Title: Black Myth: Wukong
Type of Game: Action RPG
Developer: Game Science
Publisher: Game Science
Released: 20.8.2024
Platforms Available: PC Game, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S (TBD)
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5
Level of Maturity: Teen
Article Reading Time: 4 minutes
OpenCritic Rating: 80/100
Metacritic Rating: 82/100 (PC)

A Souls-like at Its Core

Right off the bat, Black Myth: Wukong is truly a Souls-like title at its core. Uncompromising enemies, the need to learn incoming attack combinations from most opponents you meet, and careful health management all contribute to the familiar challenge that fans of the genre expect. Wukong’s approach to the genre differs more in the extraneous details. For instance, you don’t lose souls after every death, so you don’t have to go retrieve them afterward. As someone who isn’t precisely a Souls-like enthusiast, I appreciated this small but significant departure from the norm.

Unique Abilities that Enhance Gameplay

Wukong also offers some very interesting abilities, such as freezing an enemy for a few moments, giving you a convenient opportunity to heal or attack. I wouldn’t want to reveal other skills, as they pleasantly surprised me during gameplay. The freezing ability, in particular, stood out as a tactical tool that adds depth to combat. These abilities are refreshing and set Black Myth: Wukong apart from other titles in the genre, hinting at a richer variety of gameplay mechanics.

Classic RPG Elements

In addition to its Souls-like foundation, the game incorporates classic RPG elements like XP, levels, abilities, and a skill tree. You’ll be teaching Wukong new techniques and even improving his equipment. This aspect of the game will be particularly pleasing for those who enjoy the RPG genre. It offers a sense of progression and customization that enhances the overall experience, providing a layer of depth that complements the challenging combat.

Technical Brilliance

Now, to the technical side of the game, which can be described in one word – AMAZING. Medieval China is portrayed in stunning detail, creating a beautiful and slightly eerie environment. The game is strictly corridor-based, so it won’t offer you vast open-world landscapes to explore. However, within its constraints, it still manages to be a visual gem. Every corner of the game is meticulously crafted, making the world feel alive and immersive.

Performance and Stability

As for the game’s performance, I’m happy to report that it seems to be in excellent condition. In an era where many big releases suffer from bugs and glitches, Black Myth: Wukong is a refreshing exception. I’m playing in performance mode at 60 fps, even if it comes at the cost of a lower resolution. The game maintains this frame rate steadily, providing a smooth experience throughout. The only hiccup I encountered was at the beginning, where the frame rate briefly dropped to 30 fps, but everything ran flawlessly after the introduction.

Conclusion: A Promising Start

At its core, the game is a Souls-like title to be reckoned with. If you are not directly a fan of FromSoftware titles, then hesitation to buy or not is very necessary. As a gamer myself who doesn’t exactly love the genre, I’m still a bit on the fence about whether the game will win me over or not. But still, Wukong, at least as far as I can tell, has its unquestionable qualities in certain aspects, even for gamers like me. Especially when the game is a bit more accessible for a Souls game than it was, for example, with Elden Ring. But don’t be fooled… you still have to try at all costs to make the monkey king succeed on his way to his destiny.

Black Myth: Wukong – Where to Buy

Steam (PC): Aailable for $59.99 Get yours Black Myth: Wukong on Steam.

Epic Game Store: Buy for $59.99 . Could you check it out on Epic?

PlayStation Store (PS5): You can find Wukong on the PlayStation Store for $59.99.

Wegame ( Chinese): Buy Black Myth Wukong on Chinese Store Wegame

Official Page: Visit the official Black Myth: Wukong page for more information.

Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Black Myth: Wukong Subreddit.

The post Black Myth: Wukong – First Impressions appeared first on WePlayGames.net: Home for Top Gamers.

Title: Black Myth: Wukong
Type of Game: Action RPG
Developer: Game Science
Publisher: Game Science
Released: 20.8.2024
Platforms Available: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S (later)
Platform Reviewed: PC
Level of Maturity: Teen
Article Reading Time: 6 minutes

Heads up, gamers! August 20, 2024, is about to get wild. Black Myth: Wukong is finally swinging into action, and boy, is it making a racket. This Chinese mythology-fueled romp has been teasing us for years, and now it’s time to see if it lives up to the hype. We’re still prepping our full review here at WePlayGames.net, but let’s dig into the early buzz.

From Daydream to Phenomenon

Picture this: In 2018, a bunch of starry-eyed devs at Game Science cooked up this crazy idea in Hangzhou. Fast forward to 2020, and their pre-alpha trailer breaks the internet harder than a cat video. Since then? It’s been a roller coaster of hype and hair-pulling anticipation.

Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Hack ‘n’ Slash

Game Science has been yelling themselves that this isn’t a souls-like clone. Guess what? They might be onto something. GameSpot‘s saying it’s got its flavor in the action RPG buffet. You’re playing this monkey dude, the Destined One, straight outta “Journey to the West.” Sounds bonkers? It is.

Now, about that fighting – oh boy. IGN‘s raving about this Focus system that’ll have you pulling off moves smoother than a greased-up eel. Dodge like Muhammad Ali, hit like Mike Tyson, and watch that Focus meter go nuts. Then? Unleash hell. Throw in some shape-shifting shenanigans and magical mumbo-jumbo, and you’ve got a party.

Boss Fights That’ll Melt Your Face

If there’s one thing this game’s nailing, it’s the big bads. GameSpot can’t stop gabbing about these Yaoguai – think mythical nasties that’d give your nightmares nightmares. We’re talking about wolves with flaming bling and dragons that’d make Daenerys jealous. The works. Some folks found these throwdowns a cakewalk, but IGN’s warning that some late-game beasties might have you rage-quitting harder than Dark Souls veterans.

Eye Candy and Ear Worms

Both GameSpot and IGN are losing their minds over how this game looks. It’s so pretty it might make your eyeballs pop. Snow that crunches just right, trees you want to hug, and lighting that’ll make you weep. Game Science went all-in, ditching Unreal Engine 4 for 5 in 2021. Talk about commitment.

And the tunes? Chef’s kiss. We’re talking sweeping scores, battle music that’ll get your blood pumping, and get this – they snagged the theme from the old ’86 “Journey to the West” show. Nostalgia overload, anyone?

Plot Twist: The Story’s a Head-Scratcher

While everyone’s drooling over the pretty pictures and slick moves, the story’s got folks scratching their heads. GameSpot and IGN hint that if you’re not up on your “Journey to the West” lore, you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a foreign film without subtitles. The hero’s got a bad case of the “strong, silent type,” which doesn’t help.

But wait! There’s hope. IGN’s got a soft spot for these artsy chapter-ending bits. Each one’s like a mini-masterpiece, adding some much-needed feels to the monkey business.

Rough Around the Edges

Now for the not-so-great news. IGN’s run into more bugs than a summer picnic – crashes, wonky audio, even some game-breaking nonsense on PC. Here’s hoping for some day-one magic patches.

And the level design? It’s catching some flak. GameSpot mentions you might spend more time lost than Marco Polo without a map. Oh, and invisible walls? They’re everywhere. It’s like playing tag with a mime.

Hype Trains Off the Rails

Despite the hiccups, this game’s got people frothing at the mouth. It’s been sitting pretty as Steam’s most wanted since May, and its benchmark tool drew crowds like free beer at a frat party. It even snagged Best Visuals at Gamescom 2023 before anyone could get their grubby paws on it.

Come D-Day, you can grab it in flavors from no-frills digital to a collector’s edition that’ll have your wallet sobbing. PS5 and PC folks get first dibs, with Xbox Series X/S players left twiddling their thumbs for a bit.

The Lowdown

As we sharpen our critique claws for the full review, it’s clear Black Myth: Wukong is more than just monkey business. It might not be perfect, but it’s dishing out a heaping helping of Chinese mythology with a side of face-melting action that’s got us intrigued. Word on the street is this might kick off a whole series of Chinese legend-inspired games. Color us stoked.

Keep your eyes peeled for our deep dive, which is coming soon once launched on PlayStation 5. Meanwhile, if you’re itching for a fresh action fix with some Eastern zing, you might want to pencil in a date with the Destined One. Just pack some extra patience – this journey might have a few bumps and bruises along the way.

Where to Buy Black Myth: Wukong

Steam (PC): Expected to be available on release. Wishlist it on Steam.

Epic Game Store: Expected to be available on release. Check it out on Epic.

PlayStation Store (PS5): Expected to be available on release. You can find it on the PlayStation Store.

Wegame ( Chinese): Buy Black Myth Wukong on Chinese Store Wegame

Official Page: Visit the official Black Myth: Wukong page for more information.

Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Black Myth: Wukong Subreddit.

The post Black Myth: Wukong – First Look at Fighting Monkey appeared first on WePlayGames.net: Home for Top Gamers.

When I did my undergrad degree in the nowadays-blissful-seeming early noughties, I swore off videogames entirely. I sternly and sorrowfully turned my back on such hit releases as Shadow of the Colossus, Far Cry and yes, even, that PC gaming essential Half-Life 2, so as to spend 11-hour days boning up on Aeschylus and Samuel Johnson. Then, two weeks before my final exams, I somehow went out and bought Ensemble's Age Of Mythology.

I'm not sure why - blame the devil on my shoulder, I guess. It wasn't even a new release at that point. I managed to get good marks in the exams despite several nights of binge-playing, but what direction, in general, would my life have taken if I hadn't bought Age Of Mythology at such a fateful hour? Better or worse? Could I have been some kind of billionaire don with a Pulitzer by now, if it weren't for Age Of Mythology? These things keep me awake at night. Anyway, here's a little more info about the forthcoming reboot Age of Mythology: Retold, which broadly aims to turn this wrinkled titan of the strategy genre into a proper modern esport.

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Age of Mythology Retold, the latest remaster of the god-battling Age of Empires spin-off, will finally see a release in 2024, having been revealed back in October 2022.

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