Black Myth: Wukong has been a highly anticipated game, with many gamers eager to see how it measures up to the Soulslike genre. However, after playing through the game, it becomes clear that Black Myth: Wukong is not your typical Soulslike experience. In fact, the developers themselves have stated that the game is more accurately described as an action RPG. While there are some elements that overlap with Soulslikes, such as a stamina bar and respawning enemies at checkpoints, the overall gameplay experience is quite different.
One of the key differences in Black Myth: Wukong is the lack of a penalty for death and the separation of XP and money. Instead of traditional RPG stats, power in the game comes from craftable equipment and unlocks on the skill tree. The levels in the game are large but mostly linear, lacking the interconnected world design typically seen in Souls-inspired games. Combat in Black Myth: Wukong is forgiving and lacks the deliberate weight associated with Soulslikes, offering a more accessible experience overall.
Despite these differences, one area where Black Myth: Wukong shines is in its healing system. The main source of healing in the game is an upgradable flask that is replenished at checkpoints and through collectibles found in the world. This system of healing is reminiscent of the Estus Flask system in Dark Souls but takes it a step further with customizable options.
In Black Myth: Wukong, players can customize their healing flask with different drinks and soaks. Drinks are used during combat to heal a percentage of maximum HP, while soaks provide additional effects such as stat boosts or damage reduction. Players can upgrade their drinks to heal more and unlock more slots for soaks, allowing for a high level of customization in their healing strategy.
The variety of drinks and soaks in Black Myth: Wukong adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to explore the world in search of new brewing items. Finding the right combination of drinks and soaks can make a significant difference in tough encounters, making these items just as valuable as new weapons and armor.
Overall, the healing system in Black Myth: Wukong offers a unique and engaging experience that sets it apart from traditional Soulslike games. The ability to customize your healing flask with different drinks and soaks adds a strategic element to gameplay and encourages experimentation with different builds. It’s a refreshing take on the healing mechanic that adds depth and complexity to the game, making it a standout feature in an already impressive title.