When I first saw the reveal trailer for Black Myth: Wukong, I already knew it was going to be an awesome game. Not only does it play on my fascination with mythology, but it is also based on a story that inspired the greatest manga series of all time. Black Myth: Wukong opens with sequence that is a cinematic masterpiece, and one the best opening scenes that I have seen since Kratos stormed Mount Olympus with the Titans in God of War III. Wukong challenges the gods who are large in scale and beautifully detailed. You saw every design that was used in creating them. No expenses were spared on the army at their feet the way they are lined up it is like looking at a movie and every outfit is incredibly, intricately detailed and you can see everything every little piece of armor, every little feather movement and their weapons looked amazing. After Wukong is defeated and sealed inside a mountain, you take on the role of the Destined One who must find the relics the Monkey King scattered to free him. The game possesses graphics that really push the PS5 to the limit. The environment of the bamboo forest looks absolutely alive with detailing that almost matches the real thing. The moss on the rocks, the swaying grass, the fire effects, everything is just amazing in this game. I mean even the lighting transition on the Destined One himself; it feels natural like when he transitions from being surrounded by fire to going into sunlight or moonlight or into darkness. The transition is just so smooth. There is no map to speak of, so you are free to explore wherever which could lead to finding hidden secrets.
The Destined One can immobilize enemies to give himself breathing room while leaving them open to attack. However, the more powerful the foe, the sooner they’ll break free.
Controls are nice and tight making for easy movement fluid combos between light and heavy attacks as well as magic. Now Black Myth is no walk in the park. You have to bring your “A” game to this. The enemies are incredibly tough, and they will challenge you. More so, enemies will adjust to your attacks so no single attack pattern will work similar to fighting in God of War where enemies will block your attacks if you have a set pattern. Black Myth: Wukong also has an RPG element where you can change your equipment, outfits, and masks to improve the character’s stats. As with other games such as Horizon Forbidden West and God of War, the Destined One can collect gold to purchase new abilities and movements, as well as improve his magic spells. He can also craft and upgrade weapons at various safe spots throughout the game using materials collected from defeated enemies. The Destined One has light and heavy attacks; however, there’s no smooth transition between the two like other characters such as Kratos from God of War, Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn, and Dante from Devil May Cry. This, unfortunately, leaves the Destined One open to enemy attacks. He can dodge cancel, but this is tied into his stamina which is also drained through attacking and using magic so there’s a limit. This is likely used as a teaching tool to conserve one’s strength until the right moment. The soundtrack is just as majestic as the game itself featuring an orchestral score that takes you on an incredible journey through China. It even features the original score from the 1986 series “Journey to the West.”
Black Myth: Wukong possesses RPG elements that allow you to equip weapons, armor and enhance the Destined One’s skills.
Overall, Black Myth: Wukong is an immersive, mystical adventure that seemingly came out of nowhere and delivered us an incredible tale that will be enjoyed by Dark Souls fans and fans of a certain anime that is inspired by Wukong’s story. I am enjoying this game and let me tell you, it may have a short campaign (logged in four hours and got it 20% done) but you will not be ending this inside of a weekend. It’s challenging enemies and nail-biting boss battles will keep you on your toes.
Black Myth: Wukong is destined to receive 4.5 out of 5.
Until next time, this DevilDriver1313 and I’ll see you “On the NXT LVL!!”
