Black Myth: Wukong, developed by Shenzhen-based Game Science, has been one of the most anticipated game releases of 2024. The action RPG, rooted in the Chinese legend Journey to the West, launched in August and quickly amassed a large player base.
You play as the “Destined One,” on a quest to revive the legendary Sun Wukong by collecting six relics scattered across China.
The game features stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, delivering AAA-quality graphics that stand alongside major releases from the West, Japan, and South Korea.
Gameplay Overview
Combat: The game focuses on intense, challenging boss battles. While the combat mechanics are straightforward with light and heavy attacks, they can feel repetitive over time. Spells offer some variety, but cooldown periods limit their impact.
Boss Design: Boss fights are a highlight, with each boss offering unique designs, strategies, and combat experiences.
Map: The world is visually impressive, but the paths are highly linear, and there is no in-game map, which can make navigation frustrating at times.
Checkpoint System: Players restart from shrines placed across the game world after dying, adding to the challenge.
Graphics and Visuals
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts intricate character designs, stunning environments, and detailed backgrounds.
Despite its visual beauty, there are inconsistencies in world interaction, such as being able to climb some objects but not others.
Cultural Significance
The game introduces players to the rich Chinese cultural heritage of Journey to the West, comparable in importance to the Ramayana or Mahabharata in India. However, the narrative assumes some prior knowledge of the lore, which may confuse players unfamiliar with the story.
Weaknesses
Combat Depth: While enjoyable at first, the combat system lacks variety, often relying on basic attacks with little evolution as the game progresses.
Linear World Design: Despite the vast appearance of the game’s world, invisible walls and the absence of a map limit exploration, making the experience feel more confined.
Black Myth: Wukong is visually spectacular and culturally significant, showcasing China’s potential in the AAA gaming space. However, its repetitive combat and restrictive map design prevent it from reaching its full potential. Still, it remains a key release of 2024, especially for those interested in exploring Chinese mythology through gaming.
