In this article, Andika Purnawijaya (aka “Dika Fei”) provides a high-level review detailing his experience with the recent AAA game out of China, Black Myth Wukong.

Have you been considering picking this title up? Possibly this review will help make the decision:

It’s been four years since Game Science released the legendary trailer that took the gaming world by storm. Like many others, I was captivated, amazed at what this small, unknown studio seemed capable of. Skepticism followed—many thought it was too good to be true. But now, four years later, I can confidently say Game Science not only delivered—they surpassed the expectations set by that trailer. Black Myth: Wukong is a truly remarkable game.

Graphics is a total slam dunk

Let’s start with the graphics, the element that initially wowed the world. In this area, Game Science has unquestionably created a masterpiece. The world is lush and vibrant, filled with imaginative creatures that bring it to life. Wukong’s movement is smooth, and the performance, at least on PS5’s performance mode, feels polished and responsive.

But more importantly, how does it play?

One Twitter user put it perfectly: it’s as if Elden Ring, God of War, and Sekiro had a child, and you’re left wondering who the father is. This game is incredibly difficult, the kind of challenge that likely wouldn’t have been embraced before the Dark Souls era. However, the gameplay leans more toward an action RPG than a traditional Soulslike, featuring a skill tree and fast-paced combat. What sets it apart are unique mechanics, like the ability to transform into past bosses, a feature tied into the story. Combat feels fantastic, and defeating bosses is immensely satisfying, delivering that same rush you get from Soulslike titles.

That said, the game isn’t without flaws.

Exploration: Okay but a bit buggy

This part is a bit tricky to rate. First, it’s not an open-world game; it’s fairly linear, with lots of open areas to explore. However, the absence of a map and the density of these spaces can make you feel lost, like wandering in a maze. Some might enjoy that sense of disorientation; others won’t. The biggest drawback is the invisible walls that block off areas you’d expect to be fully explorable, particularly noticeable in Chapter 2. Additionally, the game can feel like a boss rush at times, with relatively short stretches of exploration between major fights.

Story: Very Good

Black Myth: Wukong draws from Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature—a tale familiar to nearly everyone in East and Southeast Asia. The game takes place after Journey to the West, offering a fresh interpretation of its ending and a rich, immersive world.

Storytelling: Mixed

This is where opinions may diverge. If you’re familiar with Journey to the West, the storytelling is engaging and layered. If you’re not, it may seem like random characters are popping up with little context. Can you enjoy this game without knowing the source material? Absolutely. The stunning visuals and gameplay more than carry it. But would understanding the story make the experience even better? Without a doubt.

SUMMARY

Do I recommend playing this game? Absolutely. Black Myth: Wukong is a fantastic experience, especially for those new to Chinese mythology. You’ll encounter creatures, powers, and bosses unlike anything you’ve seen before—much like discovering God of War for the first time without prior knowledge of Norse mythology.

Dika Fei | Software Engineer | Avid Gammer

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