Since it exploded onto the scene with its stunning debut trailer in 2020, Black Myth: Wukong has had an air of something different about it. At first glance, the gameplay is reminiscent of other action role-playing games, but its monkey protagonist, visual fidelity and wide variety of enemies have continued to excite players eager to explore the rich fantasy world inspired by the classical Chinese novel, Journey to the West. As the game prepares to launch on PS5 and PC on August 20th here’s a few things we’ve noticed that set Black Myth: Wukong apart from other games in the genre.
Respec and Retry
Many players have already identified the similarities between Black Myth: Wukong and other action RPGs, and in some cases the comparisons are apt. Black Myth: Wukong is designed to be challenging, and its gauntlet of big bosses with even bigger health bars will keep you on your toes. But with every unsuccessful attempt at besting your foe, you have the option to take a new direction.
As the Destined One defeats enemies throughout the world and accrues experience, they level up and gain Sparks which are used in the Self-Advance skill tree to awaken more abilities and spells. What makes Black Myth: Wukong different however is the ability at any point to visit a Keeper’s Shrine (the game’s equivalent of a bonfire or checkpoint) and ‘Reignite the Sparks’, returning all the spent Sparks to you, ready to reallocate.
If one particular boss is a problem for the primate protagonist, take the opportunity to explore new combat options and tailor your abilities to the fight at hand. Not only does this mean you have a wider range of options in combat, but it also means you’re never locked in to one type of playstyle as you’re free to shake it up whenever you want.
Put a Spell on You
Throughout your adventure as the staff-wielding and spell-casting simian you’ll encounter a wide variety of enemies, known as Yaoguais, who are diverse in their designs and their attacks. To counter the threat they pose, the Destined One has a number of abilities to invest in, from unlocking Staff Stances that switch up heavy attacks, to spells that can be used to control the battlefield.
The spells themselves are derived from Chinese mythology, and are designed to complement that game’s proactive and nimble combat. Immobilize is a control spell that freezes enemies, and even bosses, in place, interrupting their attacks and opening them up to attacks of your own. Cloud Step is a mobility spell that leaves a decoy of the Destined One behind while they turn invisible, so you can reposition and unleash a powerful attack from thin air. Then there are the transformations which turn you into monsters you have defeated along your journey.
Unlike other action RPGs where the pressure is high but options are limited, Black Myth: Wukong encourages players to cycle through all the abilities on offer and take the fight to enemies. With only dodging available to avoid attacks, playing offensively and utilizing spells as part of a combat strategy is key to succeeding against these formidable foes.
Transformations
One of the most fascinating aspects of Black Myth: Wukong is the protagonist’s ability to transform into monsters, taking on their abilities and using them against enemies. These transformations are inspired by the original classical Chinese novel, Journey to the West, and happen in two ways. In the first instance, defeating certain enemy bosses and taking their weapon grants a transformation spell that is used to morph into them, so you can embody their look and abilities.
The second form of transformation is done with Spirit Skills. After building up enough Qi during combat, unleash the powerful signature ability of a Yaoguai. To unlock more Spirit Skills, defeat challenging monsters and absorb their left-behind spirits–similar to Sparks, the spirits of Yaoguais can be cultivated and swapped out at Keeper’s Shrines.
With a unique mythological Chinese setting, fluid animations and varied combat options, Black Myth: Wukong is looking to make its own mark on the action RPG genre, and you can experience it soon when it launches on PS5 and PC on August 20th.
