Black Myth: Wukong Needs More Than its Titular Epic to…

Of the many Soulslike games announced in recent years, few managed to capture gamers’ attention quite like developer Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong did with its 2020 debut trailer. The lengthy gameplay trailer for Black Myth: Wukong gave gamers their first glimpse of the gorgeous action title based on the famous 16th-century Chinese novel, Journey to the West, and left many wanting more. To attract an audience who may be unfamiliar with the epic tale, though, Black Myth: Wukong will have to rely on more than just its legendary source material.

The first in what developer Game Science hopes to be a trilogy of games based on classic Chinese stories, Black Myth: Wukong’s jaw-dropping graphics and unique setting have already helped it stand out in the increasingly crowded genre. But even though the sweeping story of Journey to the West is filled with conflicts and creatures ripe for adaptation into an action game, an epic story alone won’t be enough to make the game a success. Not only does Game Science have to ensure that the action in Black Myth: Wukong is as engaging as its story, but it also has to deliver a unique spin on a tale that’s already been tackled by other games.

Black Myth: Wukong Won’t Be Gaming’s First Journey to the West

Long before it turned to Celtic mythology and the very real struggles of living with psychosis as inspiration for its acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, developer Ninja Theory offered gamers its own take on Journey to the West. Released in 2010, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game Enslaved: Odyssey to the West used the classic novel as inspiration for a sci-fi tale that saw Monkey and his companion Trip making their way through a post-apocalyptic Earth. Though largely forgotten today, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West was praised upon release both for its impressive graphics and for actor Andy Serkis’ performance as Monkey.

While Game Science is taking a more traditional approach to retelling the Monkey King’s adventures, that doesn’t mean it can’t provide its own unique spin on Journey to the West. Gameplay trailers have shown that the Monkey King-inspired protagonist can transform into different creatures during combat or exploration, and Game Science should strive to make this mechanic a core part of the title. This would stay true to the novel, in which the Monkey King could transform into 72 different forms, and help ensure that Black Myth: Wukong’s unique gameplay is just as big of a draw as its narrative.

The Gameplay of Black Myth: Wukong Needs to Be as Epic As its Story

Having inspired everything from a jazz opera to Dragon Ball Z, Journey to the West’s story has more than proved its staying power. But, in adapting the tale for Black Myth: Wukong, Game Science needs to ensure the gameplay is engaging enough to keep players unfamiliar with the story interested. Developer Team Ninja learned this lesson the hard way after its Soulslike game Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, which was similarly based on Chinese legends, failed to win players over with its bland gameplay.

Black Myth: Wukong has already captured the attention of many gamers with its fast-paced take on traditional Soulslike gameplay showcased in early trailers, but engaging combat and gorgeous visuals may not be enough to compete in a genre still dominated by Elden Ring. One way it could stand out from the crowd is by adding more options for traversing the in-game environments than the walking and running shown off in the trailers, ensuring that the journey part of the Journey to the West-inspired game is as exciting as the combat.

As the most high-profile example of a growing number of games based on Chinese fantasy, Black Myth: Wukong can help shape how Western gamers view these beloved tales and open the floodgates to similar titles. If Game Science delivers a title with gameplay as epic and refined as its source material’s timeless narrative, gamers should be in for a treat when Black Myth: Wukong releases in 2024.