Although there are imperfections, regret is an integral part of perfection!

Whether you like it or not, in today's gaming market, soulslike ARPGs have become a semi-mainstream genre.

From earlier titles like "The Surge," "Remnant: From the Ashes," to recent releases like "Lies of P," "Blasphemous 2," and "Sword of Legends Online," more and more developers are experimenting with deconstructing and transforming countless classic fairytales into dark, twisted ARPGs for curious players to explore.

Despite being inspired by the same dark, relentless, and beloved masterpieces from FromSoftware, amidst the sea of trend-following games, "Black Myth: Wukong" stands out as a unique work even after setting aside the inherent goodwill brought by domestic indie developers.

(Image source: Leitech)

After six years of development and four years since Game Science first announced the game to the world, "Black Myth: Wukong" finally launched on Windows PC and PS5 on August 20th, with the Xbox version under intense development.

Putting aside the heated online discussions that followed the game's release, I've been playing the full version non-stop for dozens of hours, and I'm here to report on my experience.

Fortunately, after indulging in the game at launch, I can confidently say to everyone –

Buy it, this is a great game.

Stunning graphics and excellent console optimization

If you ask what attracts casual players to "Black Myth: Wukong," the answer would undoubtedly be "graphics."

Since switching to Unreal Engine 5 over two years ago, every trailer released by Game Science has showcased stunning visuals, even sparking debates among hardcore gamers about whether the footage is in-game or pre-rendered.

As one of the few 3A games made with Unreal Engine 5, "Black Myth: Wukong" has indeed impressed players with its visuals, on par with games like "Blasphemous 2" and delivering a top-notch experience for this generation of 3A games.

(Image source: Leitech)

From the cloud-filled South Gate of Heaven to lush forests, sandy deserts, snowy plains, and volcanic mountains, Game Science has painstakingly crafted each environment, complemented by meticulously placed enemies, making the fictional world come alive.

To support domestic games, I purchased two copies of the game.

I chose the WeGame version over Steam mainly because I pre-ordered "Monster Hunter: World" on WeGame years ago, making me one of the first to test domestic game platforms. As a result, I received a 169 yuan coupon from Tencent.

(Image source: Leitech)

This pre-order price effectively negates the impact of platform differences.

Regarding specs, my main PC hardware includes an i5-13600KF processor, B760 motherboard, RTX4070ti graphics card, and 64GB DDR4 3600Mhz RAM. With cinematic graphics, DLSS 75, and ray tracing off, the game runs at around 92 FPS without the crashing issues commonly complained about by players.

I also pre-ordered a PS5 version to assess domestic game optimization on consoles.

The PS5 version offers three graphics modes: Performance, Balanced, and Graphics Priority.

For players who prioritize framerate, the Performance mode is recommended, albeit with reduced resolution and visual effects, providing the closest to 60 FPS. The Balanced mode drops to around 50 FPS without significant visual improvements. Both modes experience further drops when facing bosses with heavy particle effects (like the Black Bear Spirit).

(Image source: Leitech, Performance Mode)

The Graphics Priority mode aims for checkerboard rendering at 4K or above 2K resolution but locks the framerate at around 30 FPS, which can be too low for precise dodging and parrying. The Performance mode is recommended for the best experience.

(Image source: Leitech, Graphics Priority)

Overall, the PS5 version of "Black Myth: Wukong" is well-optimized, maintaining 1080P/60FPS or 1600P/30FPS gameplay, striking a balance between graphics and framerate, making it a cost-effective choice.

Streamlined combat system with room for improvement

"Sticks and clubs."

In "Black Myth: Wukong," the only weapon you can use is a stick.

Given the story background and the character you play, this design may raise concerns about the combat system's richness but aligns with the game's overall design.

Players' concerns are not unfounded, as the protagonist's light attack animations remain unchanged throughout the game. However, Game Science designed three stick techniques – "Slash," "Stand," and "Stab" – each with unique heavy attacks, charged attacks, and combo moves, forming the core combat experience.

The default "Slash" technique allows for quick clearing of enemies while running and charging, while the unique "Break Stick" skill cancels enemy attacks. The light-heavy-heavy combo is essential for beginners.

(Image source: Leitech)

The robust "Stand" technique allows the protagonist to dodge ground attacks by crouching on the stick during a charge, delivering a long-range heavy attack after a three-stage charge, serving as a rare ranged option.

(Image source: Leitech)

The agile "Stab" technique allows dodging and counterattacking with a quick forward thrust, resembling a spear when fully skilled. It enables dodge-thrust-dodge combos, adding depth to combat.

(Image source: Leitech)

Most bosses, excluding those with unique mechanics, can be countered using these techniques. Switching techniques when one fails adds variety, though identifying them in combat can be challenging.

As the "Chosen One," players are not limited to stick techniques. With the guidance of allies like the Earth God, they can wield various spells, such as "Freeze," "Smoke Form," "Iron Skin," and "Clone," each with cooldowns and resource costs that could be fine-tuned.

(Image source: Leitech)

Additionally, players can perform "72 Transformations," temporarily transforming into defeated demons by absorbing their essences. Some essences allow full transformations with separate health bars, animations, and movesets, essentially granting an extra life.

(Image source: Leitech)

Early on, transforming into "Guangzhi" (a horse demon with flaming daggers) is recommended. Its quick light attacks apply status effects, while fully charged heavy attacks deal significant damage.

By combining techniques, my combat flow optimizes as follows: Accumulate stick momentum with light attacks, unleash the "Slash" combo, continue attacking during enemy stun, use "Freeze" for another combo, transform to regain health and deal final damage, repeating the cycle.

(Image source: Leitech)

Each player has their strategy, and "Black Myth: Wukong" offers a free respec system for experimentation.

Ultimately, the question remains: Is the combat fun?

While the limited attack animations and skill trees restrict playstyles, "Black Myth: Wukong" offers an engaging combat system with well-designed resource cycling and interactive boss fights. It's easy to pick up yet offers depth for those who delve deeper.

While boss fights are thrilling, level design falls short

If combat receives consistent praise, level design is the most controversial aspect of "Black Myth: Wukong."

Unlike traditional soulslike ARPGs, "Black Myth: Wukong" does not confine players to closed arena maps but follows a stage-based design similar to "Nioh."

Each stage introduces a new large area, essentially linear levels ending with a final boss. These areas are divided into sub-areas with branching paths, often leading to additional enemies and rewards, with later maps interconnecting multiple routes.

(Image source: Leitech)

Take the second stage, Yellow Wind Ridge, for example. Players can directly challenge the boss after defeating three demon generals. Alternatively, completing side quests unlocks access to the Ancient Golden Kingdom, allowing players to obtain items that counter the final boss and learn about the demons' backstories.

With numerous side quests and hidden elements scattered across unmarked maps, tracking progress can be challenging without careful note-taking.

Not having a map or indicator is for immersion, but Black Myth: Wukong lacks even common environment-based guidance elements like yellow or white paint, white cloth, boxes, etc., seen in games like God of War and Tomb Raider. The entire map is just mountains and gravel, making players more likely to get lost.

(Image source: Youminxingkong, recommended to use with map guides)

Even more frustrating are the randomly placed air walls due to limited manpower and the somewhat illogically placed enemies, creating a frustrating map-running experience.

As for exploration rewards, most things you find are boxes containing crafting materials. These materials are used to craft new armor, weapons, and consumables at checkpoints. The lack of direct upgrades reduces the desire to explore, but the existence of hidden elements compels players to do so.

Similar to exploration rewards, the game's growth system is straightforward. Players cannot infinitely level up by grinding enemies but can improve through talent trees, crafting potions, and enhancing items. Weapon and armor design follows a simple progression model.

(Image source: Leitech)

Strict reward control benefits casual players, allowing them to smoothly transition to new levels without excessive strategy. However, it diminishes the fun of customization and skill allocation.

Fortunately, the boss fights are impressive, each with distinct characteristics and mechanics, offering ample opportunities for different strategies.

Yet, there's room for improvement in the journey to these bosses.

The main storyline transcends Journey to the West, destined for mixed reviews

Finally, let's briefly discuss the story.

As a game steeped in Chinese culture, Black Myth: Wukong does not retell the classic Journey to the West but rather presents a dark fairy tale adaptation by the Game Science team.

(Image source: Leitech)

The story begins with the Monkey King's failed attempt to storm Heaven. Players take on the role of a "Fated One," guided by a mysterious figure on a perilous and surprising journey inspired by the original tale.

As an experienced gamer, I must say Black Myth: Wukong's narrative presentation is unparalleled. Beyond the opening CG of Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen's battle, the game features unique artistic expressions like picture books, ink paintings, folk songs, and puppet shows, leaving a profound impression.

Moreover, the game meticulously details each character with shadow portraits, blending Shanhaijing-inspired illustrations with backstories that deepen the intricate relationships between humans, gods, and demons.

(Image source: Leitech)

Without spoilers, I can only hint that the game significantly alters the Journey to the West characters, perhaps even more so than A Chinese Odyssey.

If you approach the game independently of Journey to the West and don't project the all-powerful Monkey King onto it, the story is average, with limited background details.

But for those expecting a reinterpretation of Journey to the West, remember, "fiction is not fantasy, and adaptation is not distortion."

Summary

Here's our review summary based on the Leitech template:

Pros:

Solid combat feel

Diverse boss types with many variations

Distinctively Chinese landscape atmosphere

Cons:

Somewhat weak level design

Non-essential equipment system

In my opinion, Black Myth: Wukong is an outstanding Chinese single-player game from Game Science.

It has some balancing issues, unclear level guidance, low map readability, and minimal RPG elements. However, its unique and intriguing storyline, well-tuned combat, stunning visuals, and exciting boss fights make it unmissable.

(Image source: Game Science)

Crucially, this game injects fresh air into the gaming industry dominated by Western and Japanese cultures, resonating with players worldwide through its Chinese folklore.

Who wouldn't want to embark on an unknown journey, experiencing its wonders, like the timeless travelogue?

Recommended for action fans due to its streamlined action elements and those interested in Chinese culture, drawn to its unique aesthetics.

The PS version I played ran smoothly at nearly 60fps in Performance Mode and offered near-4K visuals in Quality Mode. Game Science will address bugs with future patches, so stay tuned.

Source: Leitech