By Dean Moses
Game: Black Myth: Wukong
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $59.99
Gamers have eagerly awaited Black Myth: Wukong, an action RPG deeply rooted in Chinese culture and mythology. However, it wasn’t until August 20th that video game aficionados were able to get their hands on this action-packed adventure.
Story
Developer Game Science has paid homage to Chinese literature’s Four Great Classical novels, specifically on the Journey to the West, as The Destined One who fights to uncover the truth behind what lies beyond the veil. The voyage is based off of Buddhist monk Xuanzang’s voyage to India as he attempted to return ancient scriptures back to China. In the game, The Destined One must find six relics that will help restore Wukong, who was sealed away after disobeying the Celestial Court.
Game Play
Black Myth: Wukong’s graphics are stunning, filled with lush green environments, breathtaking waterfalls, winding rivers that fully embrace the adventure inspired by the 16th century story of Journey to the West. The visuals are spectacularly detailed from the gleam of the sunlight off of his armor to the falling leaves from surrounding trees as the protagonist battles it out with his foes. This is where the gameplay is beautiful, but frustrating since gamers are forced to duke it out with difficult bosses one after the other. For example, The Destined One fights a Giant Tiger inside of a blood-soaked river with the orange hue of the sun lighting the characters. The boss battles are frustrating and fierce since about two hits and your character is killed. It’s not about attacking head on with your melee weapon, but rather timing each move along with utilizing spells to outmaneuver your opponent. With each death you are forced to restart from your last check point and try again.
Conclusion
Black Myth: Wukong is an epic adventure, albeit a difficult one wrought in what feels like endless battles. If you don’t mind dying repeatedly the beautiful graphics, intricate story line, and wonderful voice acting cast make it one iteration you’d greatly enjoy. The cutscenes at the end of each chapter enrapture gamers, and really pull you into the story despite its difficulty and repeated boss battles.
