Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. You play as the Destined One, a monkey warrior travelling through a world full of demons, spirits and gods. For Malaysian players who grew up with stories of Sun Wukong, it is a special experience to see this world brought to life with such detail.
Combat
The game is often compared to Soulslike titles, but it plays faster and is a little more forgiving. You fight with a staff and switch between stances, build up focus to unleash heavy attacks, and use spells such as Immobilize to freeze enemies in place. Later you unlock transformations that let you take the form of defeated enemies for a short time.
Bosses
Boss fights are the star of the show. There are a lot of them, and almost every one has a unique design and move set. Some are short and dramatic, others are long battles that test everything you have learned. Beating a tough boss after many attempts is very satisfying.
Visuals and sound
This is one of the best looking games on PC and PS5. Forests, temples and snowy mountains are full of detail, and the music mixes traditional instruments with dramatic orchestral pieces. If your PC can handle higher settings, it is a showcase for your hardware.
Weak points
Level design is not always clear. Some areas look open but are blocked by invisible walls, and finding the correct path can be frustrating. A few bosses also feel much harder than the ones before them. The story is told in a poetic way that assumes some knowledge of the original novel.
Verdict
Black Myth: Wukong is a must play for action fans. It is beautiful, challenging and full of memorable moments. If you can accept some frustration along the way, it is one of the best action games of its generation.