This year’s Gamescom Opening Night Live event saw the upcoming action RPG, Black Myth: Wukong, make a majestic reappearance following earlier leaks. Developed by Game Science and being built on the groundbreaking Unreal Engine 5, the game continues to harness attention, promising a vivid exploration into the deep corners of Chinese mythology.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic 16th-century Chinese novel, Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong introduces players to a world painted with tales of gods and heroes. At the center stands Sun Wukong, often dubbed the Monkey King or “the Destined One”, setting off on a quest for unparalleled power.
This journey not only compels him into a confrontation with Taoist deities but introduces us to a narrative infused with ambivalence. We often see Sun Wukong triumphant over the so-called villains, but the game prompts the players to go ahead and think – who are these “villains” really? As the game’s official website muses, “Why [do] they go against our heroes? Cunning fairies, brutal monsters, amorous lords or coward gods…We are curious about their fear and love, goodwill and hatred, obsessiveness and daily life.”
The gameplay itself echoes the richness of the narrative. From the eerie sounds of a headless musician to the haunting shades of a rainfall, dyed in the deepest red as the protagonist faces a menacing demon, there’s an underlying darkness that suffuses the game.
More than just a simple hack-and-slash journey, Black Myth: Wukong is embellished with mechanics reminiscent of titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, God of War and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, though it proudly carves its own identity within the genre.
Combat appears to be a dance of strategy and reflex. Energy-based mechanisms, as outlined by a Chinese demo video, as summarized by u/alanjinqq on Reddit involve gaining energy through light attack combos, which can subsequently be utilized for potent abilities or transformations. Perfect dodges or impeccably timed strikes might offer a temporary hyperarmor, adding layers of depth to the gameplay.
Encounters with colossal foes, whether insectoid beasts or demonic entities, are depicted with a healthy mix of fast-paced dodging, striking, and the sheer thrill of catching an opponent off-guard. Beyond combat, the game offers rich exploration, from NPC quests to discovering secrets hidden within its vast open world.
The recent trailer showcased various landscapes, from deserted terrains to eerily mystical settings, each scene crafted with meticulous care. One particularly compelling moment brought us to a confrontation in a desert with a blood-drinking tiger, manifesting the game’s commitment to atmospheric storytelling. This emphasis on environment and world-building could mean players embarking on a quest filled with exploration, meeting a myriad of otherworldly creatures, and unearthing collectibles that aid in their journey.
The game’s Souls-like label does not merely stem from its combat. Like Dark Souls, and other titles it’s been compared to such as Dragon Ball and Ninja Theory’s Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, the game seems to be crafting a rich tapestry of lore, demanding players’ immersion and emotional investment.
More than anything, Black Myth: Wukong exemplify China’s potential in the international scene. This title offers hope that Chinese developers, especially independent studios, will receive much deserved recognition on the global stage.
Yet, beneath this allure lies a political undercurrent. Considering China’s strict regulations surrounding media portrayal, it’s intriguing to see Black Myth: Wukong, a game so deeply steeped in Chinese culture, forging ahead. Perhaps the CCP views this as a subtle nod to promoting Chinese heritage, much like the popular YouTube channels that showcase rural China in a positive light.
The wait for Black Myth: Wukong continues, with a hopeful release in summer 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC platforms. But for now, as trailers continue to drop, we are left yearning for more, captivated by its promise to be more than just another game – but a journey into the depths of ancient tales and legends.
In the meantime, if you’re itching for a indie Soulslike, you might want to check out Lies of P, which you can try ahead of its release on September 19.
