By Mason McNamee,
Staff Writer.
Ever since beating Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice five times, I have been looking for a game that is similar in skill level and mechanics as well as containing an impressive storyline. It wasn’t until late August that I picked up a copy of Black Myth: Wukong and was truly blown away by every aspect of this new souls-like game. Developed by a Chinese indie-studio called Game Science Studio, this game promises a blend of stunning visuals, engaging combat and rich storytelling. The game introduces a layer of Chinese mythology to a global audience in a way that, in my experience, has never been successfully done before.
At its core, Black Myth: Wukong draws inspiration from Journey to the West, a 16th-century Chinese novel that tells the tale of Sun Wukong, the Chinese monkey king and beloved figure in folklore who is known for his special powers and rebellious nature. The game retells his journey by focusing on his legendary battles with gods and demons as he seeks revenge, redemption and immortality. The story of Sun Wukong has been adapted many times in various media forms, but Black Myth: Wukong seems to offer a more mature take on the hero’s story.
From its trailers, Black Myth: Wukong has amazed players with its incredible graphics and shaders. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game has a level of visual effects that rival some of the biggest game titles on the market. Senior Jonas Petree said, “The graphics are amazing in this game. It’s really impressive.” From lush forests to eerie stone temples, every environment brings ancient China’s mythical realms to life in astonishing detail.
The game features fast-paced, skillful mechanics similar to games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Bloodborne and Dark Souls. Wukong’s mastery of his magical staff along with his ability to shapeshift into different animals and objects gives players a diverse range of combat experiences that need to be mastered to progress in the story.
The game is groundbreaking for its stunning graphics and innovative gameplay. As a game rooted in Chinese mythology and made with considerable attention to detail, it gives players around the world an opportunity to be exposed to a new level of storytelling. For both casual and hardcore fans, Black Myth: Wukong isn’t a game to just look forward to, but a new pillar in the gaming community. I recommend everyone give this brand-new, predicted contender for 2024’s Game of the Year a try.
