Black Myth: Wukong

Developer: Game Science
Release: Aug 19th 2024
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
RPG
Immersive
Challenging
Beautiful
Linear
Bugs
Black Myth: Wukong Poster

" Stunning action RPG with fluid combat and rich lore but linear world design limits exploration "

Black Myth: Wukong Review

Black Myth: Wukong is a visually stunning and deeply immersive action RPG that draws heavily from the classic Chinese tale "Journey to the West." Players praise its fluid and challenging combat system, rich lore, and breathtaking environments crafted with Unreal Engine 5. The game offers a long, well-paced campaign with intense boss battles that test skill and patience.

While the combat is rewarding and the story engaging, some players find the game linear with limited exploration and criticize the boss fights for being too lengthy or relying heavily on pattern memorization. Technical issues like crashes and occasional bugs affect some users. Despite these drawbacks, the game’s atmosphere, art direction, and faithful adaptation of mythology make it a must-play for fans of soulslike games and action RPGs alike.

Replayability is enhanced by new game plus modes and character build flexibility, though some desire more post-launch content and DLC.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the stunning graphics and art direction that bring mythological settings to life with remarkable detail. The combat is fluid, challenging, and rewarding, blending soulslike mechanics with unique transformations and strategic depth. Boss fights are widely regarded as memorable and well-designed encounters. The storyline, rooted in Chinese mythology, captivates with rich lore and cinematic presentation. Many appreciate the game's polished performance and immersive sound design, including music and voice acting.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's linear level design that limits exploration and player freedom. Some find the boss fights too long or tedious, relying heavily on memorizing attack patterns rather than skillful play. The animation lock and enemy AI mechanics frustrate players, making combat feel less dynamic. Technical issues such as crashes and graphical bugs are reported. Additionally, a few players feel the story can be confusing or quirky, especially for those unfamiliar with the source material.

Pros

  • Stunning and detailed graphics that fully immerse players in the mythological world.
  • Fluid and challenging combat system with satisfying boss encounters.
  • Rich narrative inspired by Journey to the West with deep lore and storytelling.
  • Well-optimized performance on PC and PlayStation 5 platforms.
  • Diverse and memorable boss designs with unique movesets.
  • Flexible character build and upgrade system allowing creative playstyles.
  • Engaging exploration with hidden secrets and side content.

Cons

  • Linear world design limits exploration and player agency.
  • Boss fights can feel overly long and repetitive.
  • Combat affected by animation lock and inconsistent enemy AI.
  • Some players find the story confusing without prior mythology knowledge.
  • Technical issues including crashes and graphical bugs reported.
  • Limited post-game content and absence of DLC disappoint some fans.
  • Certain segments feel rushed or less polished in design.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.

Release Date Aug 19th 2024
Publisher Game Science
Developer Game Science
Required Age 13+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (61,966)
95% Positive 5% Negative