Summary
From the moment it was originally revealed in 2020,Black Myth: Wukonghas found itself at the top of most Soulslike fans' wishlists. Crisp visuals built using Unreal Engine 5, lightning-fast combat and exciting gameplay, and a diverse set of enemies have seen developer Game Science’s maiden title build a considerable amount of hype. After a couple of years with further trailer updates, the game re-emerged at2023’s Game Awardsand a release date of August 2024 was announced. Now a matter of months away,Black Myth: Wukongis finally set to explode onto the scene later this year.
Based on the 16th-Century Ancient Chinese novel, Journey to the West,Black Myth: Wukongwill see players step into the shoes of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, as he embarks on a quest in which he looks to uncover the truth behind a past legend. Sun Wukong will have a range of abilities at his disposal to help him emerge victorious, and based on some of the formidable foes he will be up against, he will likely need to utilize all of them liberally. Fans of the genre can expect to be pushed to their limits by the game’s punishing, diverse combat.
What Black Myth: Wukong Can Still Show Before its 2024 Release
There’s been plenty of footage ofBlack Myth: Wukonggameplayshown recently, and players have seen much of what the game’s combat has to offer. Sun Wukong is able to shift between several combat stances, use a variety of offensive and defensive spells, and even transform into a different form altogether. Players will be able to consume potions that can heal or apply status effects as required. While not open-world, the game world is vast, and features branching paths that hold many secrets for players to uncover. The game’s bosses will be varied, distinctive, and intense, offering sufficient challenge for fans of action-RPGs.
For everything that has been shown so far, several key elements have yet to be revealed. Sun Wukong’s powerful staff looks to be a suitably flexible weapon, but it is unknown if this will be the only melee weapon he can wield, or if there will be others.Black Myth: Wukonghas also kept its cards close to its chest in terms of how the leveling system and/or skill tree will work.For the action-RPG genre, this system in particular can be crucial to a player’s immersion. Further trailers that can shed light on these mechanics prior to the game’s launch will likely enhance the anticipation even more.
Sun Wukong’s powerful staff looks to be a suitably flexible weapon, but it is unknown if this will be the only melee weapon he can wield, or if there will be others.
Black Myth: Wukong Could Be The Sleeper Hit of 2024
Despite all the hype so far,Black Myth: Wukongstill needs to deliver the goods upon its launch. Recent hands-on sessions with the game have been reported favorably by critics, which stands the game in good stead, but a lot can change between now and August. For developer Game Science, whose only other project is a multiplayer strategy game that has been in early access since 2016, this is a highly ambitious maiden title. No doubt the Chinese developer will be hoping to emulate the success ofRound8 Studio, and its debut gameLies of P, which garnered considerable hype before its launch, only to meet those expectations with aplomb.
With DLC forLies of Pin active development, and genre juggernautElden Ringalso expected to release its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, this year,Black Myth: Wukongcould find itself in a battle for supremacy upon its release. Both DLC’s could well be targeting a similar release window, so it’s imperative thatBlack Myth: Wukongis able to continue building up a head of steam over the next couple of months. If it does manage to stick the landing, it may well prove to be one of the sleeper hits of 2024.
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’re able to also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find the winning strategy that best suits your combat style.
