Black Myth: Wukong - PlayStation 5

Black Myth Wukong is set around Chinese Mythology, specifically the Journey to the West novel series, don’t expect a full game iteration of the story as it’s entirely different really only featuring characters and occasionally lore from the original. You play as “The Destined One” who sets out to find the 5 ancient relics of Sun Wukong (a very important central character of Journey to the West) to fulfill his destiny and ultimately become his successor, going through the 6 chapters of the game, fighting boss to boss until reaching the end where you claim the relic before moving onto the next. The game to me feels very similar to a soulslike, while also removing aspects and mechanics from the genre to differentiate itself from other titles, providing a unique experience to players. The gameplay is fast paced with a dodge and perfect dodge mechanic, 3 different attack stances (Smash, Pillar, and Thrust stance), along with a “focus point” system that has you using light attacks to charge these points to unleash more powerful heavy attacks or special abilities depending on which stance you find most fun to use, when you gain enough exp by killing enemies and bosses, you level up and gain a “Spark” which can be used to upgrade or unlock abilities in the massive skill tree to fit your playstyle. In terms of difficulty, it feels hard but fair, no boss felt unfair or unbeatable, but has you learning the attack patterns until you can eventually beat it, the gameplay loop is so satisfying and fun to go through being borderline addictive, there’s also a lot of replayability to be had if desired. All this paired along side beautiful visuals and graphics, a cinematic soundtrack featuring epic orchestral renditions of original music from the Journey to the West tv series, and the unique story and lore provide for an either nostalgic experience for fans of the original story, and a fantastic game that meets the expectations it had.

A great game with a great story, much relating to the original Journey to the West story by Wu Cheng’en. Gameplay is fluid and highly customizable for each player type. Whether you want to be a fast and light hitter, a heavy hitter, or a balance, the game lets you decide with a plethora of “spark” placements (the games level points) which are all returnable leading to a more worry free and experimental play style. The gear and weapons aren’t just for cosmetic purposes and all have their advantages for certain bosses or even entire chapters. The visuals are absolutely stunning and everything is very fleshed out. Even the same chapter area can look very different from spot to spot. Leveling up is not as hard as one would think, it does include some farming but, it’s very easy to find the enemies worth fighting. You can easily run past enemies to get to your intended target with minimal damage as well. The spells are a must have and should be upgraded as much as possible to fit you. Secrets are also very worth every step so just find what you’re able to and see it through. It may take a few times to defeat a boss but, beating them feels so incredibly good. Overall this game is one of my personal favorites and a great choice for anyone that enjoys great visuals, a great story, customizable play-styles, and a FUN challenge.

Playing on PS5. Great graphics, gameplay, art, music, visuals. Not super vibrant like God of War 2018 or HZD, but more like Elden Ring, where colors are a bit off (?) and muted. This game is a mix between a souls-like and 2018 God of War. I'm terrible at souls like games, so I'm not great at this game. Beating bosses does feel like a triumph though. I only got about 8 hours in before calling it quits. I'm sure I'll come back to it later.

I love this game. Graphics are beautiful, the story and lore is abundant, and the gameplay is addicting and fun. I am horrible at difficult games and I’m managing to get through it, yes I’m finding it very hard but I’m getting better and it keeps me pushing forward to see what’s next and what surprises await around every corner. So many secrets and imaginative characters and creatures to battle and meet. It’s a perfect game. One of the best I’ve played in a long time and I started this after finishing the highly underrated Rise of the Ronin which I also loved so it’s been a great year for gaming. This is easily one of the best games I’ve ever played and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s really something special and a work of perfect art!UPDATEFinished the game and can’t stop thinking about it. Kept going back and playing it and now eagerly await any DLC that might come out. Truly one of my favorite games of all time. I loved everything about this experience, and the ending was absolutely fantastic. The music, the graphics, the gameplay, the story. Absolutely amazing! I was so amazed by this that I bought the complete set of Journey To The West books and started them, which have been a total delight! I love these characters and even picked up a few Journey To The West movies on blu ray. Can’t recommend this enough. It’s truly something special everyone should experience.

In a gaming landscape flooded with the typical feudal Japan or mystical otherworldly settings, this game is a refreshing entry for Chinese mythology. This is not a souls-like game not is it attempting to be one. The combat is addictive , story-telling keeps you engaged and the graphics look incredible on Unreal Engine 5. Easily one of the greatest RPG’s of our generation. Cannot wait for what else Game Science has in store.

Very hard game but good ..Keeps you focused.Good graphics