Black Myth: Wukong

94%
Game Brain Score Based on 67,391 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Black Myth: Wukong Game Cover
Hands down, one of this year's best action games - Black Myth: Wukong is a flurry of sublime combat and expert boss design.
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"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.

  • PC
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 67,391 reviews
story4,555 positive mentions
grinding393 negative mentions
  • story9,976 mentions

    The story of "Black Myth: Wukong" is a captivating reimagining of the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," featuring rich lore and character development that draws players into a world filled with mythical creatures and moral complexities. While the narrative is engaging and beautifully presented through stunning cutscenes and animations, it can be challenging to follow for those unfamiliar with the source material, often requiring additional research to fully appreciate its depth. Overall, the game excels in blending action and storytelling, making it a must-play for fans of mythological narratives and action RPGs.

    • “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.”
  • graphics8,441 mentions

    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 have praised the game's breathtaking environments, character designs, and fluid animations, often describing the graphics as some of the best seen in modern gaming. However, some users have noted performance issues, particularly on lower-end hardware, which can detract from the overall experience despite the impressive visual presentation.

    • “From the moment I started, I was captivated by the game's stunning visuals and richly woven narrative.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, and there are so many times you just want to wander around and feast your eyes on the beautiful scenery.”
    • “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.”
    • “The graphics are very demanding and would not recommend to play this unless you can play it with very high graphics.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely absurd; unreal engine 5 is the best-looking engine on the market as of 2024, and this game makes very good use of it.”
    • “The graphics, the story, the music, the gameplay, truly masterpiece.”
  • gameplay6,494 mentions

    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 gameplay loop, lack of depth in combat mechanics, and frustrating boss designs that can feel unfair or overly punishing. Overall, while the game offers a visually impressive and immersive experience, its gameplay may not satisfy everyone, particularly those seeking more complexity or variety.

    • “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.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, it's unfortunately really mediocre.”
    • “The gameplay is a mix of god of war with some souls-like elements, but it lacks the most punishing ones; specifically: losing the collective currency used to level, on death.”
  • optimization2,402 mentions

    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 later chapters. While some players report smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others with similar setups experience frustrating performance inconsistencies, suggesting that the game may not be well-optimized for a range of hardware. Overall, while the game showcases stunning graphics and engaging gameplay, it requires further optimization patches to enhance the experience for all players.

    • “Overall, I'd say like 9/10, and it'd be 10/10 with a bit better optimization.”
    • “Despite running on what could be considered an enthusiast-grade system, the game exhibits several concerning performance issues.”
    • “The game requires substantial optimization patches to deliver the smooth, consistent experience players expect from a modern release.”
    • “The combination of no native ultrawide support and persistent performance issues makes it difficult to recommend the game in its current technical state, even to players with top-tier hardware configurations.”
  • music2,044 mentions

    The music in "Black Myth: Wukong" has received widespread acclaim for its stunning orchestration and integration of traditional Chinese instruments, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances both exploration and combat. Many players highlighted the emotional impact of the soundtrack, particularly during boss fights and the beautifully animated music videos that play at the end of each chapter, which evoke nostalgia and cultural resonance. While some found certain tracks less memorable, the overall consensus is that the music significantly elevates the gaming experience, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “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 soundtrack, composed of traditional Chinese instruments mixed with modern orchestration, enhances the emotional and atmospheric depth of the game.”
    • “Lastly, the music is underwhelming; it sounds traditional but directionless.”
    • “The music is kind of unremarkable.”
    • “The soundtrack didn't really stand out as much until the last few segments (exception with the end chapter scenes).”
  • grinding553 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While some find the grinding necessary for leveling up and achieving 100% completion, often describing it as tedious and time-consuming, others appreciate the challenge it adds to boss fights and overall gameplay. Many players note that certain achievements require extensive farming, particularly for rare items, which can lead to frustration, especially when combined with RNG elements. Overall, the experience of grinding varies significantly among players, with some enjoying the process while others find it overly repetitive and burdensome.

    • “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.”
    • “Amazing progression, no tedious grinding (or needing to look up guides for irrelevant bosses).”
    • “The grinding needed to defeat most bosses is just no fun.”
    • “Farming for all of the seeds and the curios was the worst part of the game.”
    • “The game becomes tedious very quickly.”
  • atmosphere448 mentions

    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 meticulous attention to detail in the environments, from lush forests to ancient temples, which are complemented by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth of the experience. Overall, the game successfully combines breathtaking aesthetics with a dynamic atmosphere that draws players into its mythical narrative.

    • “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.”
    • “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, and 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.”
    • “A somber atmosphere is then created, and it can be quite depressing roaming around glitching textures and lifeless forestry.”
  • stability388 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent freezes, audio desync during cutscenes, and various graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end hardware. While some users experienced smooth gameplay with minimal issues, others faced significant performance problems, including crashes and stuttering, especially during boss fights and transitions between areas. Overall, while the game shows potential, it currently suffers from stability issues that detract from the experience for a considerable number of players.

    • “No bugs, no hardware issues, no glitches, no problems at all playing the game.”
    • “The game runs extremely well and was surprisingly bug free at launch, which is a lot to say these days.”
    • “It's a complete game and it's almost entirely bug free.”
    • “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 suffers from occasional FPS drops, especially during cutscenes, and I encountered audio glitches more than once.”
    • “I looked up to playing this game and even pre-purchased after I heard they told big companies to eat dirt, but after launch, I can't even play it. I have a 4070 Ti Super with an i9 and 32 GB of RAM, yet after validating files, reinstalling, and trying various troubleshooting methods, I just couldn't.”
  • character development314 mentions

    Character development in "Black Myth: Wukong" is praised for its depth and intricacy, particularly in the portrayal of Wukong's journey from a flawed anti-hero to a legendary figure, which adds significant emotional weight to the narrative. However, some players feel that while the character designs are visually stunning and meticulously crafted, the overall character development can feel limited or lacking in emotional depth, leaving them wanting more engagement with the characters' journeys. The game excels in creating a rich, immersive world through its character designs, but the narrative depth and character interactions may not fully meet all players' expectations.

    • “The character development is profound, with Wukong’s journey from flawed anti-hero, 'nameless monkey' to a figure of legend portrayed with remarkable nuance.”
    • “The storytelling is grandiose, rich in ancient Chinese mythology, and character designs that could easily walk straight into an anime adaptation.”
    • “The character development and dialogue are top-notch, making every moment feel significant and impactful.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional301 mentions

    The emotional aspect of *Black Myth: Wukong* is widely praised, with players highlighting its deeply engaging narrative, rich character development, and stunning visuals that evoke nostalgia and connection to the classic *Journey to the West*. The game's soundtrack and voice acting significantly enhance the emotional experience, making key moments resonate powerfully, often leading players to tears. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in certain story elements, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a compelling and heartfelt journey that leaves a lasting impact.

    • “The story delivers a narrative rich in mythology and emotional weight.”
    • “The voice acting and music complement the story perfectly, enhancing the emotional depth and atmosphere.”
    • “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.”
    • “It has a boring story, terrible areas (the first two chapters are nice, and after that it goes downhill) and horrible toxic bosses.”
    • “Boring story, and wack script; it's like a Hollywood Marvel kid wrote the lines.”
    • “After 1 hour of playing, I found the game to be extremely boring story-wise.”
  • humor230 mentions

    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 understanding these nuances may require familiarity with the source material.

    • “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 meant to mimic the movements of a real monkey to look funny, but it's not funny here at all.”
    • “The combat is ridiculous; when I attack enemies, they always counter me. It's not funny at all.”
    • “This game tries to be humorous, but the jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
  • replayability189 mentions

    The game exhibits high replayability, with many players praising its variety of combat strategies, unlockable abilities, and the presence of a rewarding New Game+ mode that enhances the experience. While some reviewers noted limitations in replay value due to the linear structure or lack of diverse builds, the abundance of hidden content, secrets, and optional pathways contributes to a significant replay incentive. Overall, the game is regarded as highly replayable, with many players eager to explore its depths multiple times.

    • “The sheer variety of combat strategies, unlockable abilities, and the replay value of its challenging encounters make up for this limitation.”
    • “The ability to master your abilities and evolve your playstyle as you grow stronger adds a lot of replay value.”
    • “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.”
    • “Only downsides may be lack of replayability and build variety; by the second playthrough, there are two, maximum three builds that wreck everything; anything else you use is just for fun.”
    • “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.”
  • monetization156 mentions

    The game has been widely praised for its lack of monetization practices, with reviewers highlighting the absence of microtransactions, season passes, and in-game purchases. Players appreciate the complete experience offered at a standard price, viewing it as a refreshing departure from the prevalent cash grab mentality in the industry. Overall, the game is celebrated as a well-crafted, full package that prioritizes gameplay and player enjoyment over profit-driven tactics.

    • “No season pass, no battle pass, no in-game purchases, just pure classic game.”
    • “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.”
    • “Finally a good game without microtransactions and early access, 5/5.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “It's sad we cheer on games for just doing the bare minimum and not putting out broken slop for $60 with microtransactions.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
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Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

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Play time

18hMedian play time
31hAverage play time
6-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 252 analyzed playthroughs

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