Game Science's AAA debut is stellar
By Paul Hunter
Black Myth: Wukong is an exhilarating action RPG brought to life by GameScience, and it’s making waves in the gaming community! Drawing inspiration from the timeless Chinese epic Journey to the West, this game invites you to step into the role of the legendary monkey warrior, the Destined One. Get ready to explore a stunning world teeming with mythical creatures and formidable foes.
Since its announcement, Black Myth: Wukong has been one of the most eagerly awaited titles, igniting excitement among gamers around the globe. The developers have poured their passion into crafting an absolutely breathtaking experience using Unreal Engine 5. You truly need to see this game in action to appreciate its stunning environments and dynamic combat that brings the narrative to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned action RPG enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this game has something for everyone. Let’s embark on an adventure filled with magic, epic battles, and unforgettable moments as we delve into Black Myth: Wukong.
Inspired by the classic tale, the game kicks off with an epic clash of gods that sets the stage for your adventure. You’ll play as the Destined One, a monkey warrior in the forest village who sets out to revive the legendary Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.
As the story unfolds, you’ll embark on a quest to reclaim your lost powers, traversing beautifully crafted biomes populated with mythical beings and challenging adversaries. Each chapter introduces new characters and obstacles, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging. The game masterfully blends action and storytelling, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this enchanting world.
GameScience has done a fantastic job pacing the story, gradually building tension as you confront the gods who have wronged you. Interactions with NPCs enrich the lore and context of your journey, while the narrative is steeped in rich folklore that will leave you craving more.
Black Myth: Wukong delivers an exhilarating gameplay experience that artfully combines action and strategy. The game features a unique combat system that prioritizes dodging over blocking, encouraging you to stay nimble and adaptable during intense battles.
One of the standout features of Wukong’s gameplay is the transformation mechanic. As you progress, you can morph into various creatures, each boasting unique abilities. These transformations are earned by defeating rare enemies, adding a rewarding and strategic layer to your gameplay as you adapt your style to tackle different challenges.
The skill tree allows you to unlock and enhance your abilities, and while it may initially seem overwhelming, the option to respec at any time means you can experiment freely without the fear of being locked into a single playstyle.
However, it should be noted that Wukong is an extremely challenging game, on par with modern soulikes, so expect that some boss battles may present sudden spikes in difficulty, which could be a bit off-putting for players who prefer a more balanced challenge. If you enjoy challenging games though, you'll love what Wukong has to offer.
Visually, Black Myth: Wukong is nothing short of stunning. Built using Unreal Engine 5, the game showcases breathtaking detail, with each environment meticulously crafted—from lush forests to towering mountains. The landscapes burst with rich colours and intricate designs that are a feast for the eyes.
Character models are equally impressive, featuring high levels of detail and smooth animations that make every movement feel fluid and natural. You really need to see the game in motion to fully appreciate its visual brilliance. The cutscenes draw you deeper into the narrative, enhancing the overall experience.
The audio design is rich and immersive, filled with realistic sounds from nature, like rustling leaves and flowing rivers. Traditional Chinese instruments, such as the zither and flute, add an authentic touch to the soundtrack. The voice acting is another highlight, with talented actors bringing the characters to life with emotion and depth, creating a stronger connection to the story.
Wukong’s combat system, featuring various stances and combos, allows for unique strategies to take down enemies. The ability to experiment with different playstyles, combined with the transformations and magical abilities, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Black Myth: Wukong stands out as a remarkable achievement for an indie studio, capturing the essence of classic soulslike games while adding its own unique flair. With its gorgeous graphics, immersive sound design, and satisfying combat, this is a must-play title for any gamer this year.
Final Score: 9.5/10 - Amazing
Developer: Game Science
Publisher: Game Science
Genre: Action RPG
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Black Myth: Wukong is an exhilarating action RPG brought to life by GameScience, and it’s making waves in the gaming community! Drawing inspiration from the timeless Chinese epic Journey to the West, this game invites you to step into the role of the legendary monkey warrior, the Destined One. Get ready to explore a stunning world teeming with mythical creatures and formidable foes.
Since its announcement, Black Myth: Wukong has been one of the most eagerly awaited titles, igniting excitement among gamers around the globe. The developers have poured their passion into crafting an absolutely breathtaking experience using Unreal Engine 5. You truly need to see this game in action to appreciate its stunning environments and dynamic combat that brings the narrative to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned action RPG enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this game has something for everyone. Let’s embark on an adventure filled with magic, epic battles, and unforgettable moments as we delve into Black Myth: Wukong.
Inspired by the classic tale, the game kicks off with an epic clash of gods that sets the stage for your adventure. You’ll play as the Destined One, a monkey warrior in the forest village who sets out to revive the legendary Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.
As the story unfolds, you’ll embark on a quest to reclaim your lost powers, traversing beautifully crafted biomes populated with mythical beings and challenging adversaries. Each chapter introduces new characters and obstacles, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging. The game masterfully blends action and storytelling, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this enchanting world.
GameScience has done a fantastic job pacing the story, gradually building tension as you confront the gods who have wronged you. Interactions with NPCs enrich the lore and context of your journey, while the narrative is steeped in rich folklore that will leave you craving more.
Black Myth: Wukong delivers an exhilarating gameplay experience that artfully combines action and strategy. The game features a unique combat system that prioritizes dodging over blocking, encouraging you to stay nimble and adaptable during intense battles.
One of the standout features of Wukong’s gameplay is the transformation mechanic. As you progress, you can morph into various creatures, each boasting unique abilities. These transformations are earned by defeating rare enemies, adding a rewarding and strategic layer to your gameplay as you adapt your style to tackle different challenges.
The skill tree allows you to unlock and enhance your abilities, and while it may initially seem overwhelming, the option to respec at any time means you can experiment freely without the fear of being locked into a single playstyle.
However, it should be noted that Wukong is an extremely challenging game, on par with modern soulikes, so expect that some boss battles may present sudden spikes in difficulty, which could be a bit off-putting for players who prefer a more balanced challenge. If you enjoy challenging games though, you'll love what Wukong has to offer.
Visually, Black Myth: Wukong is nothing short of stunning. Built using Unreal Engine 5, the game showcases breathtaking detail, with each environment meticulously crafted—from lush forests to towering mountains. The landscapes burst with rich colours and intricate designs that are a feast for the eyes.
Character models are equally impressive, featuring high levels of detail and smooth animations that make every movement feel fluid and natural. You really need to see the game in motion to fully appreciate its visual brilliance. The cutscenes draw you deeper into the narrative, enhancing the overall experience.
The audio design is rich and immersive, filled with realistic sounds from nature, like rustling leaves and flowing rivers. Traditional Chinese instruments, such as the zither and flute, add an authentic touch to the soundtrack. The voice acting is another highlight, with talented actors bringing the characters to life with emotion and depth, creating a stronger connection to the story.
The Verdict
Black Myth: Wukong from GameScience is a remarkable addition to the action RPG genre, and easily one of this year's best. It seamlessly blends stunning graphics, thrilling combat, and a captivating story rooted in Chinese mythology. The beautifully crafted environments make exploration a joy, and I often found myself pausing just to soak in the breathtaking scenery.Wukong’s combat system, featuring various stances and combos, allows for unique strategies to take down enemies. The ability to experiment with different playstyles, combined with the transformations and magical abilities, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Black Myth: Wukong stands out as a remarkable achievement for an indie studio, capturing the essence of classic soulslike games while adding its own unique flair. With its gorgeous graphics, immersive sound design, and satisfying combat, this is a must-play title for any gamer this year.
Final Score: 9.5/10 - Amazing
Black Myth: Wukong details
Platform: PS5, PCDeveloper: Game Science
Publisher: Game Science
Genre: Action RPG
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
A key was provided by the publisher.