Black Myth: Wukong Reviews
Prior to this release, few would have heard of Chinese developer Game Science, but the studio has produced a totally original epic
Black Myth: Wukong is an exceptionally well-playing and slick Soulslike adventure stacked to the rafters with memorable boss fights, an in-depth upgrade system, and some seriously good-looking environments. The fluidity of its staff-based combat combined with the litany of spells, spirits, and creature transformations make it a truly unique entry in the genre, offering more than enough challenge for FromSoftware veterans while still offering just about enough leeway for newcomers to be able to enjoy this epically grand mythological story. Bar a few small niggles with location layouts, and my disappointment with the stance system, Game Science has still crafted a new way to experience Journey to the West in the highly polished and gratifying-to-play Black Myth: Wukong.
Packed full with secrets, Black Myth: Wukong offers a lot more content than meets the eye. While the main story path feels a bit repetitive with one boss after the other, the exploration and hidden side content makes up for it. Having a bigger arsenal of weapons and stances would have made the experience more fun, but it's a good experience nonetheless.
Black Myth: Wukong is an example of a fun game that spark interest in a foreign culture all across the globe.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Black Myth: Wukong is a video game with a brilliant and well-composed combat system, full of facets and things to see. It could very well be a new yardstick for the action genre, even if the inexperience of the team in some respects, also due to the amount of bosses within it, leads to being less enthusiastic than usual. Game Science's video game is usual, really solid, much more than I would have expected. The future of the team, hoping it is far from controversy and aggressive behavior, is well marked.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It takes time for Black Myth: Wukong's combat to truly click, but when it does, this is one of the most creative action titles on PS5. One after another, its spectacular boss battles steal the show - a procession of memorable encounters that showcase the game's incredible artistry. As a whole, however, the experience is held back by limited level design and frustrating technical issues on PS5 - a damn shame, since Wukong is pure monkey magic at its peak.
Black Myth: Wukong stands out as one of the strongest debut games released in recent times. While not groundbreaking in any way, it masterfully blends elements from several popular franchises to deliver an engaging action RPG experience that ranks just below the very best in the genre. Although stuttering issues and minor gameplay flaws hold it back slightly, these shouldn't deter any action RPG or action game fan from picking it up. The Journey to the West has rarely been this enjoyable.
While it has some exceptional features, including its visuals, combat design, and many extraordinarily exhilarating boss fights, as well as a compelling plot line, it is not enough to warrant a better score. Given that most of its shortcomings lie in performance, diversity, and wasted environmental factors that would have transformed it into something great, these are integral features that, at a fundamental level, all RPGs, especially soulslike ones, should encompass in their content.
Black Myth Wukong is a true AAA experience that blends the intensity of Sekiro with the accessibility of Modern RPGs bundled in a well polished package.
If one word can summurise Black Myth Wukong, it would be : generous. In both good and bad. Game Science's title is indeed a beautiful adventure paying a convincing tribute to the mythical Journey to the West. We really feel like a mighty hero of the Chinese legends, in an epic saga that crushes us under its majesty. For its first AAA game, the Chinese studio offers us a great show with a visible enthusiasm. Perhaps too much. Some way too grandiose boss fights are marred by a frustrating lack of visibility and a rather unbalanced difficulty. Nonetheless, we were truly pleasantly surprised by this Action-RPG mixed with Souls-like elements from China. For a first shot (with a stick) in the big league of games, Black Myth Wukong makes its entry with flying colors. Such a prospect is promising for the other ambitious upcoming Chinese titles.
Review in French | Read full review
Wukong excels at allowing players to feel increasingly like the Monkey King himself. This is an action RPG whose focus is less on punishing, labyrinthine environments and more on delivering precise, melee-based combat encounters that put the Destined One’s agility to the test.
Black Myth Wukong is an original and satisfying experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Black Myth: Wukong is a very fun game. The story, visuals, and music all boast their Chinese origins, and the gameplay is addictive, with a combat system focused on customization and exploration that rewards the player. However, the PC version's performance is abysmal, making this great experience difficult to fully appreciate.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Game Science's adaptation not only pays homage to the beloved Journey to the West but also introduces innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, making it a standout title in the action RPG genre. Black Myth: Wukong is by all means an ambitious title for a studio's first project, and for the most part, it succeeds in aiming high. Its strengths in gameplay, visuals, and music are undeniable, but it is held back by technical problems and design choices that may not appeal to everyone.
A massive success from an up-and-coming studio, Black Myth: Wukong will hold your attention most of the way through with variety in gameplay, storytelling, characters, and level design.
Black Myth: Wukong is a beautiful, somber, fascinating tale to experience — you just have to muddle your way through a forest of problems to enjoy it.
Black Myth: Wukong is an absolute delight. Its gorgeous world, incredible enemy variety, and satisfying combat all come together to create an experience worthy of the Great Sage himself.
In case of too many new games – break glass. Inside you will find Black Myth: Wukong. A great proposition among numerous game debuts of upcoming fall. It really is original, and stunning to look at, even though it’s not perfect.
Review in Polish | Read full review