staff: crushing, pillar, and stabbing, each offering unique tactical benefits during battles.
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG that draws inspiration from existing games but establishes its own identity through the agility of its protagonist, Sun Wukong, and the use of his magical staff as the primary weapon. The game includes three combat postures: Ecrasement (for close-range attacks), Pilier (a balanced posture for both offense and defense), and Estocade (for long-range strikes). Each posture can be enhanced with additional skills. Additionally, Sun Wukong’s ability to transform into various animals and insects from the original legend is a key feature of the game.
Black Myth Wukong is an action RPG that draws inspiration from existing games but succeeds in establishing its own identity through the agility of its protagonist, Sun Wukong, and his use of a single weapon — a magical staff. The game features three combat postures: Ecrasement, Pilier, and Estocade, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Black Myth Wukong is a visually stunning action RPG developed by Game Science, based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The game features a fluid and engaging combat system with three unique postures for Sun Wukong’s staff, allowing players to customize their playstyle. It also incorporates transformations inspired by the source material, adding depth to the character progression.
Black Myth Wukong is an action RPG developed by Game Science, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The game offers a fluid and engaging combat system where players control the legendary Monkey King, leveraging his agility, magical staff, and various transformations.
