Black Myth: Wukong, a new action-RPG from Game Science, takes inspiration from the classic Chinese story Journey to the West, and it delivers an exhilarating experience that feels fresh within the Soulslike genre. While it borrows elements from the subgenre, like challenging boss battles and a focus on precise combat, Wukong carves out a distinct identity through its unique mechanics and captivating setting.
The game’s combat system is a highlight, feeling more akin to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice than other FromSoftware titles. Instead of parrying, Wukong emphasizes dodging, making it a more offensive-oriented experience. Players are rewarded for mastering the art of evasion, with acrobatic dodges that cover significant ground and a forgiving timing window for perfect dodges. This fluid movement system feels exhilarating, allowing players to control the pace of combat and capitalize on enemy openings.
The game also introduces the concept of Varied combos, which seamlessly blend light and heavy attacks. By landing a sequence of light attacks, players build up a Focus Gauge that enables them to unleash heavy attacks instantly, adding a layer of strategic depth to combat. Combined with the variety of skills and spells available, the combat system provides a satisfying and engaging experience.
While the core gameplay is strong, technical performance issues can be frustrating. Texture pop-ins and frame rate drops, particularly during boss battles, can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the game features command grabs, where bosses can initiate extended cutscene attacks that inflict massive damage, leading to frustrating difficulty spikes.
Despite these shortcomings, Black Myth: Wukong offers a captivating journey through stunning environments inspired by Chinese mythology. The game’s boss encounters are particularly impressive, showcasing imaginative designs and challenging gameplay. The story, while not as cryptic as Elden Ring, serves as a compelling backdrop for the game’s core gameplay loop.
The game’s skill system is incredibly flexible, allowing players to tailor their combat style to their preferences. With the ability to customize their skill set and experiment without consequence, players are encouraged to find their own unique approach to combat, contributing to the game’s overall sense of freedom.
Overall, Black Myth: Wukong is an ambitious and exciting action-RPG that delivers a thrilling combat experience and a beautiful world to explore. While technical issues and difficulty spikes can be frustrating, the game’s unique mechanics and engaging story make it a standout experience in the crowded Soulslike genre. With its compelling story, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals, Black Myth: Wukong is a worthy addition to the Soulslike genre and a must-play for fans of action-RPGs.
