Hold onto your jade pendants, folks! The much-hyped Black Myth: Wukong has finally landed, and it’s swinging its staff like there’s no tomorrow. This game, brought to us by the Chinese developer Game Science, takes inspiration from one of the greatest works of Chinese literature: Journey to the West. If you’ve ever dreamt of wielding Sun Wukong’s legendary powers while getting into all sorts of mischief, then this game is for you.
But is Black Myth: Wukong worth the hype? Well, buckle up, because this action RPG might just be the wild ride you’ve been waiting for.
The Monkey King, but Make it Epic
First of all, if you’ve seen the trailers, you’ll know that Black Myth: Wukong looks absolutely stunning. The graphics are like a visual banquet. Picture this: beautifully rendered environments that scream art museum meets mythological epic. You’ll be fighting all sorts of mythical creatures, from dragons to demons, all in dazzling high definition.
Black Myth: Wukong isn’t just pretty, though. It brings to life the raw power of Wukong with fast-paced, visceral combat that’s sure to test your skills. It’s got the kind of smooth, satisfying action that makes you feel like you’re in control of a demigod—and let’s be real, who doesn’t want to feel like a demigod sometimes?
Soulslike or Not? The Debate
Now, before we go any further, let’s settle something. A lot of people have been throwing around the word “Soulslike” to describe this game, but that’s not entirely accurate. Sure, there’s a stamina bar, which immediately gets Dark Souls fans all hot and bothered, but as one reviewer put it, “a stamina bar absolutely doesn’t make a game a Soulslike”.
The game’s difficulty is challenging but not in the “I’ve died 20 times in a row and thrown my controller out the window” kind of way. It’s more about figuring out the best approach, using your abilities wisely, and mastering the combat system. So, don’t worry—you won’t need to offer up your soul to the gaming gods just to get past the first boss. But yes, you might die a few times… or a lot. Welcome to gaming in 2024.
A Global Hit
Speaking of hype, Black Myth: Wukong has sold over 10 million copies in just three days, making it a record-breaking hit (it has sold 20 million copies in the first month!). Not too shabby for a game that was originally teased all the way back in 2020, when the gameplay trailers went viral, giving gamers around the world a new obsession.
China’s gaming industry has really started to make waves globally, and Black Myth: Wukong is no exception. With this game’s massive success, we’re seeing China’s developers step into the spotlight, and the government is even beginning to embrace video games as a form of soft power on the international stage.
The Verdict
Is Black Myth: Wukong perfect? Not quite. Some players have expressed frustration over certain gameplay mechanics, and there’s been a bit of controversy surrounding the game’s polish. But overall, the game shines with its mesmerizing visuals, engaging combat, and deep dive into Chinese mythology. Plus, it’s refreshing to see a non-Western developer take the lead on such a global gaming phenomenon.
Whether you’re a diehard action RPG fan or someone just looking for a visually spectacular journey, Black Myth: Wukong is worth checking out. Just remember: when you’re wielding that staff, it’s not the size that matters—it’s how you use it.
