Black Myth: Wukong Review: A Refreshing Adventure After Elden Ring's Knotty DLC

Developer: Game Science
Publisher: Game Science
Release Date: August 20th, 2024
Platforms: Windows
Available On: Steam, Epic Games

A Grand Journey Begins

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG that seamlessly blends elements of the Souls genre with a grand adventure, delivering a spectacular journey for players who enjoy challenging battles against mythological creatures as well as those who prefer a slightly less demanding experience. What sets Black Myth apart is its stunning presentation and sense of generosity, immersing players in lavish, cinematic worlds filled with mythological beings and exhilarating combat.

Based on the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, the game kicks off with Wukong, the rebellious Monkey King, who has been banished to the nether realm. You, the player, control the Destined One, a reincarnation of Wukong, tasked with battling various Yaoguai (mythical creatures) to reclaim your place in the world. While the story may be complex for those unfamiliar with the source material, the game's rich visual storytelling and dramatic encounters keep you engaged.

A Generous Soulslike Experience

Black Myth draws inspiration from the Souls series but introduces a more accessible approach. The core mechanics are familiar: dodging powerful attacks, managing stamina, and using a Gourd to replenish health. However, the game strikes a balance between challenging and enjoyable, creating a "Souls-venture" hybrid that pushes you forward through its captivating story and environments.

The game's linear structure, stitched together by Shrines (acting as checkpoints), ensures a focused exploration experience. Unlike the vast open world of Elden Ring, Black Myth offers more compact zones that feel authentic and thoughtfully designed. This approach allows for a seamless blend of exploration and combat without overwhelming the player.

A Visual Masterpiece

One of the most striking aspects of Black Myth: Wukong is its breathtaking visuals. From the intricate details of Chinese mythological architecture to the stunning environments, the game constantly impresses. Snow trails left by your movements, sakura blooms from Shrines, and the vibrant designs of creatures and landscapes all contribute to an immersive and beautiful experience.

Combat in Black Myth is both stylish and satisfying. As an agile monkey wielding a versatile staff, you engage in fluid, dynamic battles. The game offers three different staff stances—Smash, Pillar, and Thrust—each with its unique moveset, allowing you to adapt your combat style to different situations. The inclusion of spells adds another layer of depth, enabling you to immobilize enemies, parry attacks, and summon powerful abilities.

Customization and Crafting

While the game focuses less on equipment than other Soulslikes, it offers a straightforward crafting system. Materials collected from defeated enemies and chests can be combined to create new staves and armor sets. The simplicity of the system ensures that it doesn't detract from the main adventure, allowing players to focus on the action and exploration.

Boss battles are a highlight, featuring well-designed attack patterns and stunning visual effects. From gyrating dragons to corrupted deities, each encounter feels unique and challenging, keeping players on their toes. The game's world is filled with surprises, including secret areas and hidden bosses that reward thorough exploration.

A Triumphant Adventure

Black Myth: Wukong is a triumph in the action RPG genre, offering a refreshing and generous take on the Souls formula. Its stunning visuals, engaging combat, and thoughtfully designed world make it a standout title. For those who enjoyed Elden Ring and are looking for a new adventure, Black Myth: Wukong is a must-play. Game Science has delivered a remarkable experience that sets a new standard for mythological action RPGs.

Black Myth: Wukong not only lives up to its hype but exceeds expectations, providing a richly detailed and captivating journey. Whether you're a fan of challenging combat or simply enjoy exploring beautifully crafted worlds, this game offers something for everyone. Game Science has set a high bar with this release, and it's clear that Black Myth: Wukong is a game that will be remembered for years to come.