Gaming Reports 
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Released on August 20th, Black Myth: Wukong is one of the most ambitious and impressive games of 2024. Inspired by the legendary Chinese novel “Journey to the West” by Wu Cheng’en, this action game delivers a stunning and challenging experience, though it’s not without its frustrations due to technical issues.
I’ve never been so utterly blown away yet simultaneously so unbelievably frustrated by a game as I have been with Black Myth: Wukong. The game is visually breathtaking, featuring fantastic combat and a unique setting rich in Chinese culture. It’s an incredibly challenging experience, but one that always feels satisfying when you overcome its obstacles. However, it often feels like the game is barely holding together. I experienced numerous crashes, even with a top-tier setup, alongside glitches like falling through the ground during crucial moments and audio dropping out during important cutscenes.
The story of Black Myth: Wukong is somewhat of a follow-up to the classic novel, but it can be difficult to follow if you’re not familiar with the source material. You play as “The Destined One,” a literal monkey on a 40-hour journey to locate the six relics of Wukong. While the storytelling can feel unremarkable, each of the six chapters culminates in a beautifully animated vignette, each done in a different art style, adding a unique flavor to the narrative.
Despite some of its Soulslike elements, the game leans more towards traditional action games, focusing on fast-paced combat rather than punishing mechanics. The combat system is simple yet elegant, with a variety of tools and powers at your disposal. The challenges are tough but fair, requiring you to master enemy patterns and manage your resources wisely.
When it comes to the PlayStation 5 version, there were initial concerns due to the lack of early reviews, especially given the rocky launches of games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on consoles. However, after spending hours with the PS5 version, it’s clear that it stands toe-to-toe with the PC version. The PS5 port offers three graphical modes—Quality, Balance, and Performance—allowing players to choose between higher resolution or smoother frame rates. While the PS5 version may lack some of the graphical fidelity found in the PC version, it still delivers an impressive visual experience, particularly in Quality mode. Additionally, load times are notably faster on the PS5, making for a smoother experience overall.
The core gameplay experience on the PS5 remains just as engaging as on PC. Combat is the heart of Black Myth: Wukong, focusing on your trusty staff as the primary weapon. The game emphasizes quick reflexes, dodging, and timing, much like other action RPGs such as Bloodborne. Players can earn skill points to strengthen their character, and the game offers a variety of skill trees, stances, and armor crafting options to customize your playstyle. The level design encourages exploration, rewarding players with resources to craft powerful items and potions that can be crucial during challenging encounters.
The real highlight, however, is the boss fights. Black Myth: Wukong throws a variety of bosses at you—some easy, some extremely difficult—but learning their patterns and exploiting their weaknesses is key to success. These battles are both exhilarating and accessible, making the game a more forgiving experience compared to titles like Dark Souls or Elden Ring.
In conclusion, Black Myth: Wukong is not only one of the best action RPGs available but also one of the standout titles on the PS5. While there’s room for improvement in terms of performance and the addition of a map, the game’s many positives—fast-paced combat, thrilling boss encounters, a deep progression system, and stunning visuals—far outweigh its shortcomings. It’s a must-play title for any PS5 owner, and it will be exciting to see where Game Science takes this IP in the future.
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