Black Myth: Wukong (2024): The Review
Overview
Black Myth: Wukong charges onto the scene with style, drawing deep from the well of Chinese mythology and Journey to the West while delivering a Soulslike experience drenched in atmosphere. You play as the Destined One, a mysterious figure wielding the iconic staff of Sun Wukong, battling through surreal, myth-laced landscapes filled with corrupted beasts and ancient gods. It’s as beautiful as it is brutal, and while not everything it attempts hits the mark, it signals a bold and confident arrival for developer Game Science.
Score: 8 out of 10
The Positives ✅
Black Myth: Wukong absolutely shines when it leans into its strengths. Its combat system is fluid, responsive, and immensely satisfying, giving players the perfect mix of precision and spectacle. The combination of dodge mechanics, stamina management, and varied abilities makes every encounter feel deliberate and rewarding. Boss fights are the true stars here, with huge, memorable creatures and humanoid opponents alike, each sporting unique attack patterns that keep you on your toes. These encounters aren’t just fun to play, they’re a spectacle to watch, with a scale and intensity that recalls the best moments from action RPGs like Final Fantasy XVI and Lies of P.
Visually, the game is breathtaking. Every environment, from scenic meditation spots to epic boss arenas, is crafted with incredible detail. The character designs, the transforming staff of the Destined One, and the varied locales all feel like living, breathing extensions of Chinese mythology. Even with Performance Mode on PS5, the game manages to impress with its cinematics and in-game visuals, proving that Game Science put a lot of care into the aesthetic. Coupled with strong audio design, including impactful sound effects that match your attacks and a solid English voice cast, the sensory experience of Black Myth: Wukong is top-tier.
The game also rewards exploration in meaningful ways. While the level design is somewhat simple, venturing off the beaten path often nets valuable resources and extra boss encounters, keeping the experience fresh and enticing players to investigate every nook and cranny. There’s a satisfying balance of difficulty and accessibility, allowing you to learn enemy patterns without punishing failure too harshly. The overall package, stunning visuals, engaging combat, and a unique mythological setting, cements Black Myth: Wukong as a standout in this year’s action RPG lineup.
The Negatives ⚠️
Despite its many strengths, Black Myth: Wukong isn’t without flaws. The storytelling often goes off the rails, dumping heavy lore and introducing numerous characters without enough context, which makes the narrative difficult to follow at times. While the overarching tale is compelling, the lack of dialogue from the Destined One himself limits the game’s personality, leaving the main character feeling somewhat hollow. Players unfamiliar with the source material or Chinese mythology might struggle to make sense of what’s happening in between boss fights and combat sequences.
The level design also leaves something to be desired. Many areas feel boxed in, small fry enemies are largely forgettable, and the lack of a map can make exploration frustrating. Invisible walls and unintentional “shortcuts” sometimes lead to confusion, and the repeated layouts make traversal feel less inspired compared to the game’s combat brilliance. While scenic spots give the environments some character, the overall exploration doesn’t reach the same heights as the boss encounters or the combat system.
Another minor disappointment is performance. The game doesn’t maintain a perfectly smooth 60 frames per second on PS5, even in Performance Mode, which can slightly hinder the fluidity of combat or the impact of cinematic moments. While these issues don’t break the game, they’re noticeable enough to pull you out of the experience occasionally, especially given how polished everything else feels.
The Experience 🎮
Playing Black Myth: Wukong is like being handed a masterclass in boss-centric action RPG design. Each fight is carefully choreographed to feel dramatic and rewarding, blending spectacle with skill in a way that keeps you engaged from start to finish. You’ll string together abilities, dodge with precision, and feel the weight of each encounter as you learn patterns and react to the intense visuals and sound design. The combat alone makes exploring the game’s world worthwhile.
Outside the boss fights, the game balances moments of calm with frenetic action. Scenic meditation areas give players a breather and highlight the beauty of the environments, while exploration offers hidden rewards and more intense encounters. Despite the occasionally confusing narrative or small-scale level design, these quiet moments provide a satisfying contrast to the game’s relentless combat sequences.
Ultimately, Black Myth: Wukong is a celebration of mythology, action, and visual spectacle. Even with its narrative quirks and minor design hiccups, it delivers an experience that feels both grand and polished. For fans of action RPGs or anyone interested in a mythologically inspired adventure, the game is a must-play. The mixture of stunning visuals, engaging boss battles, and responsive combat ensures that this is one title that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
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