We are undeniably in the golden age of Soulslike games, and Black Myth: Wukong stands as a testament to this burgeoning genre. No longer do we see the dominance of mediocre action RPGs struggling to match the brilliance of FromSoftware’s masterpieces; developers are now consistently delivering impressive Soulslike experiences, and now it’s Wukong that’s ready to take the spotlight.
Developed by the Chinese studio Game Science, this ambitious AAA title bursts onto the scene with dramatic flair. Right from the outset, it showcases high-octane combat and boss encounters that are among the finest I’ve encountered in the Soulslike space. Yet, while it excels in several areas, some crucial elements are noticeably absent, preventing it from reaching the pinnacle of greatness. If you’re here for the thrilling boss fights, you’re absolutely in for a treat. The Yaoguai—from the majestic to the grotesque—are sure to leave a mark.
Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: the combat and boss battles in Black Myth: Wukong are nothing short of spectacular. After navigating through the gripping opening sequence, you awaken in a desolate land armed with nothing but a stick and a health bar, and soon it’s time to unleash your fury. While the game may lack the intricate build diversity seen in traditional Souls titles, the combat remains refined, well-crafted, and, above all, exhilarating. While the absence of a parry system is felt, Wukong compensates brilliantly with a perfect dodge mechanic that feels both satisfying and responsive (though the slow-motion effect during a perfect dodge can occasionally throw me off my rhythm).
Most hitboxes appear pixel-perfect, and enemy attacks are well-telegraphed, meaning that when you meet your demise, it’s often a matter of needing to “git gud.” The assortment of enemy types is impressive—with new adversaries introduced in each chapter—ensuring that combat never feels stale. And when it comes to the boss fights? They are mercilessly challenging and plentiful. From dynamic field mini-bosses to epic battles with mighty Yaoguai, the design of these encounters is so well-executed that they could easily blend seamlessly into a FromSoftware title—a testament to the boss designers at Game Science.
If intense, meticulously designed combat and explosive battles are your reasons for enjoying Soulslike games, then you’re in for a delightful experience. However, if your appreciation lies in the freedom of character builds, rich replayability, and exploration, Black Myth: Wukong may not fulfill those desires. The customization options are minimal; your version of Sun Wukong is likely to mirror mine closely. Yes, there are passive skill trees, and you can select which permanent stats to upgrade on occasion, but expect a more constrained experience compared to traditional Soulslikes. You’re effectively playing a character with a singular moveset and a handful of somewhat flexible spells, and that remains consistent for most of your journey.
Visually, the world of Black Myth: Wukong is nothing short of breathtaking, though it’s somewhat superficial. You won’t find the multitude of branching paths and shortcuts characteristic of Souls games here. This title does not attempt to create an expansive open world. Instead, it presents chapters that each feature distinct biomes—lush green forests, arid yellow deserts, and towering snowy peaks—with little overlap. You can return to previous areas freely, but don’t expect the linearity of the first chapter to persist; the second chapter introduces a much more intriguing layout.
While there is much beauty in the outdoor environments—thanks to the power of the Unreal Engine—the world’s level design may leave some players wanting. Hidden treasures, meditation spots, and materials for crafting stat-boosting potions await off the beaten path, but locating your destination can be quite a puzzle. The biomes can feel disappointingly homogenous; the forest you begin in appears virtually unchanged hours later at the end of the chapter. Unlike the design of Souls games, where past and present locations are clearly hinted at from afar, here, the journey can feel repetitive.
Compounding the issue are those invisible walls that plague the experience. It’s disheartening to encounter a seemingly hidden path only to be thwarted by an imperceptible barrier. There’s an odd sense of dissonance when you’re searching for secrets in unexpected locales but must first navigate a landscape littered with invisible blocks that hinder exploration.
Despite these drawbacks, the elements within Black Myth: Wukong coalesce to create a compelling and engaging package from the outset. While the game isn’t devoid of flaws, and I ran into a few complaints during my playthrough, they did little to diminish my overall enjoyment. Yes, there are some bugs (though nothing that disrupts gameplay), the storyline can be perplexing (which seems almost requisite in a Soulslike), and I yearned for a greater sense of freedom in character development and exploration. However, it’s essential to give credit where it’s due: Game Science’s first major project stands tall among genre titans. Despite any criticisms about company culture, I firmly believe this won’t be the last we hear from them.
Black Myth: Wukong is a remarkable addition to the Soulslike pantheon. If you cherish these games for their finely-tuned combat and adrenaline-pumping boss battles, you’ll undoubtedly find satisfaction in your investment.
Final Verdict:
Black Myth: Wukong is a shining example of what can be achieved outside of FromSoftware’s realm. While the avenues for character exploration and customizing your gameplay experience are a bit limited, the combat and boss encounters truly shine.
Pros:
- Engaging combat
- Memorable boss battles
- Stunning graphics
- Polished presentation
Cons:
- Restricted build diversity
- Limited exploratory elements
- Presence of invisible walls
- Confusing narrative structure
This review is based on a copy provided by Game Science and was conducted on PC.
