Ever since it burst onto the scene in 2020 with its stunning debut trailer, Black Myth: Wukong has oozed something different. At first glance, the gameplay resembles other action-RPGs, but its simian protagonist, visual fidelity, and wide range of enemies continue to excite players eager to explore a opulent fantasy world inspired by the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West. As the game prepares to launch on PS5 and PC on August 20, here are a few things we’ve noticed that set Black Myth: Wukong apart from other games in the genre.
Please change your specification and try again
Many players have already noticed 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 series of huge bosses with even bigger health bars will keep you on your toes. But with each failed attempt to defeat an enemy, you have the opportunity to take a up-to-date direction.
As the Destined One defeats enemies throughout the world and gains experience, they level up and earn Sparks, which are used in the Self-Advancement skill tree to awaken more skills and spells. However, what sets Black Myth: Wukong apart is the ability to visit the Keeper’s Shrine (the game’s equivalent of a bonfire or checkpoint) at any time and “Reignite the Sparks,” returning all spent Sparks, ready to be reallocated.
If a particular boss is a problem for your main boss, take the opportunity to discover up-to-date combat options and adapt your skills to the fight. This not only means you have a wider range of options in combat, but also that you are never restricted to one playstyle, as you can change it whenever you want.
I will cast a spell on you
Throughout your adventure as a staff-wielding, spell-casting ape, you’ll encounter a wide variety of enemies known as Yaoguais, who vary in their designs and attacks. To combat the threat they pose, Destined One has a variety of skills to invest in, from unlocking Staff Stances that alter bulky attacks to spells that can be used to control the battlefield.
The spells themselves are drawn from Chinese mythology and are designed to complement the game’s proactive and agile combat. Immobilize is a control spell that freezes enemies, even bosses, in place, interrupting their attacks and leaving them open to your attacks. Cloud Step is a mobility spell that leaves a Destined One decoy behind while they become hidden, allowing you to reposition yourself and unleash a powerful aerial attack. Then there are the transformations, which turn you into monsters you’ve defeated along the way.
Unlike other action RPGs where the pressure is high and the options are restricted, Black Myth: Wukong encourages players to go through all available skills and fight enemies. With only dodging available to avoid attacks, playing offensively and using spells as part of your combat strategy is key to defeating 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 classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West, and this happens in two ways. First, defeating certain enemy bosses and taking their weapons grants a transformation spell that is used to transform into them, allowing you to embody their appearance and abilities.
The second form of transformation is through Spirit Skills. After accumulating enough Qi during battle, unleash the powerful signature ability of Yaoguai. To unlock more Spirit Skills, defeat challenging monsters and absorb their leftover spirits—like Sparks, Yaoguai spirits can be cultivated and traded in Keeper’s Shrines.
With its unique, mythological Chinese world, fluid animations, and diverse combat options, Black Myth: Wukong is set to leave its mark on the action RPG genre, and you can get your hands on it very soon when the game launches for PS5 and PC on August 20.
