Of the many Soulslike games announced in recent years, few managed to capture gamers’ attention quite like developer Game Science’sBlack Myth: Wukongdid with its 2020 debut trailer. The lengthygameplay trailer forBlack Myth: Wukonggave 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: Wukongwill have to rely on more than just its legendary source material.
The first in what developer Game Science hopes to be a trilogy ofgames 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 ofJourney to the Westis 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 inBlack Myth: Wukongis 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.
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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 acclaimedHellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice,developer Ninja Theory offered gamers its own take onJourney to the West. Released in 2010, the PlayStation 3 andXbox 360 gameEnslaved: Odyssey to the Westused 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 Westwas 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 ownunique spin onJourney 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 thatBlack 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 toDragon Ball Z,Journey to the West’s storyhas more than proved its staying power. But, in adapting the tale forBlack 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 itsSoulslike gameWo Long: Fallen Dynasty, which was similarly based on Chinese legends, failed to win players over with its bland gameplay.
Black Myth: Wukonghas 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 byElden 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 theJourney to the West-inspired game is as exciting as the combat.
As the most high-profile example of a growing number ofgames based on Chinese fantasy,Black Myth: Wukongcan 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 whenBlack Myth: Wukongreleases in 2024.
Black Myth: Wukongreleases in Summer 2024 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
