Black Myth Wukong review

Black Myth: Wukong from Game Science combines action RPG elements with themes and characters inspired by classic Chinese mythology. Based on Journey to the West, the game follows Sun Wukong’s epic quest to reclaim his lost powers and confront the gods who wronged him. It’s a tale of resilience and revenge, set in a world rich with lore and mythical creatures.

Ever since the first trailer dropped, gamers have been excited for its impressive visuals and challenging gameplay, myself included. The hype only grew with each gameplay reveal, showcasing stunning environments and dynamic battles. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Black Myth: Wukong promises a mix of thrilling combat and engaging storytelling.

The developers have crafted a linear experience filled with tough battles and memorable moments, setting it apart from games like Dark Souls and God of War. While similar in some ways, it stands out with its focus on boss fights, strategy, and meaningful exploration. Beyond the visuals and combat, the game ties deeply into Chinese folklore, creating a unique and immersive experience. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

Black Myth Wukong details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5 and PC
Developer(s): Game Science
Publisher(s): Game Science
Genre: Action role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

A mythical tale of power and revenge

Black Myth: Wukong reimagines the classic Journey to the West as a story of revenge and redemption. You step into the role of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, who begins as a near-unstoppable force. casting him down to the forest floor below. From there, your journey to reclaim his lost strength begins.

Each of the game’s six chapters is set in a distinct biome, from bamboo groves to deserts and icy lakes. Moreover, each location presents a unique challenge that reflects Wukong’s growth throughout his journey. I found myself stopping to admire the snowy cliffs of one chapter, only to be jolted back to action by a sudden ambush from wolf-like spirits. Instances like this made the world feel alive and unpredictable. The story unfolds subtly. NPCs provide cryptic hints and side quests, leaving you to piece together the story. One quest had me chasing a relic based on vague directions, which revealed key details about Wukong’s past. These quests made me feel directly involved in shaping his journey.

Dialogue and lore scattered through the game deepen the story. While the story can feel disjointed, it reflects the dreamlike, episodic nature of Journey to the West. The real highlight is Wukong’s transformation—both in strength and character—as he faces mythical beings and challenges that push him to his limits. Wukong’s journey balances action with reflection, blending folklore, challenging battles, and character growth into a story that feels unique. Its mix of mythological depth, emotional moments, and personal stakes makes it stand out among action RPGs.

Mastering the art of combat and exploration

Black Myth: Wukong’s gameplay combines fast-paced action with strategic depth. Combat primarily focuses on dodging, precise timing, and utilizing Wukong’s transformations to gain an advantage. Your primary weapon is a staff with multiple stances, such as thrust, smash, and pillar, each suited for different situations. As you progress through the game, the skill tree allows you to unlock and improve moves, which in turn gives you the freedom to experiment with various playstyles.

One gameplay mechanic that I found interesting is the ability to transform into defeated enemies. These transformations add unique abilities, like poisoning enemies or disrupting large groups, and feel rewarding to unlock. I particularly enjoyed one encounter where I unlocked the transformation of a massive boar-like beast. Using its charge attack to clear enemies blocking a narrow path felt both strategic and satisfying.

The game’s six chapters mix linear paths with areas to explore. Shrines serve as checkpoints, allowing you to save progress and upgrade skills. Side paths often reward you with hidden bosses, relics, or resources for crafting potions and armour. However, exploration isn’t always seamless. Some areas use invisible walls, which can feel restrictive and disrupt exploration.

Boss fights in Black Myth: Wukong are epic. Each encounter feels unique, with patterns to learn and strategies to master. That said, some bosses feel unbalanced, with difficulty spikes that can be incredibly frustrating. Even with its flaws, Wukong’s gameplay is great when everything clicks. Dodging a boss’s attack, landing a perfectly timed combo, and finishing with a transformation feels incredible. Black Myth: Wukong combines challenging combat, meaningful exploration, and a progression system that encourages experimentation, creating a rewarding experience.

A stunning visual and audio experience, with some rough edges

Visually, Black Myth: Wukong is absolutely gorgeous. Built with Unreal Engine 5, the game features some of the most detailed environments in any action RPG in recent memory. From forests to snow-covered peaks, every biome feels meticulously crafted. Moreover, the lighting creates vivid contrasts that bring the mythical world of Black Myth: Wukong to life. Watching sunlight filter through tree canopies or reflect off icy lakes adds a sense of immersion that’s hard to ignore.

One particular scene really impressed me that took place in a bamboo forest. I was sneaking past a patrol of enemies, the swaying bamboo and scattering leaves made the setting feel alive. It wasn’t just a backdrop—it felt like part of the story. These moments make the world feel dynamic, drawing you deeper into Wukong’s journey. The character designs are equally impressive. Wukong’s fur, his enemies’ armour, and the intricate details of the mythical creatures are stunning. Bosses, in particular, steal the spotlight, each featuring unique designs that reflect their mythical origins.

The audio blends traditional Chinese instruments with atmospheric soundscapes, enhancing the mood. Music shifts with the action, and voice acting adds emotional depth, though NPC lines can feel repetitive. Performance-wise, Black Myth: Wukong does have a few problems. Frame rate drops in certain areas and occasional screen tearing on the PS5 are noticeable. The game’s camera struggles in tight spaces, sometimes blocking your view during key moments.

Despite these issues, Black Myth: Wukong’s visuals and audio create a rich, immersive world that complements the gameplay and story. Few games offer such a well-rounded and unforgettable aesthetic.

Black Myth: Wukong Delivers an Epic Journey that is full of potential

Overall, Black Myth: Wukong is an amazing achievement, combining deep combat mechanics, beautiful visuals, and a rich narrative rooted in Chinese mythology. The game’s focus on fast-paced action, strategic transformations, and boss battles makes for an exciting experience. Additionally, exploring the game’s environments keeps you busy, and the world feels alive, drawing you deeper into Wukong’s journey.

Pros	Cons
Absolutely gorgeous visuals, with meticulously crafted environments and detailed character designs.	Some parts of the story feel disjointed, with pacing issues that make the story feel uneven at times.
The story blends Chinese mythology with personal growth, creating a unique narrative that stands out among action RPGs.	Invisible walls in certain areas limit exploration and can feel restrictive.
The combat system combines fast-paced action with strategic depth, offering engaging boss battles and rewarding transformations.	Some boss fights have difficulty spikes that can feel frustrating.
The integration of traditional Chinese instruments into the soundtrack enhances the immersive atmosphere of the game.

While the story, inspired by Journey to the West, shines in parts, it can feel disjointed at times. The emotional highs and character growth are well-executed, but some pacing issues make the story feel uneven. That said, the exploration and boss battles more than make up for this, offering a sense of progression and satisfaction with each victory.

Black Myth: Wukong’s visuals and audio deliver some of the most impressive environments and character designs in recent memory. Additionally, the use of traditional Chinese instruments in the soundtrack deepens the immersive experience. However, performance issues like frame rate drops and occasional camera struggles can detract from the experience, especially during crucial moments.

Overall assessment of Black Myth: Wukong

Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 5/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.3/5 (86%)

Despite these flaws, Black Myth: Wukong stands out as a must-play action RPG. Its combat system, rewarding exploration, and beautiful presentation combine to create a compelling adventure. There’s no denying that this game has the potential to grow into something truly remarkable with future updates or sequels. For now, it offers an unforgettable experience that every action RPG fan should experience.

Experience the magic of adventure and immerse yourself in the stunning world of Black Myth: Wukong. Buy it now and embark on an epic journey.