Black Myth: Wukong

Hands down, one of this year's best action games - Black Myth: Wukong is a flurry of sublime combat and expert boss design.

89%Game Brain Score

story, graphics

grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 101,073 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 17 reviews

Platforms

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About

Black Myth: Wukong is a single player role playing game. It was developed by Game Science and was released on August 19, 2024. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"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

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93%

Audience ScoreBased on 101,073 reviews

story6.5k positive mentions

grinding621 negative mentions

story
14,504 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
51%
4%
The story of "Black Myth: Wukong" is deeply rooted in the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," presenting a fresh narrative that explores the aftermath of the original tale through the eyes of a new protagonist, the "Destined One." While the storytelling is visually captivating and features rich lore, many players find it challenging to follow without prior knowledge of the source material, leading to mixed feelings about its coherence and depth. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging combat and stunning graphics, but the narrative can feel fragmented and confusing for those unfamiliar with the mythology.
- “The story, inspired by the classic tale of Journey to the West, is filled with depth, mystery, and emotion.”
- “The game brilliantly captures the essence of the original story while delivering a fresh and immersive experience.”
- “The story is rich with lore and filled with memorable characters, drawing you into the mythological world in a way that few games manage to achieve.”
- “The story is absolutely non-existent.”
- “The story is confusing and lacks any emotional depth.”
- “The story is very random, but the combat and boss fights are well done and will keep me playing.”
graphics
12,843 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
68%
31%
1%
The graphics of "Black Myth: Wukong" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual fidelity, intricate character designs, and immersive environments, showcasing the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. Players have noted the breathtaking landscapes and detailed animations that bring the game's rich Chinese mythology to life, often describing the visuals as some of the best seen in modern gaming. However, some users have reported performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems, with stuttering and crashes, indicating that while the graphics are impressive, they can be demanding on hardware.
- “Wonderfully challenging, jaw-dropping graphics and the action makes you feel pretty badass when you pull off sick combos or take down difficult bosses.”
- “Graphics-wise it is very impressive, landscapes are beautiful and all the models look very high-def and the texture-work is immaculate.”
- “The graphics are nothing short of breathtaking, with every detail meticulously designed to create an immersive experience.”
- “Until they fix the graphics issue, I cannot recommend this game.”
- “1 day later, not only are my graphics and frame rate extremely low, but the game keeps crashing over and over again.”
- “The graphics are just atrocious, poorly optimized and I don't have a bad PC at all (PC runs triple A games at a steady 140-180 fps if left uncapped/ 240 hz with max raytraced etc.)”
gameplay
9,610 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
48%
5%
The gameplay of "Black Myth: Wukong" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fluid combat mechanics, stunning visuals, and engaging boss fights that require strategic thinking and mastery of various abilities. However, some players have criticized the game for its repetitive gameplay loop, lack of a block or parry mechanic, and frustrating boss mechanics that can feel unfair. Overall, while the game offers a unique blend of action RPG elements and Chinese mythology, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deep or innovative gameplay experience.
- “The gameplay is fluid and engaging, offering a perfect balance between challenging combat and strategic thinking.”
- “The combat mechanics are engaging, featuring a unique visual style that sets it apart from other games in the genre, blending fluidity with cinematic flair.”
- “The gameplay, sound, animation looks tight.”
- “Gameplay-wise, it's nothing special.”
- “The gameplay is even more shallow than Wo Long and the boss design gets increasingly worse.”
- “The gameplay is a monotonous button-masher with little-to-no positively noteworthy aspects.”
optimization
4,080 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
51%
23%
The optimization of "Black Myth: Wukong" has received mixed reviews from players. While some report smooth performance and impressive graphics on high-end systems, many others experience significant stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, particularly in later chapters and during boss fights. Overall, the game shows potential but requires further optimization to enhance stability and performance across a wider range of hardware configurations.
- “The game runs smoothly and it's absolutely gorgeous.”
- “The game is well-optimized with no performance issues.”
- “I was able to run the game on max settings with no issues, which is a testament to the optimization work done by the developers.”
- “Overall, the game is not optimized well; the game is not stable. I tried every way that I could, update drivers, write the -dx12, it's just not working. The game just keeps lagging in every single way, one second 110 fps and one second 1 fps. This game sucks and is annoying; it does not worth the money to get this frustration.”
- “The only true bad thing I can think of is it does need a little optimization.”
- “The performance is not great, and it forced me to go to all low to avoid stuttering that have costed me several good boss runs.”
music
2,954 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
41%
1%
The music in "Black Myth: Wukong" has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and storytelling, effectively blending traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestral elements. Players have praised the soundtrack for its emotional depth, particularly during boss fights and key narrative moments, while the animated music videos at the end of each chapter add a unique artistic touch. Overall, the game's audio design is considered top-notch, contributing significantly to the immersive experience.
- “The soundtrack complements the atmosphere and is well-themed for the eastern mythology.”
- “The music in this game is spectacular.”
- “The soundtrack is a masterpiece, perfectly complementing the stunning visuals and fluid animations.”
- “The music and soundtrack are also quite poor, which significantly affects the atmosphere of the world.”
- “Despite music not being used often, it is effective when it is (especially in chapter 2).”
- “Was buying it for the music, turn out not only the music are not complete, but you can't even access the music file but only can listen in game, which is totally pointless.”
grinding
826 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
24%
75%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in boss encounters and resource farming. While some appreciate the ability to level up and improve skills through grinding, others feel that the lack of enemy variety and excessive backtracking detracts from the overall experience. Overall, players who enjoy grinding may find satisfaction in the challenge, but those who prefer a more streamlined experience may find it frustrating.
- “Amazing progression, no tedious grinding (or needing to look up guides for irrelevant bosses).”
- “The gameplay is fun, a lot of constant upgrades will keep you engaged but the progression is not grindy at all.”
- “Spend time fighting all bosses (main and hidden) in each chapter and you will be comfortably leveled for each encounter with no farming required.”
- “The bosses don't feel any different from one another so you end up grinding only to experience repetition.”
- “The grinding needed to defeat most bosses is just no fun.”
- “After a while, the boss fight stops being fun and engaging and instead becomes a tedious slog, waiting for the boss to stop attacking long enough to land a final blow.”
stability
664 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
2%
78%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing a range of bugs and performance issues, including crashes, freezes, and graphical glitches. While some users report smooth gameplay without significant problems, others highlight frequent stuttering and audio desynchronization, particularly during cutscenes and boss fights. Overall, the game appears to require further optimization and patching to address these stability concerns effectively.
- “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!”
- “I have not witnessed any performance issues so far and it runs great.”
- “Sure wish I could play this, but it freezes multiple times in the very first scene; requiring a hard reboot.”
- “My computer crashed a total of 9 times trying to play this game the whole weekend I spent troubleshooting my PC, and when I finally found a fix to it all.”
- “Fucking shitty game, constant freezes, constant stuttering, doesn't matter if I'm playing on low, medium, high, or cinematic.”
atmosphere
637 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
38%
2%
The atmosphere of "Black Myth: Wukong" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and rich integration of Chinese mythology, creating a captivating and vibrant world. Players appreciate the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth and intensity of gameplay, while the diverse environments contribute to a sense of exploration and wonder. However, some critiques mention issues like static environments and invisible barriers that detract from the overall immersion, though the game's artistic direction and attention to detail are generally celebrated.
- “The game is visually breathtaking, with environments that are rich in detail and atmosphere.”
- “The soundtrack complements the atmosphere and is well-themed for the eastern mythology.”
- “The immersive atmosphere draws me into the legendary world, making me feel as though I'm part of this timeless Chinese epic.”
- “My only complaint is the amount of invisible walls that are placed everywhere; it feels cheap and robs my sense of the big scale of the atmosphere. Sometimes when I want to just jump over a big rock in the middle of the map, I can't because it has an invisible barrier.”
- “The game world feels static, as if frozen in time, missing the dynamic atmosphere that could bring it to life.”
- “A somber atmosphere is then created, and it can be quite depressing roaming around glitching textures and lifeless forestry.”
character development
510 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
47%
2%
Character development in "Black Myth: Wukong" is praised for its intricate character designs and engaging storytelling, which effectively immerse players in the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology. While the game excels in visual fidelity and character progression, some players feel that the emotional depth and interactions could be enhanced, as certain aspects of character development appear limited or simplistic. Overall, the attention to detail in character design and the narrative keeps players invested, though there are calls for deeper character exploration and lore.
- “Additionally, the intriguing narrative and character development keep me invested in the game's progression, leaving me eager to uncover more of the story as I continue to play.”
- “The character development and progression are well-designed, making the player feel a sense of growth and achievement as they progress through the game.”
- “The attention to detail in the lore and character development adds layers of richness to the story, making it a truly memorable experience.”
- “The exploration is really low as there's not much exploration, and the character development is that of a children's storybook, which is not that good.”
- “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
421 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
3%
The emotional aspect of "Black Myth: Wukong" is widely praised for its depth and resonance, with many players noting the game's ability to evoke strong feelings through its storytelling, character development, and stunning visuals. The narrative, rooted in Chinese mythology, is described as both compelling and heartwarming, often leading players to tears during key moments, particularly in the chapter-ending animations. However, some reviewers feel that the story can be disjointed or lacking in emotional investment, suggesting that familiarity with the source material enhances the experience. Overall, the game is seen as a significant emotional journey, blending rich lore with immersive gameplay and a powerful soundtrack.
- “The game masterfully portrays Wukong’s struggle with his gender and sexuality, making his story one of the most compelling and emotionally charged narratives in gaming.”
- “The soundtrack, which blends traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestration, perfectly sets the tone for the game's epic journey, enhancing the emotional weight of key moments.”
- “Wukong’s journey is not just one of physical prowess but of self-discovery and redemption, making it easy for players to become emotionally invested in his fate.”
- “Boring story, bad and boring combat (also feels a bit clunky), but really nice graphics.”
- “Generic and boring story; it also relies too much on the base material, which makes it even worse.”
- “After 1 hour of playing, I found the game to be extremely boring story-wise.”
humor
351 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Black Myth: Wukong" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the comedic elements woven into the gameplay and narrative. The game balances intense moments with light-hearted scenes, often featuring funny dialogue and quirky character interactions that draw from rich Chinese mythology. Many reviews also mention the amusing animations and glitches, contributing to an overall entertaining experience that keeps players engaged and laughing throughout their journey.
- “I love how the story is told, the animation at the end of each chapter, and the music in chapter 2 was a banger. I found it hilarious that the guy was switching between singing in Chinese and speaking English with a Scottish accent in the English dub.”
- “Just when you think the game is all serious, it throws in a funny scene or dialogue that catches you off guard, making the experience even more enjoyable.”
- “The story, which draws heavily from Journey to the West, is also well-executed, with moments of humor, drama, and epic battles that keep the narrative engaging.”
- “The original was meant to mimic the moves of a real monkey to look funny, but it's not funny here at all.”
- “Most disappointing action RPG game; the combat is ridiculous. When I attack enemies, they always counter me, and it's not funny.”
- “Most disappointing action RPG game; the combat is ridiculous. When I attack enemies, they always counter me, and it's not funny.”
monetization
255 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
55%
25%
The game has been widely praised for its monetization model, with numerous reviews highlighting the absence of microtransactions, paywalls, and additional downloadable content. Players appreciate the return to a complete gaming experience for a one-time purchase, contrasting it with the prevalent cash grab tactics seen in many modern titles. Overall, the game's approach to monetization is seen as a refreshing change, emphasizing quality and player satisfaction over profit-driven practices.
- “It has launched as a complete game with beautiful artwork, fun gameplay, and no microtransactions.”
- “No microtransactions, no paying for additional content or pay-to-win mechanics, just you and this wonderful piece of art filled to the brim with incredible opponents and a story like no other.”
- “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.”
- “Cash grab, trick American market.”
- “It's sad we cheer on games for just doing the bare minimum and not put out broken slop for $60 with microtransactions.”
- “Start to care about what you are providing rather than the cash grab.”
replayability
230 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
55%
3%
The game "Black Myth: Wukong" is noted for its high replayability, driven by a non-linear narrative, diverse combat styles, and numerous secrets and side quests. Players appreciate the ability to experiment with different skills and approaches, although some express concerns about the game's balance and the potential for boredom in subsequent playthroughs. Overall, while many reviewers highlight significant replay value, opinions vary, with some feeling it lacks the depth found in other titles within the genre.
- “The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, allowing players to make impactful choices that shape Wukong's journey, adding an extra layer of depth and replay value to the game.”
- “With its diverse enemies and challenging encounters, this game offers a ton of replayability.”
- “The fluid and strategic combat system endows Wukong's every strike and leap with power and wisdom, enhancing the game's immersion and replayability.”
- “The only other issue I have (which is not really an issue) is just that the game does not have much replayability in my eyes because in your run you try every single combat style and the only thing you may be able to do is switch which stat you may want to focus on.”
- “It's a fun, if overrated, game featuring stunning graphics, limited replayability, and fun, though a bit repetitive, combat mechanics.”
- “The game has no replayability, other than going back to areas where you missed out on irreversible events during the first playthrough.”

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85%Critics’ scoreBased on 17 critic reviews

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16h Median play time

32h Average play time

5-50h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 404 analyzed playthroughs

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