Is Black Myth: Wukong a Soulslike game?

As a seasoned researcher with over two decades of gaming experience under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of action RPGs from their humble beginnings to the Soulslike genre that has taken the world by storm. With Black Myth: Wukong on the horizon, I find myself eagerly anticipating its release and, like many others, questioning whether it falls into the Soulslike category.

Black Myth: Wukong shares certain traits typical in Souls-like games, like a combat system based on stamina and checkpoints where enemies respawn. However, as indicated by various previews, the developers do not consider it a genuine Souls-like game. Instead, it appears to be a traditional action game that incorporates some elements reminiscent of Souls games.

It has similarities, but it’s not a true Soulslike

2024 has been a fantastic year for enthusiasts of action games, with major releases such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, the long-awaited Dragon’s Dogma 2, and others keeping the excitement level high. Another significant game about to hit the shelves is Black Myth: Wukong, a highly anticipated action RPG that’s been in development since 2018 and was first unveiled four years ago in 2020. It will be available on Windows PC and PS5 in a few weeks, starting August 20, with an Xbox version also in the pipeline.

Since Black Myth: Wukong is currently the most anticipated game on Steam, it’s expected to have one of the year’s largest game releases. As enthusiasm for the game reaches its zenith, many are questioning whether it belongs to the Soulslike genre – a category that encompasses games with mechanics reminiscent of FromSoftware’s “Soulsborne” series such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. With these titles gaining popularity over time, Black Myth: Wukong appears to share some similarities, leading some to speculate whether it might be a Soulslike game.

As a die-hard fan, I must acknowledge that while the game shares certain characteristics with Soulslikes such as epic boss battles, action based on stamina, and checkpoints reminiscent of bonfires which resurrect enemies upon rest, there are numerous aspects that buck the usual trends of this genre. Rest assured, multiple previews of the game have affirmed that Game Science, its creators, do not view it as a Soulslike title. Therefore, it’s clear that, in essence, it strays from being one.

What kind of game is it, then?

Is Black Myth: Wukong a Soulslike game?

If Black Myth: Wukong isn’t classified as a Soulslike game, it appears to lean more towards traditional Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs). While it does incorporate some elements found in Soulslikes, such as skill trees and a loot system with graded rarities, its overall structure seems to be different. The levels are linear and straightforward, the combat mechanics focus on aggressive and offensive movements rather than positioning and individual attack commitment, and there’s a broader emphasis on skills and loot.

In most Soulslikes, you won’t find these characteristics; exceptions like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (which is available on Xbox Game Pass) are not the norm. However, elements common in standard action RPGs can be expected when Black Myth releases later this month, offering a similar gaming experience.

It’s worth mentioning that Black Myth: Wukong is anticipated to have a prominent storyline due to its roots in the ancient novel Journey to the West and deep ties to Chinese mythology. In contrast to many Soulslikes, which often prioritize gameplay over narrative, this game may present its story more explicitly, allowing players to engage with it more directly rather than relying on item descriptions or intricate world design elements for understanding the lore.

If you find the game intriguing and would like to play it, remember that the Steam version for Windows PC is currently discounted to $52.49 at CDKeys. This is about a $10 reduction from its original price. Additionally, the Digital Deluxe Edition, which comes with additional features, is available for $61.39 at CDKeys, offering you almost the same savings. For more information about CDKeys, check out our FAQ.

In the year 2024, the highly anticipated game titled Black Myth: Wukong is slated to be among the top games. It has the promise of becoming not only one of the outstanding PC games but also one of the exceptional Xbox games (once it eventually releases on Microsoft’s consoles). You can pre-order this game now, and it will be available for purchase on Steam, Epic Games Store, WeGame, and PS5 starting August 20, 2024.

2024-08-06 23:39