Black Myth: Wukong

The story of Black Myth: Wukong is praised for its ambitious adaptation of Journey to the West, with critics highlighting its rich cultural depth and creative reinterpretation. IGN Spain notes it offers a "fresh narrative experience" by exploring less common mythology, while PC Gamer commends its "engaging" and "filled with surprises" approach, emphasizing the eccentric characters and detailed world-building. JeuxActu applauds the game’s focus on themes of redemption and human values, describing it as a "deep narrative structure" enriched with cultural references. Vgames acknowledges that the story provides sufficient background for newcomers, and Games.cz appreciates the "diverse locations to explore," suggesting the game’s mythological foundation is compelling. Critics like IGN France and JeuxActu also highlight the "rich and well-developed" narrative, with intriguing characters and a solid treatment of the plot, while TheXboxHub and GamingTrend praise its multiple endings and the quest for relics as a narrative driver. These reviews underscore the game’s potential to captivate players with its mythic scope and visual storytelling. However, many critics find the narrative underdeveloped, confusing, or inaccessible to those unfamiliar with Journey to the West. GameSkinny and Metro GameCentral both criticize the story for being "confusing and underdeveloped," with events lacking clear explanations. IGN Japan and Gamepressure note that the plot struggles to stand alone, requiring prior knowledge of the source material to grasp its significance. Gamer.no describes the fragmented, "disjointed" narrative as lacking excitement, while Eurogamer points to a "hands-off approach" that hinders momentum. The main character’s muteness and poetic dialogue, as highlighted by GINX TV and Shacknews, create a sense of detachment, and SpazioGames criticizes the lack of clear direction in balancing fidelity to the original tale with original storytelling. Additionally, PlayStation Universe and Jeuxvideo.com mention the story’s brevity and abrupt chapter transitions, which some argue dilute its impact. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting a divide between those who appreciate the game’s cultural ambition and those who find it inaccessible or poorly executed. While several reviewers, including IGN France and JeuxActu, celebrate its depth and symbolic richness, others like GameSkinny and Gamer.no emphasize its narrative shortcomings, such as vague motivations and fragmented structure. The reliance on Journey to the West lore is both a strength and a barrier, with Vgames and GamingBolt suggesting it offers enough context for newcomers, while IGN Japan and Power Unlimited argue it remains confusing without prior familiarity. Despite these criticisms, the game’s storytelling is often seen as a bold attempt to bring Chinese mythology to a global audience, with PC Gamer and Siliconera acknowledging its potential to enchant players through its unique world and themes. The lack of clarity and coherence, however, remains a recurring concern, indicating a need for better exposition or accessibility for broader appeal.

The gameplay of Black Myth: Wukong receives widespread praise for its dynamic combat mechanics, boss battles, and variety of systems. Critics highlight its Souls-like elements, such as the combo-based system with three distinct stances (JeuxActu, GameMAG), and the fluidity of combat that rewards skill and exploration (IGN France, GameGrin). The game’s boss fights are consistently lauded as a standout feature, with IGN and GameSpot noting their challenging yet satisfying nature. Additionally, the skill tree and progression systems are praised for offering flexibility and customization, allowing players to adapt strategies (IGN Spain, PCGamesN). The inclusion of magical abilities, transformations, and a robust upgrade system (GameGrin, Wccftech) adds depth, while the emphasis on dodging and aggressive playstyles (GameSkinny, Noisy Pixel) enhances accessibility. Many reviewers, like GameGrin and GameMAG, commend the game’s ability to blend action-RPG elements with Souls-like challenge, creating a rewarding experience for both casual and hardcore players. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the gameplay’s execution. The combat is often criticized for being repetitive, with many reviewers noting a lack of variety in enemy encounters and limited combo options (IGN Japan, Games.cz). The linear structure and shallow exploration, including invisible walls and frustrating level design (GRYOnline.pl, PC Gamer), detract from the experience, while some describe the game as a “boss rush” with minimal environmental engagement (Metro GameCentral, PlayStation Universe). Issues like predictable enemy patterns (SpazioGames), superficial gear systems (Movies Games and Tech), and a difficulty curve that decreases with spell acquisition (PlayStation Universe) further diminish the gameplay’s longevity. Additionally, the game’s reliance on a single weapon in early chapters (IGN Japan) and the lack of penalties for dying (Shacknews) are seen as drawbacks, with some critics finding the initial chapters “boring and easy” (Shacknews). These criticisms suggest that while the core mechanics are strong, the game’s design lacks the depth and innovation to sustain long-term engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Black Myth: Wukong delivers a compelling combat experience with standout boss fights and a robust skill system, but struggles with repetition, linear exploration, and shallow mechanics. While publications like IGN and GameSpot praise its blend of Souls-like challenge and action-RPG elements, others like Games.cz and SpazioGames highlight its limitations. The game’s strengths—such as its fluid combat and diverse abilities—often overshadow its flaws, but the recurring criticisms of predictability and lack of innovation suggest that it falls short of being a groundbreaking title. Despite this, the game’s accessibility, engaging boss battles, and skill-based progression (GameGrin, Cubed3) ensure it remains a noteworthy entry in the action-RPG genre, even if it doesn’t fully realize its ambitious potential.

The majority of critics lauded Black Myth: Wukong’s graphics and visual design as a standout achievement, with many praising its technical prowess and artistic ambition. The game’s use of Unreal Engine 5 was frequently highlighted as a key factor in its visual splendor, with reviewers like IGN and Dexerto calling it “one of the most impressive-looking games ever made” and “stunning” respectively. Eurogamer (PC) and RPG Fan emphasized the game’s detailed environments, noting how it “exhausts every opportunity to add detail” and “creates immersive environments with intricate visuals.” Metro GameCentral praised the “stunning variety of locations,” while GamingBolt (PC) and TheXboxHub celebrated its “beautifully crafted world” and “diverse environments inspired by Chinese architecture.” The game’s character designs, animations, and boss battles also drew acclaim, with Checkpoint Gaming and PCGamesN highlighting “intricate character models” and “colossal boss designs” that elevate the experience. Overall, the consensus was that Black Myth: Wukong delivers a visually immersive world that rivals blockbuster titles, with Guardian and GameGrin noting its “state-of-the-art graphics” and “visually stunning” appeal. However, several critics pointed to technical and design flaws that detracted from the visual experience. Eurogamer Portugal and PlayStation Universe noted inconsistencies in graphics quality, with Eurogamer Portugal citing “significant drops in quality” on consoles and PlayStation Universe mentioning “performance issues” like framerate drops. LevelUp and Eurogamer (PC) criticized the game’s “generic areas” and “muddled environments,” while GGRecon and Noisy Pixel pointed to “visual clutter” and “lack of tonal variety.” SpazioGames and Dot Esports highlighted issues with world design, calling the environment “empty” and “homogenous,” respectively. MeuPlayStation and Wccftech mentioned technical glitches, such as “texturas e quedas de FPS” (texture issues and FPS drops) and “visual glitches” exacerbated by ray tracing. Additionally, Shacknews and IGN Italia noted navigation challenges due to unclear traversable areas and a lack of maps, while GRYOnline.pl pointed to the “lack of facial animations” for the main character. These critiques suggest that while the game’s visuals are ambitious, they occasionally undermine the player’s experience. Despite these criticisms, the overwhelming majority of reviewers regarded Black Myth: Wukong’s graphics and visual design as exceptional. IGN, Dexerto, and PCGamesN all emphasized its “breathtaking visuals” and “artistic vision,” with Dexerto declaring it a “stunning” achievement. GameGrin and GamingBolt (PC) praised its “immersive experience” and “stunning environments,” while Jeuxvideo.com and Gamepressure highlighted its “rich detail” and “inspiration from Chinese mythology.” Even critics who noted flaws, such as RPGamer and Power Unlimited, acknowledged the game’s “impressive graphics” as a strong point. The consensus was that Black Myth: Wukong represents a significant leap in visual fidelity and art direction, with its strengths in storytelling and technical execution outweighing its shortcomings. As Push Square noted, the game’s “eye-catching presentation” and “superb animations” make it a visual highlight, even if performance and design issues occasionally hinder its potential.

The sound design and music of Black Myth: Wukong have been overwhelmingly praised by critics, with many highlighting their immersive and culturally resonant qualities. Reviewers like IGN and IGN France lauded the "fantastic" integration of music and sound design, emphasizing how epic battle themes and atmospheric melodies elevate the gameplay experience. Gamepressure and Siliconera specifically noted the use of traditional Chinese instruments, which complement the game’s tone during exploration and combat, while RPG Fan and Twinfinite praised the soundtrack’s ability to blend into the background yet heighten critical moments with its Chinese instrumentation. God is a Geek called the music "some of the best in any game so far," and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted the "well-crafted" soundtrack with unique artistic transitions between chapters. The voice acting also received acclaim, with GINX TV and Wccftech commending the top-tier Chinese and English dubs, which add depth to character immersion and authenticity. These elements collectively create a rich auditory landscape that enhances the game’s fantasy world and emotional impact. However, some critics pointed out limitations in the sound design and music. SpazioGames found the soundtrack "adequate but not particularly memorable," arguing that it lacks standout themes to leave a lasting impression. RPG Site criticized accessibility issues, such as untranslated journal entries and the absence of subtitles, which could hinder understanding of the narrative despite the voice acting. While RPG Fan acknowledged the music’s subtle integration, they noted it "blends into the background," suggesting it may not always feel central to the experience. Additionally, Wccftech mentioned that the English voiceovers, while competent, are secondary to the original Chinese dub, which some players might find less accessible. These critiques, though less frequent, indicate that while the audio elements are strong, they may not consistently captivate or innovate in a way that satisfies all audiences. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward admiration for Black Myth: Wukong’s sound design and music, with only minor reservations. The majority of reviews, including those from IGN, Games.cz, and LevelUp, celebrated the thematic and culturally rich audio that enhances immersion and gameplay. While SpazioGames and RPG Site raised valid concerns about memorability and accessibility, these were exceptions in an otherwise glowing reception. The use of traditional Chinese instruments, dynamic boss fight scores, and impactful combat sound effects were frequently cited as standout features, reinforcing the game’s authenticity and emotional depth. Critics like Carole Quintaine and IGN Adria also emphasized the music’s ability to "enhance the overall experience," suggesting that the audio design is a key pillar of the game’s success, even if it doesn’t always reach groundbreaking levels.

The voice acting in Black Myth: Wukong received significant praise for its ability to enhance immersion and character depth. Critics like IGN France highlighted the "excellent" voice acting, which "contributes positively to the overall immersion and character portrayal," while LevelUp noted it was "well-executed" and "contributed positively to the overall experience." RPG Fan emphasized that voice actors "match the script well," bringing eccentric, excitable, or anxious personalities to life, which added layers to the game’s world. Twinfinite and Vgames both praised the "outstanding" voice acting in both Chinese and English, with the latter noting that all characters are voiced except the player, a choice that "adds to the immersive experience." GINX TV and CD-Action also commended the voice acting for "bringing characters to life" and "contributing positively to the game’s atmosphere," despite other narrative shortcomings. These reviews underscore the strong performances that elevate the game’s storytelling and emotional resonance. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws, particularly in technical execution and localization. Eurogamer criticized the "unpleasant and badly lip-synced" supporting cast, while GameMAG highlighted "localization issues," including "overacted performances" in the English version and a suggestion that the original language offers a better experience. IGN noted "randomly switching between English and Chinese," "lip-syncing problems," and "untranslated journal entries," which "detract from the overall experience." Gamepressure and GRYOnline.pl both criticized the protagonist’s lack of dialogue, arguing that it "detracts from character engagement" and "narrative depth." Vgames also mentioned "synchronization issues" in the English and Chinese dubs, and IGN Italia acknowledged "some texts are not fully localized." These critiques reveal consistent concerns about technical polish and the impact of localization choices on player immersion. Despite these mixed reactions, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s quality, even as technical and localization issues persist. While critics like IGN France and LevelUp celebrated the performances as immersive and well-executed, others like Eurogamer and GameMAG emphasized flaws that hindered the experience. The debate over the protagonist’s silence and the effectiveness of the English localization further divided opinions, with some recommending the original Chinese dub for authenticity. Ultimately, the voice acting is seen as a strong asset that enhances the game’s atmosphere and character development, though its impact is tempered by technical shortcomings and localization challenges. The majority of reviewers acknowledged its significance, even as they pointed to areas needing improvement.

The technical performance of Black Myth: Wukong receives mixed but generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths in its PC and PS5 versions. On PC, critics like CGMagazine and GameSpot praise it as a "fantastic day-one PC port" with no major technical issues, emphasizing smooth performance and stability. PCGamesN highlights its "minimal stutter" and visually impressive execution, while Twinfinite notes "stable performance with minimal frame drops." For PS5, IGN Adria and IGN Italia commend the console version for running "smoothly in performance mode" with "occasional frame drops" but no crashes, and JeuxActu acknowledges strong stability and execution of its ambitious design. Meanwhile, GamingBolt (Xbox Series X) reports "minimal performance hiccups" and "smooth framerates," suggesting the Xbox version is more polished in comparison. These positives indicate the game’s technical foundation is robust, particularly in its visual fidelity and initial optimization efforts. However, technical challenges are prevalent, especially on PC and PS5. On PC, CD-Action and GINX TV criticize frame rate issues and crashes even on high-end hardware, while Checkpoint Gaming and PC Gamer report stuttering, freezes, and bugs that detract from immersion. IGN and RPG Site highlight persistent crashes, audio dropouts, and gameplay bugs, with Worth Playing noting "Chinese text in place of English" and "random crashes." For PS5, Eurogamer Portugal and Metro GameCentral describe "frequent performance drops" and "juddering," while MeuPlayStation and RPGamer point to texture loading problems and frame rate inconsistencies. Push Square and Power Unlimited add that performance mode struggles with input lag and frame skips, undermining the experience. These issues suggest significant optimization hurdles, particularly on PC and PS5, with some critics questioning the game’s polish. Overall, the consensus leans toward a technically ambitious but imperfect release. While CGMagazine, GameSpot, and Twinfinite celebrate PC’s potential, others like IGN and PC Gamer emphasize the need for patches to address bugs and optimization. On PS5, JeuxActu and IGN Adria acknowledge stability in performance mode, but Eurogamer Portugal and Push Square highlight persistent flaws. The Xbox Series X version, as noted by GamingBolt and TheXboxHub, appears more refined, though not without minor issues. Critics agree that the game’s technical shortcomings—ranging from frame drops to crashes—impact its enjoyment, but many recognize its visual and design achievements. The mixed reception underscores a need for post-launch improvements, particularly on PC and PS5, to fully realize its potential.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Black Myth: Wukong is largely positive, with many critics highlighting its engaging mechanics and content diversity. Reviewers such as GamingTrend emphasize the game’s significant replayability through its over 80 bosses, hidden secrets, and a New Game Plus mode with multiple endings, while IGN and IGN France praise the rich world exploration, collectibles, and challenges that encourage revisiting areas for additional rewards. GameGrin and PCGamesN note hidden quests, respec options, and skill trees that allow players to experiment with different playstyles, and Siliconera and Cubed3 commend the variety of abilities and armor sets, which cater to players seeking strategic depth. Additionally, Guardian and JeuxActu highlight the game’s reward for curiosity, with cryptic NPCs and secret areas driving players to explore further, suggesting a strong foundation for multiple playthroughs. However, several critics point to limitations that could dampen long-term engagement. Dot Esports and GINX TV criticize the lack of build diversity and a shallow combat system, which may feel repetitive over time. Eurogamer and SpazioGames argue that the game’s linearity and repetitive combat mechanics reduce its replay value, while Noisy Pixel and Wccftech mention the absence of a map and unchanging environments as drawbacks. RPG Site and RPG Gamer note that permanent choices and insufficient tutorials restrict replayability, and Merlin'in Kazanı points to the frustration of repetitive death loops. IGN Japan and Jeuxvideo.com also express concerns about gameplay monotony, despite acknowledging the challenge of tougher enemies in a second playthrough. These critiques suggest that while the game offers content, its design and systems may not fully sustain interest across multiple sessions. The consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting a divide between the game’s potential and its execution. While GamingTrend, IGN, and PCGamesN advocate for its replay value through NG+, exploration, and customization, others like Dot Esports, GINX TV, and Eurogamer caution against its repetitive elements and structural constraints. Gamepressure and Twinfinite acknowledge the encouragement of experimentation and multiple endings, but RPG Fan and Shacknews hint at the initial playthrough’s tedium, which might deter some. Despite these contradictions, the game’s emphasis on secrets, hidden bosses, and evolving combat systems creates a compelling case for replayability, though its success hinges on players’ tolerance for its challenges and design choices. The PS5 and PC reviews show similar themes, with MeuPlayStation and PlayStation Universe praising NG+ and side content, while Gamer.no and RPGamer express reservations about frustrating mechanics and limited exploration. Ultimately, the game’s replay value appears to be a matter of balancing its strengths and weaknesses.