The recent release of the Black Myth: Wukong demo in China had anticipating fans talking about when it will come to the west. The upcoming action RPG game, which draws its foundation from one of the great Chinese classics, “Journey to the West,” offers a fresh blend of Eastern legends with modern gameplay mechanics – much to the excitement of those looking to go on a deep dive into Chinese mythology.
For those unfamiliar with the source material, Journey to the West centers around Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King. In the game, players take on the role of the Destined One, who delves deep into ancient myths to uncover obscured truths beneath the shroud of time-old legends.
Gameplay snippets leaked online showcase intense battles with formidable bosses, scenic in-game environments, and intricate details that evoke comparisons to titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and God of War. Any fan of either or both games will observe that Black Myth: Wukong is a harmonious fusion of these gaming giants if a bit rough around the edges.
black myth wu kongs
前半段，箱庭游戏，和战神，只狼非常相似。 pic.twitter.com/Q3FChVkihl— 四叶妹妹 (@uz0HwGiAhSWdmvc) August 19, 2023
The journey behind the creation of Black Myth: Wukong is a saga in itself. It all started with Tencent’s dream of crafting an MMORPG centered on “Journey to the West.” Despite initial enthusiasm, the project didn’t pan out. Undeterred by this setback, a group of developers formed their studio, Game Science, in 2014, to carry on with the project. Drawing its inspiration from the aforementioned games as well as Monster Hunter: World and the Soulsborne titles, the team envisions a familiar experience but unique in its setting and several ways.
As of now, the game has advanced considerably in its development phase, with a targeted release for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X next summer.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, early glimpses suggest it maximizes the engine’s capabilities. Yet, with its demo limited to the Chinese audience, international gamers can only speculate about its gameplay depth and quality.
Distinctly a “soulslike” title, the game invites players into semi-open worlds populated by lethal foes, intriguing NPCs, immersive environments, and the hallmark of the genre – intense boss battles. Furthermore, character customization seems to be a focal point. Players can mix and match armors, weapons, and 72 distinct abilities to craft their unique combat style. This arsenal promises encounters where strategy and finesse matter as much as raw power.
However, not everything about Black Myth: Wukong is crystal clear. A rather curious rumor suggests the Unreal Engine 5 game runs at 4K resolution on a GTX 1660Ti, though many speculate it might be a 3060Ti. Such a feat, if true, would be astonishing.
While everyone would love to see a well-optimized Unreal Engine 5 project hit the market, the speculative specs that’s running one of the demos that’s going viral online might impact fan expectations.
So far, the initial impressions are a mixed bag. Some are blown away by the in-game graphics and character abilities, its diverse cast of adversaries lauded along with the ambitious depth of the storyline. Others, more critical, feel the game lacks the impact observed in the titles it takes inspiration from, pointing out that the demo still needs work.
Of course, with roughly around a year to go before it comes out, Black Myth: Wukong can still improve. Don’t forget, a game most of us are looking forward to, Starfield, wasn’t looking too great last year either and look how early reviewers can’t help but sing it praises now after an initial delay – Bethesda’s disappointment, be damned.
Yet, one point stands out – there’s considerable excitement around exploring Chinese mythology, a rich tapestry often overlooked in favor of Norse or Greek legends in video games.
Only time will reveal if it’s the masterpiece many hope for or a mere flash in the gaming pantheon. Whatever will be the outcome, it’s a brave endeavor by Game Science, pushing boundaries and charting new territories in the vast world of gaming.
For now, we can look forward to seeing more of the game at Gamescom 2023.
