Black Myth: Wukong is an action role-playing game.[2][3][4][5] There was a lot of debate about whether it was a soulslike during its pre-release,[3] even though Game Science does not consider it as a soulslike.[6] However, reviewers who played the game commented that, even though the game and soulslike games share a few elements, it does not properly fall under that subgenre.[6][7] It is played in single-player mode[8][9][5] with a third-person view.[4] It is inspired by the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West.[2][6][4][10]
The player controls a monkey protagonist referred to as the Destined One, who is based on Sun Wukong from the novel.[6][5] The protagonist's weapon is a staff, based on the Ruyi Jingu Bang from the novel.[6][11] The staff is able to extend and shrink its size.[6] The combat involves three staff stances, which are the smash stance, the pillar stance, and the thrust stance.[5][8][12][10] They provide versatility in the manner of attacks.[5][10] There is focus, which accumulates by landing light attacks, executing well-timed dodges, and other means.[13] A focus point is gained when the meter for focus is filled up.[7] These points can be used to initiate a varied combo, which takes place during light attacks, or to charge a heavy attack on its own.[7] Stamina depletes by sprinting, dodging, and attacking.[14]
Spells are available on cooldown and consume mana.[6][4] Each spell can be equipped in one of four slots.[8]
The protagonist has transformations to shapeshift into a different creature or being.[2][6] They are considered spells.[4] They are available on cooldown, but do not cost mana.[7] One of the transformations called the Red Tides takes the form of Guangzhi, a wolfman who wields a flaming glaive.[6] The transformations come with their own moveset and health.[2][6] They last until their might, which depletes by attacking, or health runs out.[6]
The protagonist wears equipment that provides stats and effects.[15] There are gear for his head, chest, arms, and legs.[15] Equipment and staffs can be upgraded through crafting.[15]
In addition, the protagonist possess spirits, which provide transformations to do a single attack.[7] The spirits function as equipment that also comes with passive effects.[4] They can be obtained by absorbing the essence of defeated enemies into a gourd and can be leveled up.[7] The spirit transformations are available on cooldown[7] and consume qi.[4] One of the spirit transformations takes the form of the Wandering Wight, who does a headbutt attack that can stagger enemies.[7]
The skill tree is divided into sections for foundation, staff stances, mysticism, alteration, and transformations.[15] The foundation section provides upgrades in stamina, martial arts, and survival.[15] The staff stances section provides upgrades for the smash stance, the pillar stance, and the thrust stance, as well as upgrades shared between all stances.[15] The sections for mysticism, alteration, and transformations provide upgrades for their spells.[15] Sparks, used for activating the upgrades, can be reallocated with no loss at shrines.[15]
The game follows a mostly linear progression interspersed with expansive areas.[6] There are shrines, which act as checkpoints for the player, along the way.[16] Throughout the world, the protagonist encounters various yaoguai as enemies.[2][6] The game's difficulty can not be changed by players, but it does not remain the same throughout a playthrough.[17]
Synopsis
The Stork Tower is one of many landmarks featured in the game.[18]
Black Myth: Wukong is told over the span of six chapters.[2][7][6][4] In the story, the Destined One sets out on his journey to retrieve lost relics.[2][4] It explores themes such as "lifelong regrets, sacrifice, the immutable shaping of one’s fate, and the notion that everyone, heroes and villains alike, might just be seeking redemption or a place in the sun."[2]
The game features Buddhist and Taoist philosophy.[2]
The game introduces cultural and natural landmarks derived from the real world into its setting. It features, for example, several locations from Shanxi Province, such as the Little Western Paradise, the South Chan Temple, the Iron Buddha Temple, the Guangsheng Temple, the Stork Tower, and many other places.[18]
The game has multiple endings.[4]
Development
The development team scanned landmarks such as the Dazu Rock Carvings.[19]
Black Myth: Wukong is a game developed and published by Game Science.[11][20][5] Initially, a few members of Game Science, founded in Shenzhen, moved to Hangzhou to start the development of the game in 2018.[1] Yang Qi mentioned that, as early as the beginning of the project, they considered the cost for research and development to be very high, so they did not initially have high expectations for profitability.[19] Nevertheless, he expressed that the team sought to pursue a personal style steeped in traditional cultural themes.[19] Similarly, Feng Ji said
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