Black Myth: Wukong is now the most-played single-player game on Steam, exceeding Cyberpunk 2077 and it’s not a mystery as to why this is happening.
Black Myth: Wukong‘s premiere is turning out to be far more significant than Steam alone indicates. In addition to its record-breaking numbers on Steam, the game was also released on PlayStation 5. Here’s an article for you to read if you want to know Wukong‘s system requirements.
Folks can also get it on the Epic Games Store and Tencent’s WeGame system in China. With an Xbox Series X|S version slated for release later, the game’s reach will expand even further than ever.
This multi-platform availability, combined with its incredible Steam performance, highlights Black Myth: Wukong as one of the most significant game launches in recent history.
What Does Black Myth: Wukong Look Like?
This action RPG looks nothing short of incredible. Players assume the function of the fabled Monkey King in the game Of course, Monkey King is wielding his magical staff and battling formidable foes. Black Myth: Wukong is a story inspired by the Journey to the West, one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, serves as the inspiration for Wukong’s plot. .
Sun Wukong, sometimes referred to as the Monkey King, is the main character in the game. As players progress, they’ll also notice that the game centers around Sun Wukong. He was born from a stone egg and embarks on a journey to understand the Tao—a concept of ultimate wisdom and spiritual growth.
Wukong’s quest to become a god leads him through encounters with ferocious and cunning foes. To make them more interesting, each character he meets has their own backstories and motivations.
His primary weapon, a magical staff, plays a crucial role in both the novel and the game. Deep cultural origins are infused into Black Myth: Wukong by this complex legend. It offers players a unique narrative experience rooted in Chinese folklore.
What Could Be the Reason Why the Game Was Delayed?
At first, Black Myth: Wukong was supposed to be released simultaneously for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. However, during the Summer Game Fest 2024, it was announced that the Xbox version would be delayed. The game’s release date was eventually disclosed later.
While developer Game Science hasn’t provided a specific reason for the delay, it’s speculated that the Xbox Series S hardware might be causing the hold-up. A similar example that comes off the top of my head is the Xbox port of Baldur’s Gate 3 issue.
What Black Myth: Wukong Is—and Isn't
First, it’s important to clarify what Black Myth: Wukong is not: this is NOT a Soulslike game.
While it is a third-person action title, it avoids many design elements typical of the Soulslike genre. Things like intricate, interconnected worlds, and relentless exploration are not major features in the game.
Instead, Black Myth: Wukong‘s gameplay is more linear and straightforward. The game puts emphasis on combat encounters and progression through a series of intense boss fights. It’s also less about discovery and more about guiding you from one challenging moment to the next.
Let's Look at Wukong's Combat and Progression
The combat system in Black Myth: Wukong is both engaging and rewarding. As you battle through Wukong’s journey, you earn experience that can be used to acquire skill points, known as Sparks.
These Sparks allow you to unlock or enhance abilities, combat techniques, stances, and spells. Unlike traditional Soulslike games, you don’t need to worry about retrieving your experience after death. You won’t have to recover your lost “souls.”
Additionally, the game encourages build experimentation. Wukong makes it easy for players to reassign their skill points at fast-travel shrines.
The core gameplay revolves around boss fights—big and small, cunning and straightforward. Players are rarely more than a few minutes away from the next boss encounter, ensuring a relentless pace.
Players are also treated to the game’s combat system that rewards skill and strategy rather than sheer stat increases. The game offers bonuses based on your combat behavior rather than just boosting your damage or defense stats.
Exploration and World Design Is Definitely a Pain Point
One of the few downsides to Black Myth: Wukong is its relatively empty world. While the environments are visually stunning, they can feel somewhat hollow.
The game’s linear design means exploration is limited. Players may find themselves wishing for more to discover in this beautiful world.
Most rewards come from defeating enemies rather than from exploration. Some would consider this as a disappointment, especially for those hoping to uncover hidden secrets or treasures.
The protagonist’s movement outside of combat can also feel a bit clunky. Invisible barriers prevent exploration in certain areas. There’s also no mantle option, making navigation feel restrictive. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall positive experience the game offers.
Is Black Myth: Wukong a Smash-Hit or a Disappointing Myth?
Black Myth: Wukong is notable for its wide cultural diversity, captivating fighting system, and fierce boss fights. The game’s merits are its emphasis on skill-based fighting and its strong ties to Chinese mythology, even though its setting occasionally feels a little flat and uninteresting.
The game is a worthwhile experience for gamers who like difficult battles and are captivated by the Monkey King’s tale. Just be prepared for a journey that prioritizes combat over exploration. A journey that offers little in the way of hand-holding or easy victories.
Try the Game Out for Yourself!
Whether you’re a fan of mythological tales or simply looking for a visually stunning and challenging action RPG, Black Myth: Wukong delivers a unique experience. You’ll certainly be glued and attentive to the game from the moment you start it up, up until the very end!
Be sure to read our other review articles to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not in the gaming world. Stay tuned and catch the gaming current with GameEels!
