Black Myth: Wukong is a highly anticipated game that has been generating buzz since its first trailer in 2020. The game boasts stunning visuals and intense combat, drawing players in with its gritty interpretation of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. While it has been compared to Soulslike games, there has been some confusion about its genre, with some suggesting it may lean more towards character action games like God of War or Devil May Cry. After spending 30 hours playing Black Myth: Wukong, it is clear that the game is firmly rooted in the Soulslike genre, offering a challenging experience that may not appeal to all players.
The combat in Black Myth: Wukong is a mixed bag, offering a blend of strategic gameplay and button-mashing intensity. Players will need to master dodging, timing their attacks, and utilizing spells and spirits to overcome tough enemies and bosses. While the combat can be engaging at times, it can also feel repetitive and frustrating, especially during difficult boss fights. The game’s lack of weapon variety may also be a drawback for some players, as they are limited to using the legendary staff throughout the game.
One of the standout features of Black Myth: Wukong is its spell system, which adds a layer of depth to the combat. Players can unlock a variety of spells that can immobilize enemies, summon clones, or even transform into different creatures. Managing mana and cooldown timers adds a strategic element to battles, requiring players to think tactically to overcome tough foes. Additionally, the ability to summon spirits of enemies for powerful attacks adds another dimension to the gameplay, allowing players to experiment with different strategies.
Despite its strengths, Black Myth: Wukong is not without its flaws. The game suffers from technical issues, such as stuttering and unresponsive controls, which can detract from the overall experience. The lackluster story and clunky dialogue may also disappoint players looking for a more engaging narrative. Additionally, the game’s level design in the early chapters is bland and uninspired, although it improves in later stages with more interesting environments and challenges.
Overall, Black Myth: Wukong offers a challenging and visually impressive experience for players who enjoy Soulslike games. With its intense combat, variety of spells and spirits, and expansive world to explore, the game has plenty to offer for those willing to delve into its challenging gameplay. However, players expecting a more traditional character action game may be disappointed by its focus on Soulslike mechanics. Despite its flaws, Black Myth: Wukong is a game that will appeal to fans of the genre and offers a substantial amount of content for those willing to take on its challenges.