The upcoming action role-playing game, Black Myth: Wukong, made an impressive comeback during this year’s Gamescom Opening Night Live event after earlier leaks. The game, which was created by Game Science and is based on the ground-breaking Unreal Engine 5, continues to draw interest and promises a vivid study of the depths of Chinese mythology.
As the kids say these days, fans should just let Game Science “cook”.
Black Myth: Wukong, which is based on the well-known 16th-century Chinese classic Journey to the West, introduces players to a world filled with myths about gods and heroes. Sun Wukong, often known as the Monkey King or “the Destined One,” is seated in the middle, embarking on a quest for unmatched power.
Along with forcing him to engage Taoist deities, this voyage also introduces us to a conflicted narrative. We frequently witness Sun Wukong defeating the alleged enemies, yet the game encourages players to consider just who these “villains” actually are. Why do they oppose our heroes, wonders the official game website? sly fairies, vicious creatures, lustful monarchs, or cowardly gods…We are interested in their love, hate, kindness, obsessions, and daily lives.
The depth of the story is echoed in the gameplay itself. There is an underlying gloom that permeates the game, from the spooky sounds of a headless musician to the haunting hues of a downpour colored in the darkest red as the protagonist encounters a terrible demon.
Black Myth: Wukong is more than just a straightforward hack-and-slash adventure; it is adorned with mechanics evocative of games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, God of War, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty while boldly forging its own identity within the genre.
Combat seems to be a ballet of instinct and planning. Energy-based mechanics involve gathering energy through light attack combinations, which may then be used for powerful powers or transformations, according to a Chinese demo video, which was summarized by user u/alanjinqq on Reddit. A momentary hyperarmor might be provided by flawless dodges or perfectly timed blows, adding complexity to the gameplay.
The pleasure of catching an opponent off guard is mixed up with fast-paced evading and striking in battles with enormous enemies, whether insectoid monsters or demonic forces. In addition to engaging in combat, the game offers rich exploration through NPC tasks and the discovery of treasures buried throughout its expansive open world.
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The most recent trailer included a variety of locales, from desolate areas to strangely mysterious settings, each shot having been painstakingly created. A fight with a blood-drinking tiger in the desert was one of the game’s most engaging moments, demonstrating its dedication to evocative storytelling. This focus on setting and world-building may result in players setting off on an arduous adventure that involves exploration, encounters with a wide variety of otherworldly animals, and the discovery of useful treasures.
The comparison to Souls does not just refer to the game’s combat. Similar to Dark Souls and other games like Dragon Ball and Ninja Theory’s Enslaved: Odyssey to the West that it has been compared to, the game appears to be weaving a complex tapestry of lore that demands players’ immersion and emotional engagement.
Black Myth: Wukong is perhaps the best example of China’s potential on the world stage. With the release of this game, there is hope that Chinese creators, particularly independent studios, will gain the well-deserved respect they deserve on a worldwide scale.
But there is a political undercurrent hidden beneath this appeal. It’s interesting to see Black Myth: Wukong, a game so firmly rooted in Chinese culture, bucking China’s severe restrictions on media portrayal. Perhaps the CCP sees this as a subliminal hint to promoting Chinese heritage, similar to the well-liked YouTube channels that positively portray rural China.
The anticipated summer 2024 release of Black Myth: Wukong for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC platforms prolongs the wait. However, for the time being, as new trailers keep appearing, we are left eagerly anticipating more, enthralled by its promise to be more than just another game but rather a voyage into the depths of old tales and legends.
While you wait, if you’re craving an independent Souls-like, you might want to check out Lies of P, which is currently available for pre-order before its scheduled September 19 release.