Black Myth: Wukong – Review
Black Myth: Wukong is a game that grabs you from the start. From its detailed world to its engaging combat, it delivers an unforgettable experience on the PlayStation 5. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it certainly offers a thrilling blend of classic gameplay and modern polish, easily securing its place in my top three games of the year.
A Slow Burn That Turns Into a Wildfire
The first chapter might feel a bit linear, but trust me, once you hit the second chapter, the game truly opens up. It’s like stepping into a vast, mythical playground filled with secrets, challenging combat encounters, and a captivating sense of exploration. The intricate level design and hidden paths reward your curiosity, while the boss fights demand skill and strategy, not just button-mashing.
More Than Just Another Soulslike
Black Myth: Wukong avoids the punishing difficulty often associated with Soulslike games. It strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility, making it a rewarding experience without the frustration. The combat is fluid and responsive, and the variety of spells and transformations adds depth and excitement to every encounter.
A Visual and Performance Powerhouse
Playing on the PS5 in performance mode, I encountered no major hiccups. The game looks and runs flawlessly, especially during combat, where the animations and effects are a sight to behold. The visuals, powered by Unreal Engine 5, are simply breathtaking. The environments are lush and detailed, and the character models are some of the best I’ve seen, capturing the mythical essence of the source material.
A Mythical World Brought to Life
Black Myth: Wukong is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, and it immerses you in this world from the start. The intricate designs of mythical creatures, the atmospheric environments, and the unique narrative style, with its animated chapter transitions, create a truly captivating experience.
Gameplay That Keeps You Engaged
The variety of combat options, from melee attacks to spells and transformations, ensures that the gameplay remains dynamic and engaging throughout. The sound design, while not groundbreaking, effectively enhances the atmosphere.
While the invisible walls can be a minor annoyance, they don’t detract from the overall experience.
A Challenging, Yet Rewarding Adventure
Black Myth: Wukong strikes the perfect balance of difficulty. It’s challenging enough to keep you on your toes, but never feels unfair or punishing. The bosses are tough but beatable, requiring strategy and skill rather than endless retries.
A World Worth Exploring
The second chapter’s emphasis on exploration and secrets sets it apart from the more linear first chapter. With a playtime of 30-40+ hours, depending on your playstyle, it offers a substantial and rewarding experience.
Final Verdict
Black Myth: Wukong is an exceptional game that lives up to the hype. It’s a visual masterpiece with deeply satisfying gameplay and a rich, mythical world. While it has a few minor flaws, it’s undoubtedly one of the best games of the year. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this promising franchise.
