Game Overview:

• An action RPG based on the classic novel Journey to the West
• Developed by Game Science, an indie studio founded by ex-Tencent developers
• Focuses on playing as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, wielding a magical staff

Combat Mechanics:

• Combat is similar to Sekiro and Bloodborne, with a narrow focus on:
  
  
  • A single weapon (magical staff)
  • Dodge mechanics
  • Quick-use spells with cooldowns
  • No blocking or parrying in the early stage

Unique Combat Features:

• A combo system centered around “Focus points”
  
  
  • Light attacks build Focus points
  • Heavy attacks consume Focus points
  • Ability to chain attacks strategically
• Shapeshifting ability allows temporarily transforming into defeated enemy types
• Emphasis on dodging and quick reflexes over defensive blocking

Preview Experience:

• Played in the Black Wind Mountain area
• Characterized by challenging boss fights
• Narrow, linear game paths with limited exploration
• Beautiful but confined game world
• Described as essentially a “boss rush” game

Gameplay Challenges:

• Bosses are demanding and require careful learning of attack patterns
• Limited healing resources (single flask with limited uses)
• Combat requires constant movement and dodging
• Bosses have unpredictable attack timings

Overall Impression: The preview suggests that Black Myth: Wukong is a challenging action RPG that focuses more on intense boss encounters than open-world exploration. The combat system seems intricate, requiring players to master timing, combo chains, and the strategic use of Focus points and shapeshifting abilities.

Black Myth: Wukong – A Detailed Review

Game Basics

 Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG developed by Game Science, an indie studio founded by ex-Tencent developers. It’s based on the classic 15th-century novel “Journey to the West,” featuring Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King, as the protagonist.

Gameplay Mechanics

Combat System

The combat is most closely compared to FromSoftware titles like Sekiro and Bloodborne, but with some unique twists:

Weapon and Combat Focus

• Weapon: A single magical staff that can extend and change length
• No Blocking: Unlike many souls-like games, there’s no traditional block mechanism
• Dodge-Centered: Survival relies heavily on precise dodging

Combat Depth

The game introduces an innovative Focus point system:

• Light attacks build Focus points (up to two can be stored)
• Heavy attacks consume Focus points
• Charged heavy attacks possible when out of Focus
• Combos are crucial, with later skill tree unlocks allowing more complex attack chains

Unique Mechanics

• Shapeshifting: Players can transform into defeated enemy types
  
  
  • Limited duration (1-2 minutes)
  • Powerful but situational
  • Serves as a strategic “panic button” in challenging encounters

• Spell System
  
  
  • Limited spell options in the early game
  • “Immobilize” spell allows temporary enemy freezing
  • Encourages strategic spell use

World and Exploration

Environmental Design

• Gorgeous but linear world
• Black Wind Mountain area showcased in preview
• Highly detailed but constrained exploration
• Described as a “network of hiking trails”
• Invisible walls limit player movement

Progression

• Appears to be more of a “boss rush” style game
• Narrow paths between encounters
• Focused on combat rather than exploration

Difficulty and Challenge

Boss Encounters

• Extremely challenging boss fights
• Bosses with unpredictable attack patterns
• Require significant learning and adaptation
• Relatively quick respawn times reduce frustration

Combat Philosophy

• Emphasizes movement and timing
• Perfectly timed dodges create combo opportunities
• Requires aggressive learning of enemy patterns

Visual and Aesthetic Elements

• Incredibly detailed character models
• Lush, dense environmental design
• Smooth animations, especially during combat and shapeshifting

Potential Concerns

Limitations

• Very linear world design
• Limited exploration opportunities
• Potentially repetitive between boss encounters

Controversy

The article briefly mentions a 2023 IGN report about the company’s historical issues with workplace sexism, which might be a consideration for some players.

Target Audience

Ideal for:

• Fans of challenging action RPGs
• Players who enjoy precise, timing-based combat
• Those interested in mythological narratives
• Gamers who prefer combat-focused experiences over open-world exploration

Less suitable for:

• Players seeking extensive exploration
• Those who prefer more defensive combat styles
• Gamers who get frustrated by challenging boss encounters

Preliminary Verdict

Based on the two-hour preview, Black Myth: Wukong appears to be a promising action RPG with a unique combat system. While it may not offer the expansive world of Elden Ring, it seems to excel in focused, intense combat experiences.

The game stands out for its innovative Focus point system, stunning visual design, and challenging boss encounters. Its stripped-down approach to the souls-like genre might appeal to players looking for a more concentrated combat experience.

Final Thoughts

This is a preview-based review, and the full game experience could differ. The final judgment will depend on the game’s full scope, complete skill tree, and long-term engagement potential.

Recommended for: Hardcore action RPG enthusiasts seeking a challenging, combat-focused experience with a mythological twist.