Black Myth: Wukong

About

"Black Myth: Wukong" is an action RPG inspired by Chinese mythology and the classic novel "Journey to the West." As the powerful Monkey King, players will battle enemies using a variety of weapons and equipment, with a focus on fast-paced combat and exploration. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes additional in-game items such as a special staff, masks, armor, and music tracks.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 134,799 reviews

story9.1k positive mentions

grinding786 negative mentions

The game features stunning visuals and intricate details, showcasing the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, which enhances the immersive experience.
The gameplay is fluid and rewarding, blending intense combat with strategic decision-making, and offers a high replay value with various combat strategies and unlockable abilities.
The narrative is engaging and rich, drawing players into a captivating reimagining of the classic Chinese tale 'Journey to the West,' complemented by a top-tier soundtrack that enhances emotional moments.

The game suffers from performance issues, including frame drops, stuttering, and audio desynchronization, particularly on lower-end hardware, which can detract from the overall experience.
Some players find the gameplay repetitive and frustrating, with certain boss mechanics leading to a tiresome experience.
While the character development is visually stunning, many reviewers feel it lacks emotional depth and complexity, leaving them wanting more in terms of narrative richness.

story
19,956 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
50%
4%
The story of "Black Myth: Wukong" is a captivating reimagining of the classic Chinese tale "Journey to the West," featuring rich cultural references and intricate character development. While many players find the narrative engaging and beautifully presented through stunning cutscenes, some express that it can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the source material, as it often relies on prior knowledge of the original story. Overall, the game is praised for its immersive storytelling, though it may require additional research to fully appreciate its depth and nuances.
- “The story, inspired by the classic Chinese tale of the Monkey King, is both engaging and immersive, drawing players into a world filled with mythical creatures and legendary heroes.”
- “Wukong’s story of redemption and resilience is compelling, and the characters you meet along the way are full of personality and mystery.”
- “The story is rich and engaging, pulling gamers into a world that feels alive and compelling.”
- “Practically couldn't watch any of the story at all.”
- “The unpredictable nature of the performance problems makes it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the game's world and story.”
- “The story is a bit underwhelming and the linearity is somewhat disappointing.”
graphics
16,886 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
69%
30%
1%
The graphics of "Black Myth: Wukong" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and intricate detail, showcasing the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. Players are particularly impressed by the game's vibrant environments, character designs, and cinematic cutscenes, which enhance the overall immersive experience. However, some users have noted performance issues, such as frame drops and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end hardware, which can detract from the otherwise breathtaking visual presentation.
- “From the moment I started, I was captivated by the game's stunning visuals and richly woven narrative.”
- “The graphics are jaw-dropping, featuring stunningly detailed environments and character models that push my graphics card to the limit.”
- “The stunning visuals produced by the Unreal Engine 5 and rich interpretation of Journey to the West lore were captivating, making every moment feel like part of a larger mythic tapestry.”
- “Has big graphical problems, performance issues.”
- “The graphics are jaw-dropping.”
- “The graphics, the story, the combat.”
gameplay
12,992 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
49%
4%
The gameplay of "Black Myth: Wukong" has received a mixed reception, with many praising its fluid combat mechanics, stunning visuals, and engaging boss battles that require strategic thinking and mastery of various abilities. However, some players have criticized the game for its repetitive nature, frustrating boss mechanics, and occasional performance issues, such as frame drops and input lag. Overall, while the game offers a unique blend of action and RPG elements rooted in Chinese mythology, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a more polished or innovative gameplay experience.
- “The gameplay is incredibly satisfying, with smooth mechanics and plenty of depth to keep you engaged for hours.”
- “The gameplay, story, and graphics are great.”
- “The gameplay is fluid and rewarding, blending intense combat with moments of strategic decision-making.”
- “The visuals of the game are great and I really like how a lot of the bosses look, but I'm just disappointed with the gameplay.”
- “Random and severe FPS drops occur during gameplay.”
- “The gameplay is tiresome.”
optimization
4,809 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
50%
23%
The optimization of "Black Myth: Wukong" has received mixed reviews from players, with many noting significant performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and audio desynchronization, particularly during cutscenes and in demanding scenes. While some players report smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others with mid-range setups experience frequent performance hiccups, suggesting that the game requires further optimization patches to enhance stability and overall performance. Despite these challenges, the game's stunning visuals and engaging gameplay have garnered praise, indicating that it has the potential to be a standout title once optimization issues are addressed.
- “Despite some optimization hiccups, it delivers an unforgettable experience and is a strong contender for game of the year 2024.”
- “The game is well-optimized, running smoothly even on mid-range systems.”
- “The optimization is flawless, delivering smooth gameplay and exhilarating combat.”
- “Despite running on what could be considered an enthusiast-grade system, the game exhibits several concerning performance issues.”
- “The unpredictable nature of the performance problems makes it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the game's world and story.”
- “The game requires substantial optimization patches to deliver the smooth, consistent experience players expect from a modern release.”
music
4,090 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
41%
1%
The music in "Black Myth: Wukong" has received widespread acclaim for its captivating blend of traditional Chinese instruments and modern orchestration, enhancing the game's immersive atmosphere and emotional depth. Players particularly praise the soundtrack's ability to elevate key moments, especially during boss fights, and the unique music videos that play at the end of each chapter, showcasing various animation styles. While some reviewers noted that certain tracks may not be memorable, the overall quality of the music and sound design is considered top-tier, contributing significantly to the game's artistic presentation and cultural authenticity.
- “The music is top tier absolutely gorgeous, the music videos between each chapter had my jaw on the floor each time with how beautiful they are and the music that accompanies them.”
- “The soundtrack masterfully captures the essence of an epic journey, and the environmental sounds further draw you into this mythical world.”
- “The music perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments and adding depth to the overall experience.”
- “While the soundtrack didn't really leave me an impression, the sound design is very good.”
- “Lastly, the music is underwhelming; it sounds traditional but directionless.”
- “The invisible walls suck though, the soundtrack isn't anything too great & honestly, I played the whole time not even knowing the story, let alone the sidekick dude's name until like the near last parts of the last chapter; perhaps I wasn't paying attention but I don't know.”
grinding
1,106 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
28%
71%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While some find the need for grinding to achieve 100% completion and obtain rare items tedious and frustrating, others appreciate the challenge it adds to the gameplay, particularly in boss fights. Overall, many players agree that while grinding can be necessary, it often feels repetitive and can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game, especially when combined with RNG elements that prolong the farming process.
- “Finally, a game that you can actually enjoy. I always used to think maybe I am just grown up and I can't enjoy games because I am not so much a gamer anymore, but after playing this, it just felt like childhood where you really got into it and just would love to play all day long grinding it.”
- “The gameplay is fun, a lot of constant upgrades will keep you engaged, but the progression is not grindy at all.”
- “Amazing progression, no tedious grinding (or needing to look up guides for irrelevant bosses).”
- “If you can't spend upwards of 5 hours grinding to beat a boss, I can't recommend this game for anyone that has other things to do besides gaming.”
- “The grinding needed to defeat most bosses is just no fun.”
- “The game becomes tedious very quickly.”
atmosphere
897 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
39%
1%
The atmosphere of "Black Myth: Wukong" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and rich cultural references to Chinese mythology. Players are captivated by the game's detailed environments, dynamic weather, and a haunting soundtrack that enhances emotional moments, creating a deeply engaging experience. The blend of fantastical elements with grounded aesthetics invites exploration and emotional investment, making the atmosphere a standout feature of the game.
- “The art direction deserves special praise, blending the fantastical and mythical elements of Journey to the West with a grounded, atmospheric aesthetic.”
- “From misty bamboo forests to grotesquely gorgeous demons, the world oozes atmosphere.”
- “The environments are breathtaking, immersing you in a world inspired by Chinese mythology, brimming with detail and atmosphere.”
- “6 / 10 atmosphere (the environments are sometimes more confusing than immersive)”
- “Everything gets repetitive, frustrating, infuriating and uninteresting very quickly, and it's a real shame because the combat system is very fun to use in fair fights, the design of the enemies is really inspired, the general atmosphere of Chinese mythology is fascinating, but that is not enough.”
- “The game world feels static, as if frozen in time, missing the dynamic atmosphere that could bring it to life.”
stability
776 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
3%
77%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent freezes, audio desynchronization, and various graphical glitches, particularly during cutscenes and boss fights. While some users experienced smooth gameplay with minimal issues, others faced significant performance problems, including crashes and stuttering, especially on lower-end hardware. Overall, the game appears to be in need of further optimization and bug fixes, but many players still found it enjoyable despite these technical challenges.
- “I've 100%ed the game, I'm almost done with my NG+ run and I've encountered no bugs, no glitches, no frame drops or stutters.”
- “The game runs extremely well and was surprisingly bug free at launch, which is a lot to say these days.”
- “The most complete, bug free, well running, smooth and crisp combat, amazing graphics game I have played in a long time!”
- “Performance wise, it's not great, even with a 4070 super it still freezes up and has audio desync during cutscenes way too often.”
- “The game occasionally freezes completely.”
- “These freezes happen randomly, breaking immersion and gameplay flow.”
character development
628 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
47%
3%
Character development in "Black Myth: Wukong" is highlighted for its depth, particularly in the protagonist Wukong's journey from a flawed anti-hero to a legendary figure, showcasing a nuanced narrative filled with unexpected twists. However, some players feel that while the character designs are exceptional and visually stunning, the overall character development lacks emotional depth and complexity, leaving them wanting more in terms of interactions and narrative richness. The game excels in its artistic presentation, but the balance between visual splendor and character growth remains a point of contention among reviewers.
- “Character development is profound, with Wukong’s journey from flawed anti-hero, 'nameless monkey' to a figure of legend portrayed with remarkable nuance.”
- “The character development and dialogue are top-notch, making every moment feel significant and impactful.”
- “The attention to detail in the lore and character development adds layers of richness to the story, making it a truly memorable experience.”
- “So basically no character development.”
- “In Wukong, however, character development feels stagnant, as if there’s a deliberate cap on how much control the player has over their build.”
- “It is just not for me, there is no depth in the story, very little/no character development and it just feels a little empty.”
emotional
602 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The emotional aspect of *Black Myth: Wukong* is widely praised, with players highlighting its rich narrative, stunning visuals, and evocative soundtrack that enhance the overall experience. Many reviewers express deep emotional connections to the story and characters, often recalling personal memories tied to the source material, *Journey to the West*. The game is described as an emotional rollercoaster, with moments that evoke nostalgia, joy, and even tears, making it a memorable journey for players.
- “It’s an emotional, philosophical journey that keeps you invested in every twist and turn.”
- “The story delivers a narrative rich in mythology and emotional weight.”
- “The voice acting and writing bring a profound emotional depth to his story, making each twist and turn in the plot feel personal.”
- “Boring story, and wack ass script, it's like a Hollywood Marvel kid made the script/lines.”
- “After 1 hour of playing the game, I found it to be extremely boring story-wise.”
- “Just be prepared for a boring story and performance issues.”
humor
460 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Black Myth: Wukong" is a standout feature, blending comedic elements with the epic narrative of the Monkey King. Players appreciate the game's ability to balance light-hearted moments with intense gameplay, often finding themselves laughing at the absurdity of situations and character interactions. The humor is enriched by references to Chinese mythology, making it both entertaining and culturally resonant, though some players note that familiarity with the source material enhances the comedic experience.
- “But what really sets Black Myth: Wukong apart from the sea of action games out there is its sense of humor.”
- “The narrative balances moments of humor, reflection, and intensity, reflecting the complex themes of the source material.”
- “This game does a fantastic job of balancing humor with the gravitas of the monkey king's journey, making for a compelling story that kept me engaged from start to finish.”
- “The original was to mimic the move of a real monkey to look funny, but it's not funny here at all.”
- “Most worse action RPG game, ridiculous combat; when I attack enemies, they always counter me. It's not funny.”
replayability
378 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
59%
4%
The game's replayability is generally praised, with many players highlighting the abundance of optional pathways, secrets, and a rewarding New Game+ mode that enhances the experience. While some reviewers note that the game may lack depth in replay options compared to other titles in the genre, the variety of combat strategies and unlockable abilities contribute to a high replay value, often rated between 8 to 10 out of 10. However, a few players express concerns about potential boredom in subsequent playthroughs due to the ease of combat and limited build diversity.
- “The ability to master your abilities and evolve your playstyle as you grow stronger adds a lot of replay value.”
- “The stunning scene design, exceptional music, balanced combat difficulty, and multiple combat styles make it incredibly replayable.”
- “The game is so full of content and even replayability that it feels more than worth it; there is so much to do and see, so many unique bosses, secrets, and mandatory quests.”
- “While the main content is solid, the lack of depth hurts the game’s replayability and overall experience.”
- “The only cons I see are the lack of replayability, which 2–3 new game plus can be boring and tiring.”
- “Though, if its replayability you're looking for, this game probably isn't for you.”
monetization
312 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
59%
21%
The monetization model of the game has been overwhelmingly praised, with users highlighting the absence of microtransactions, season passes, and in-game purchases. Reviewers appreciate that the game offers a complete experience for a one-time purchase, contrasting it with the prevalent cash grab tactics seen in many modern AAA titles. This commitment to a straightforward, consumer-friendly approach has resonated positively, marking the game as a refreshing change in the current gaming landscape.
- “Thank you for making such an amazing game, in the world of microtransactions and now 70-80 dollars per title, that comes out buggy and unfinished. You guys made an amazing, interesting, beautiful, complete, and bug-free experience, which runs amazing too.”
- “In an era where it feels like every game is padded with microtransactions, battle passes, or endless DLC, this game stands out as a breath of fresh air.”
- “In an era where it feels like every game is padded with microtransactions, battle passes, or endless DLC, Wukong stands out as a breath of fresh air.”
- “A $60 game that is complete, with no DLC or microtransactions, offers a full experience at the same price that many AAA publishers charge for half-baked games, promising fixes and future DLC.”
- “The most impressive and important thing to me, however, is that there's no predatory microtransactions or monetization, or locking important content behind an extra paywall.”