Black Myth: Wukonginitially seemed too good to be true. Its beautiful graphics, fluid animations, and fast-paced gameplay were so impressive that a groundswell formed on social media, and the title jumped to the top of many gamers’ most anticipated lists. Of course, those thoughts of the game being just a tech demo lingered, but over time, developer Game Science showed more ofBlack Myth: Wukongand it became clear the title was very real. Now, having played the game for a few hours, I’m happy to report that, based on this first hands-on,Black Myth: Wukongis one to watch out for.
Black Myth: Wukong’s Combat is Fast and Furious
WhileBlack Myth: Wukongmight have somesimilarities with the Souls-like subgenre, it is not a full Souls-like. Players will use shrines to perform actions like replenish heals, log a checkpoint, and fast travel throughout the world, butBlack Mythhas as much in common with FromSoftware’s titles as it does a character action game. For starters, the combat in the game is extremely fast-paced. Dodging is essential for survival, with no traditional options for blocking or parrying attacks. And where a Souls-like might feel more open in its construction, the first few hours ofBlack Myth: Wukongappeared fairly linear.
Whether Black Myth: Wukong can be classified as a Souls-like is beside the point; this is a game that will appeal to fans of those brutally difficult titles andseries likeDevil May Cryas well. The player character, Sun Wukong, evolves through a standard skill tree and with the abilities he acquires, rather than through spending points to buff stats like Strength and Endurance. Combo strings are essential for getting big damage on a foe, and mixing in charged heavy attacks allows players to express their skill in different ways.
Sun Wukong’s staff is his main offensive weapon, capable of flashy combos with a press of the light attack button. Holding the heavy attack button can charge up a stronger attack that, in its basic form, has Wukong slamming the staff down on an enemy. As players mix up their combos and charged attacks, they will fill up a focus meter and eventually earn a focus point. These points can be spent on an even more damaging attack that can be timed at the end of a combo as a pseudo-finisher.
It’s an elaborate ballet of dodges and attacks that makesBlack Myth: Wukongso addicting - taking risks to get in damage and then retreating when necessary. Things get more interesting with the introduction of spells and transformations, the latter of which can completely change up gameplay. I only had access to a few spells during the preview, one that allowed Sun Wukong to freeze an enemy in place and get some free damage, and the other that turned him invisible for a sneak attack (or to bypass a group of baddies altogether). Spells cost mana, though, so even though a cooldown relegates them, players won’t be able to use them infinitely. It’s a smart balancing move since the freezing spell (called Immobilize) works on bosses.
Black Myth: Wukong is Stunning to Look At
Game Science has adaptedJourney to the Westto great effect, crafting some truly memorable enemy types that run the gamut from grotesque to beautiful. But it’s the boss battles that are the most eye-catching. During my three hours with the game, I came across at least 5 bosses (and some mini-bosses): some favored offense, others defense, but most rewarded a mix of both. Pattern recognition is essential for success, but a stamina meter ensures that players are not simply dodging forever. Similarly, attacks cost stamina, so it’s important to leave a little fuel in the tank to get clear after unleashing a devastating combo or charged attack.
While the boss fights are a clear highlight ofBlack Myth: Wukong, both for their design and how they mix up the gameplay, they are also essential for the Monkey King’s evolution, as defeatingkey bosses will unlock Transformations. Essentially, Transformations let the player embody the spirit of a boss, taking on a stylized look inspired by that boss and wielding a version of the staff inspired by them as well. For example, after beating a fire-wielding boss, Wukong gained access to a Transformation that gave him a fire staff that inflicts burn damage and has a dash-strike move that closes large distances quickly.
So, while there may not be builds in the traditional sense, players can approachBlack Myth: Wukongin different ways based on their spell and Transformation choice. They can also take things a step further by spending skill points on different staff forms (switched using the d-pad) that have their own attack patterns. For the preview, weunlocked the Tower Form, which has a nifty move where Sun Wukong climbs to the top of his staff and stands out of harm’s way before doing a flashy flip and slam move. It seems likely that most players will unlock all of the skills by the game’s end, but those different staff forms seem to do enough to mix up combat and allow for unique approaches to varied enemies.
The best compliment that can be paid after any hands-on preview is that it leaves you wanting more.Black Myth: Wukongdid that in all the best ways. I wanted to see more of the evocative world that lay ahead, improve my skills and challenge some of the optional bosses I saw but quickly trounced me, and to experience how the combat evolves over time. Just this small taste was enough to prove that the initial promise ofBlack Myth: Wukong– a beautiful game with impressive combat – was not a trick. This is the real deal and it’s easily one of my most anticipated gamesreleasing in the latter part of 2024.
Black Myth: Wukong
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Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology and based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.As the Destined One, you shall encounter powerful foes and worthy rivals throughout your journey. Fearlessly engage them in epic battles where surrender is not an option.Aside from mastering various staff techniques, you’re able to also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find the winning strategy that best suits your combat style.
Black Myth: Wukongreleases June 27, 2025 for PC and PS5, with an Xbox Series X/S version planned for a later date.
