2024 Black Myth: Wukong Review

Black Myth: Wukong is an ambitious action RPG developed by Game Science, inspired by the Chinese classic novel “Journey to the West.” The game has captivated players with its blend of engaging combat, stunning visuals, and a fresh take on the genre. However, it is not without its flaws, which make it a polarizing experience for many players.

Strengths

Combat and Flexibility
One of the standout features of Black Myth: Wukong is its innovative and engaging combat system. The game offers a flexible skill tree that allows players to experiment with different abilities and spells. This flexibility lets you adapt to various combat situations, such as freezing enemies, creating clones, or transforming into a creature with unique skills. The combat system is praised for its fluidity, allowing players to chain attacks and dodges smoothly. The Focus system, which governs the use of powerful abilities, adds another layer of depth, as players can generate Focus through basic combos, perfect dodges, or heavy attacks, creating a dynamic flow of offense and defense.

Boss Battles and Mythological Influences
Boss battles are a major highlight, offering a mix of challenging encounters and visual spectacle. Each chapter in Black Myth: Wukong culminates in a showdown with a mythological creature, blending intense gameplay with stunning audiovisual effects. The bosses have unique attack patterns that are well-telegraphed, allowing players to learn and adapt, making the encounters both challenging and rewarding. These battles showcase the game’s mythological roots, drawing on a rich tapestry of Chinese folklore and mythology, which adds a distinctive flavor to the experience.

Visuals and World Design
Visually, Black Myth: Wukong is a treat. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, which allows for highly detailed environments, ranging from lush forests and serene lakes to arid deserts and snowy landscapes. The art direction and attention to detail create a world that is both vibrant and immersive, drawing players into its mythological setting. The animation work, especially in cutscenes, is also commendable, enhancing the overall narrative experience.

Weaknesses

Performance Issues
Despite its visual prowess, Black Myth: Wukong suffers from significant performance issues. Many players have reported stuttering frame rates, crashes, and other technical problems, especially on mid-range hardware. These issues can break the immersion and make some of the game’s most intense moments frustrating. Even on high-end systems, like those equipped with Nvidia RTX 4090, players might need to lower their graphics settings to maintain a smooth gameplay experience.

Level Design and Exploration
While the game’s combat and boss battles are well-executed, the level design leaves much to be desired. The environments are often linear, with limited opportunities for exploration or meaningful side content. This linearity can make parts of the game feel repetitive and uninspired, lacking the depth found in other action RPGs. The minor enemy variety is also sparse, which further contributes to the feeling of monotony in certain areas.

Gear and Progression System
Another significant drawback is the game’s gear and progression system. Unlike other action RPGs where loot and gear upgrades are critical to progression, Black Myth: Wukong features a redundant gear system. The game lacks meaningful bonuses, varied stats, or an encumbrance mechanic that would encourage strategic decision-making. As a result, the gear feels inconsequential and fails to add any real depth or excitement to the gameplay. This shortcoming makes it less engaging for players who enjoy the loot and upgrade aspects typical of the genre.

Conclusion

Black Myth: Wukong is a visually stunning and engaging action RPG that brings fresh ideas to the table, particularly in its combat system and mythological storytelling. However, the game is hindered by performance issues, uninspired level design, and a lackluster gear system. While it offers a more approachable alternative to the often punishing “soulslike” genre, the game’s flaws may diminish the experience for some players. For those willing to overlook its shortcomings, Black Myth: Wukong provides a unique and captivating adventure that stands out for its creativity and ambition.

Black Myth: Wukong – Wikipedia

Journey to the West – Wikipedia

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