Summary
Black Myth: Wukongis an upcoming action RPG by Game Science, based on the novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en. Despite being an action RPG,Black Myth: Wukongis also yet another addition to the ever-expanding library of Soulslike titles, which follow, to some extent,FromSoftware’s classicDark Soulsformulaand mechanics. However, here lately, many games have been released that only have bits and pieces of the Soulslike genre found in them rather than being Soulslike through and through — like Shift Up’s recent titleStellar Blade— and it seems likeBlack Myth: Wukongmay be one of them.
WhileBlack Myth: Wukonghas been marketed as a Soulslike, and it certainly appears to have elements of Soulslike gameplay, it might not be as true to the genre as it should be to technically be classified as such. Unlike most genres, the Soulslike genre is a very particular one, as it is ultimately defined by its niche characteristics. As such, there are certain traditions a game must observe to be both technically classified and publicly recognized as a proper Soulslike, and althoughBlack Myth: Wukongmay observe some of those traditions, there is one key characteristic that may set it too far apart from the genre for it to find its home there.
Black Myth: Wukong May Be Less of a Soulslike Than It Lets On
A Key Characteristic of the Soulslike Genre Is Its Challenging Gameplay
Hardcore Soulslike fans are very protective of the genre, to the point that they refuse to label any game that might be too easy or accessible a Soulslike. EvenElden Ring, 2022’s Game of the Year, threw some fans of the genre for a loop, as many thought it was far too accessible to be considered a true Soulslike experience. That is because difficulty is one of the most defining characteristics of the Soulslike genre.
A proper Soulslike needs to be punishing, making the player feel as insignificant as possible. Every single enemy in aSoulslike game, not just boss encounters, needs to pose a threat to the player. This is ultimately whereBlack Myth: Wukongmay fall short, based on one major fact about the figure its protagonist is based on.
Black Myth: Wukong’s Protagonist May Be Too Powerful for a True Soulslike Experience
Where theSoulslike elements ofBlack Myth: Wukongmay fall flat is in the game’s protagonist, who is based on Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Best known as one of the players in Journey to the West, Sun Wukong is a monkey who acquires supernatural abilities through dedication to Taoist practices. He is incredibly strong, he can run “with the speed of a meteor,” and he can even transform into various animals, weapons, and other objects. He is also a very skilled warrior who can freeze people in place, and he can even cloak himself and become invisible.
With how immensely powerful Sun Wukong is — at least, with how powerful he is according toJourney to the West— it might be difficult forBlack Myth: Wukongto be a traditional Soulslike. Based on what has been revealed so far, Wukong will be facing some massive foes, so it’s likely he could meet his match. However, considering what has been written about him, it might be a challenge to make him insignificant in any world. That’s actually a good thing, as it would be a shame to play as a legendary warrior such as Wukong and for his supernatural abilities to feel underwhelming against enemies. Instead,Black Myth: Wukongshould lean as heavily into Wukong’s overpowered nature as possible, still providing a decent challenge, but simultaneously allowing players to feel more powerful than anything else in the world.
Black Myth: Wukong
WHERE TO PLAY
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology and based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.As the Destined One, you shall encounter powerful foes and worthy rivals throughout your journey. Fearlessly engage them in epic battles where surrender is not an option.Aside from mastering various staff techniques, you may also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find the winning strategy that best suits your combat style.
