August 22nd 2024.
Have you heard about the highly anticipated game, Black Myth: Wukong? It's a retelling of an ancient legend with cutting-edge graphics and intense boss battles. When it comes to console games, the two main contenders are usually the West and Japan. This is because other countries in Asia tend to focus on PC and mobile gaming. However, the trend seems to be shifting with the recent release of Korean-made Stellar Blade, an action-packed exclusive for PlayStation 5. Now, we have another game from China, Black Myth: Wukong, which proves that the success of Genshin Impact and other free-to-play games was not just a one-time thing.
There has been some debate about whether Black Myth can be considered a Soulslike game or not. While it does borrow elements from Dark Souls, the overall gameplay is unique and cannot be categorized under the same genre. Other influences can also be seen, such as Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, but Black Myth stands on its own. And despite a few hiccups, it's always an intriguing experience, whether you're victorious or not.
The game draws inspiration from the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West, which has also influenced many Japanese games and even some Western titles, like Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Older British gamers might also recognize the story from the 70s live-action show, Monkey. Knowing the story beforehand definitely helps with understanding the game, as it doesn't do a great job of explaining things to new players. It almost assumes that you're familiar with the story, which can be confusing since the game is a pseudo-sequel where you play as a silent version of the legendary Monkey King, known as the Destined One.
Black Myth's gameplay structure is more like a boss rush mode with plenty of cut scenes in between each boss encounter. There are also attempts at exploration and side activities, but the majority of the game is focused on defeating one boss after another. While there are areas to explore and minor enemies to fight, these sections are not the game's highlight. The level design is subpar, with dead ends and invisible walls, and the Destined One's jumping abilities are not as smooth as they are during combat.
To make matters worse, the game also requires some level grinding, as it is technically an action role-playing game. As unwelcome as these sections may be, the linear and focused gameplay is not a criticism. In fact, popular games like Shadow of the Colossus and Cuphead also follow a similar format. And with the variety and uniqueness of the bosses in Black Myth, it's a welcome change from the usual formula.
The combat in Black Myth revolves around the Monkey King's traditional abilities, including his magical staff, the ability to immobilize enemies, create clones, and change form. The latter allows players to transform into different enemies, which is a satisfying reward for defeating them. The Destined One also has a range of traditional attacks, but with a twist – light attacks do minimal damage and are used to build up focus, which can then be used for more powerful attacks. This, combined with the magical powers, creates a satisfying combo system that doesn't feel like a copy of other action games.
One unique aspect of Black Myth's combat is that there is no blocking or parrying. Instead, players must rely on dodging to avoid taking damage. While this adds a new level of strategy, it also takes away from the potential depth of the combat system. Some moves also feel more like a show than a practical addition, such as the different stances that don't make much of a difference.
The combat is enjoyable but falls short of greatness, much like the game as a whole. There are moments where it feels like a rough draft of what could have been a more satisfying experience. However, Black Myth's success has already been proven on PC, thanks to its impressive graphics. The color palette may be dull at times, but the variety of locations and artistic presentation make up for it. However, there are some performance issues on consoles, with all three graphics modes – quality, balance, and performance – struggling to maintain a steady frame rate.
Overall, Black Myth: Wukong is a game with potential that is not fully realized. It's an ambitious project with stunning visuals and excellent boss battles, but it falls short in terms of exploration and storytelling. The game's performance issues also hinder the overall experience. However, with some refinements, a sequel could be something truly special. For now, Black Myth: Wukong receives a 6/10 rating and is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC for £54.99.
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