BLACK MYTH: WUKONG REVIEW
Black Myth: Wukong Review: Monkey Business Never Looked This Good
Black Myth: Wukong has been on everyone’s radar since its jaw-dropping reveal trailer, and it’s finally here to swing its staff and cause some serious monkey mayhem. Based on the Chinese classic Journey to the West, the game promises mythic action, stunning visuals, and the chance to live out your wildest Monkey King fantasies. But does it live up to the hype, or is it just monkeying around with our expectations?
Let’s find out if Black Myth: Wukong is truly a legend in the making—or just bananas.
Gameplay: Kung Fu Monkey Business
At its core, Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG that blends the fast-paced, combo-heavy combat of Sekiro with the over-the-top powers of an immortal monkey king. And yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds. You play as Wukong, who can shapeshift, summon clones, and use his legendary staff to bash enemies into next week. The combat is fluid, satisfying, and challenging—meaning you’ll probably get smacked around by demon pigs more often than you'd like to admit.
One of the highlights is the transformation mechanic. Wukong can morph into different creatures, each with unique abilities that spice up combat and puzzle-solving. Turn into a flying insect to sneak past enemies, or a giant hulking beast to crush them into oblivion. It’s like Pokémon, but instead of catching ‘em all, you become ‘em all. And somehow, that’s way cooler.
The bosses are equally epic. They range from colossal mythological creatures to terrifying demons, and each fight feels like its own mini masterpiece. But don’t expect to breeze through them—this is the kind of game where you’ll die, reflect on your poor life choices, and then die again, but slightly better prepared.
Graphics: A Visual Feast Fit for the Jade Emperor
Let’s not beat around the bamboo bush: Black Myth: Wukong is one of the most visually stunning games out there. From the intricate design of Wukong’s fur (seriously, you can almost feel it) to the jaw-dropping landscapes inspired by Chinese mythology, every inch of this game oozes with detail. The Unreal Engine 5 really flexes here, and the result is a world that’s both otherworldly and grounded, filled with lush forests, icy mountains, and crumbling temples.
Character models are equally impressive. Wukong himself looks like a fluffy warrior deity, while his enemies range from grotesque creatures to majestic mythical beasts that wouldn’t look out of place in a blockbuster movie. The lighting, particle effects, and attention to detail—whether it's the gleam of Wukong’s staff or the way enemies explode into magical dust when defeated—make the game a visual treat from start to finish.
The cinematics are also beautifully rendered, seamlessly blending into gameplay without breaking immersion. The game’s art direction is, quite simply, bananas (in the best way possible).
Mechanics: All Kung Fu, No Monkeying Around
The combat mechanics in Black Myth: Wukong are tight and responsive, with a strong focus on timing, dodging, and parrying. If you’ve played Sekiro or Dark Souls, you’ll feel right at home here—except, you know, you’re a magical monkey with the ability to summon clones and shapeshift into other creatures. The variety in Wukong’s move set is where the game really shines. One minute, you’re bashing enemies with your extendable staff; the next, you’re transforming into a giant wolf to tear through hordes of enemies.
There’s also a heavy emphasis on strategy. Each boss requires a unique approach, and simply button-mashing won’t get you very far. You’ll need to carefully study enemy patterns, plan your attacks, and master Wukong’s transformations to make it through alive. Oh, and keep an eye on your stamina bar—because running out of juice while facing a hulking demon with a massive hammer is a great way to get turned into monkey paste.
Exploration is another key element, and the game encourages you to poke around every corner of its beautifully crafted world. Hidden secrets, side quests, and lore are scattered throughout, making it rewarding to explore between battles. It’s like Elden Ring with a monkey tail and a lot more sass.
Value: Wukong and Your Wallet
Black Myth: Wukong offers a substantial amount of content for those who love a good challenge and deep combat systems. With dozens of boss fights, expansive areas to explore, and a narrative rooted in rich Chinese mythology, there’s enough here to keep you entertained for hours on end—assuming you’re not spending half that time getting repeatedly dunked on by a demonic panda.
However, it’s not without its frustrations. The difficulty can be punishing, especially for players new to the Souls-like genre. Some might find the learning curve steep, while others will thrive on the challenge. If you’re the type of gamer who loves mastering mechanics and taking down impossible bosses, you’ll find a lot of value here. But if you’re looking for a more casual, relaxed experience… well, maybe stick to something less rage-inducing.
The game doesn’t have microtransactions (thankfully), so once you buy it, you’re free to suffer through Wukong’s trials without constantly being asked to pay for cosmetics or power-ups. That’s a nice change of pace in today’s gaming world.
For & Against
For:
Gorgeous visuals that set a new benchmark for action RPGs.
Fluid, challenging combat with a deep focus on strategy.
Wukong’s transformations add fun and variety to gameplay.
Epic boss fights that are as satisfying as they are difficult.
A rich world steeped in Chinese mythology that’s worth exploring.
Against:
The difficulty can be brutal, especially for newcomers to the genre.
Some minor bugs and occasional framerate dips in larger battles.
Combat can feel repetitive during long stretches of enemy encounters.
Steep learning curve that may frustrate casual players.
Final Verdict: 9/10
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG that swings for the fences and mostly nails it. The visuals are stunning, the combat is deep and satisfying, and Wukong’s ability to shapeshift into different creatures keeps things fresh. The difficulty, while challenging, rewards patience and mastery—but it might be a tough nut to crack for casual gamers. If you’re a fan of games like Sekiro or Dark Souls and love a good challenge, this game is a must-play.
Just be prepared to die. A lot. But hey, at least you’ll look amazing while doing it.