Black Myth: Wukong Review (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S & PC)

When Black Myth: Wukong first appeared in 2020, it quickly caught the attention of gamers with its unique take on the Monkey King legend. The game’s impressive visuals and intense combat quickly earned a reputation among action game enthusiasts. And now that it’s finally here, the big question is: does it live up to the hype? With accolades already in hand, the game promises to deliver a thrilling gaming experience. Now, let’s jump into Black Myth: Wukong review and find out if the game delivers on its promises!

An Epic Tale

The first intriguing aspect of Black Myth: Wukong is its approach to storytelling. Unlike many modern action RPGs that tend to feature complex narratives, this game opts for a more straightforward story. The narrative is deeply rooted in Journey to the West, following the legendary Monkey King.

Lest you get it twisted, Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t monkey around with endless backstories. Instead, it swings right into action by delivering an adrenaline-pumping adventure to keep players engaged from start to finish.

The game’s story is told through a mix of cutscenes, in-game dialogue, and environmental storytelling. The cutscenes, in particular, are a treat. They’re beautifully animated and do a great job of bringing the characters and world to life. The voice acting is top-notch, too.

On the flip side, the story might not be as complex as something you’d find in a Souls-like game. However, it’s still compelling and will motivate you to push forward. What’s refreshing about Black Myth: Wukong’s story is its simplicity. This approach is a welcome change for players who prefer their stories to be engaging without too much complexity. 

A Visual Masterpiece 

Black Myth: Wukong features some seriously jaw-dropping visuals. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game delivers in a grand way on every level. And even when your gaming rig isn’t top-of-the-line, you’re still in for a visual feast.

On an RTX 2060, the game runs in 4K at high settings. Of course, there is an occasional minor stutter during cutscenes. But honestly, those moments are rare and don’t ruin the experience.

For those who like to game on the go, here’s some good news: Black Myth: Wukong plays great on the Steam Deck. Seeing a game with such stunning visuals perform smoothly on a portable device is quite impressive. 

The attention to detail in this game is on another level. Every character, enemy, and environment looks perfectly crafted. The developers didn’t miss a beat, creating a world that’s visually stunning and fun to explore.

A Dance of Dodges and Strikes

Combat in Black Myth: Wukong is where the game truly shines. Fans of Souls-like games will find a similar experience here but with a less punishing difficulty. Instead of focusing on blocking or parrying, the game emphasizes dodging and counterattacking. 

Timing is everything, and when you get it right, it feels incredibly satisfying. The game offers three different stances, each with a unique skill tree. This gives you room to experiment and find a combat style that suits your preferences.

Spells and abilities also play a big role in combat. Early in the game, you’ll unlock a spell called “Immobilize.” This card is a lifesaver when swarmed by enemies or facing a tough boss. The spell freezes enemies in place for a short time, giving you a window to land some critical hits. As you progress, you’ll unlock more spells and abilities. The game encourages you to mix and match different skills, leading to some truly epic battles.

What’s great about the combat in Black Myth: Wukong is how it manages to be both challenging and accessible. The difficulty ramps up gradually, so you’re never thrown into the deep end without a chance to learn the ropes. And when you finally master a difficult boss or encounter, the sense of accomplishment is real. The combat is fluid, responsive, and, most importantly, fun. 

Big Fights, Bigger Thrills

In the game, boss battles are nothing short of epic. These encounters are the highlight of the game, offering intense challenges that test your skills and patience. Each boss is unique. They all own a unique set of moves and patterns. Players need to learn their attacks, find openings, and strike at the right moment. It’s not only about brawn; but brains too.

What makes these battles so thrilling is how varied they are. One moment, you’re fighting a massive creature with a giant club, and the next, you’re up against a swift, agile foe that keeps you on your toes. The game keeps you guessing, and that’s part of the fun.

Transitioning between the different phases of a boss fight is where things get really interesting. Just when you think you’ve got the upper hand, the boss pulls out a new trick or changes up its strategy. It keeps the adrenaline pumping and makes each victory feel well-earned.

The visuals and sound design during these fights add to the drama. The music swells, the screen shakes, and every hit feels like it has weight. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you, making these boss battles some of the most memorable moments in the game. Overall, the boss fights in Black Myth: Wukong are a blast. They’re challenging, exciting, and incredibly satisfying to conquer. 

A World Full of Wonder

Black Myth: Wukong isn’t just about combat. It is also about the world you’re fighting in. The game presents a stunning, detailed landscape that lures players into exploration at every turn. Notably, the weather and a day-night cycle change according to how you interact with the environment. If thats not enough, the game ensures to hide some secrets until nighttime, thus making the game more thrilling.

Exploration in Black Myth: Wukong is more than just a side activity. It’s an integral part of the experience. The game rewards you for being thorough, whether it’s through finding a hidden treasure chest or stumbling upon a secret boss battle. And because the game’s world is so rich and detailed, exploration never feels boring. Instead, it’s a chance to uncover more of the game’s secrets. 

Moreover, a great soundtrack can turn a good game into a memorable experience, and Black Myth: Wukong definitely delivers. The music here fits perfectly with the action and the mood. During heated battles, the soundtrack intensifies, adding to the excitement. In calmer moments, the music takes a backseat, letting you enjoy the scenery. The soundtrack mixes traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestral sounds, creating an epic feel that’s just right for the game’s mythical world.

But it’s not just about the music. The sound effects in Black Myth: Wukong are sharp and impactful. Every weapon swing, spell cast, and enemy growl feels substantial.  Similarly, the voice acting, mainly in Chinese, is top-notch, perfectly capturing the story’s emotions.

What’s really cool is how the audio enhances gameplay. Certain enemies have audio cues that warn you before they attack, giving you a crucial moment to react. The sound design isn’t just for the atmosphere; it also makes the game more engaging. With a good pair of headphones, you’ll appreciate how the audio brings Black Myth: Wukong to life.

The Bad

While Black Myth: Wukong is a thrilling game, it does have its flaws. One major issue is the lack of navigation tools. The game throws you into its vast world without any map or guidance, which can be frustrating. 

Another downside is the progression system, which, while functional, might feel too simplistic for some players. The game lacks the depth found in other action RPGs, particularly in terms of weapon and armor customization. You might find this somewhat underwhelming if you’re a fan of fine-tuning your gear to suit your playstyle.

Finally, the game’s difficulty can be a hit or a miss. Depending on your playstyle and how well you prepare, some boss fights might feel too easy. However, others could be frustratingly tough. This inconsistency can take away from the fun at times, making some battles feel less satisfying. But even with these hiccups, Black Myth: Wukong still delivers an overall enjoyable experience. While these drawbacks are worth mentioning, they don’t overshadow the immersive vibe of the game.

Verdict 

Black Myth: Wukong is a standout gem in the action game world. It takes inspiration from classic tales but offers a fresh and thrilling experience. The game’s combat is fast and fluid, allowing you to use various moves and spells to take down uniquely designed bosses. 

The game has minor hiccups, but they don’t overshadow the overall experience. The game blends gorgeous visuals, engaging combat, and a compelling soundtrack into an immersive package. Black Myth: Wukong isn’t just a game; it’s an adventure that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Ultimately, if you’re into fast-paced action games with a mythical twist, Black Myth: Wukong is a must-play. It’s a fantastic example of how to breathe new life into classic themes and deliver something truly memorable. Notably, it’s a standout choice for any action RPG enthusiast.