As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that the upcoming release of “Black Myth: Wukong” has me absolutely thrilled! Growing up, I remember playing games like “Ong Bak 2” and “The Raid 2”, where the action was fast-paced, intense, and filled with unique foes that pushed my skills to the limit.
Can you believe it? Four years since its breathtaking debut, Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong is almost here! This month, gamers can dive into the action on PS5 and PC (with the Xbox Series X/S version following suit soon). Based on the legendary Chinese novel, Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en, this game offers a unique twist. Instead of adhering closely to the original story, the protagonist goes by the name of The Destined One, and their true identity remains shrouded in mystery. Yet, they still face a myriad of trials, battling fearsome monsters and dragons along the way.
Among the numerous games resembling Souls series over time, it’s refreshing to find a hack-and-slash game that seems to favor character-driven action RPG elements (despite having some Souls-like aspects). Not only does it appear visually stunning, but it could potentially be the most impressive Sun Wukong-themed game we’ve encountered so far. The main reason I’m thrilled about this game is that it’s a boss rush title.
You might recognize this term – it’s often applied to game modes where the player faces off against a series of bosses in various genres, one after another. In some instances, there are no healing options or item replenishments available. At times, it’s about setting new records by completing the fights as swiftly as possible. On other occasions, it serves as a practice ground for battling certain bosses before encountering them in the main story (particularly useful in games like Dead Cells, which are rogue-like). Essentially, these modes strip away everything else from the base game and focus solely on the toughest challenges.
“Boss-centric titles.” Unlike Souls-like games, which incorporate similar elements but also delve into action-adventure aspects such as puzzles, complex questlines, exploration, and platforming, these “Boss-centric titles” generally present a more straightforward gameplay experience. For instance, the upcoming game Black Myth: Wukong appears to offer simpler levels, with some routes leading to challenging optional bosses and a dramatic storyline complete with numerous cutscenes. However, the core gameplay revolves primarily around the boss encounters.
Although the previews emphasized initial stages in the game, Game Science described the map as significantly larger. However, the developer labeled it as a “linear game driven by its narrative,” according to Eurogamer. Nonetheless, there’s been some apprehension about the emptiness that can be felt in certain areas despite the presence of smaller adversaries and resources to collect.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed a growing debate over this upcoming title. While some argue it’s not a “boss rush” game due to the lack of full disclosure about its world design and quests, others are skeptical about spending $60 on what appears to be merely a boss rush game. I get their concerns, but let’s wait and see what more they reveal about Wukong before making a decision.
From a fan’s perspective, I believe both opinions are rooted in anticipation. One advocates for holding judgment until we’ve experienced more, fearing premature labels might be hasty. On the other hand, some of us scrutinize every trailer and preview, yearning for something extra – perhaps an exciting gameplay experience beyond just fighting bosses. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if a boss rush game at its core is necessarily a bad thing?
It’s understandable why some might perceive this genre as simplified, considering games like Elden Ring and others offer additional features alongside impressive boss designs. However, it’s important to note that Black Myth: Wukong is not lacking in that department, as demonstrated by its numerous engaging fights throughout the years.
In this game, you’ll encounter two wolf-like characters – Guangzhi, a monk wielding flaming double-swords, and another giant, ferocious boss. The Destined One needs to navigate and dodge through Guangzhi’s attacks to counterattack effectively. There’s also a tiger boss who, despite its large size, demonstrates agile martial arts skills, though you might be too focused on the pool of blood surrounding it (probably from past victims).
There’s this massive snake, zipping around and shooting lightning bolts. The most effective way to deal with it seems to be hitting it squarely on the face with your staff. As for the colossal bug-like monster that flattens the Chosen One by slamming into the ground, I’m not certain about the best approach, but using fire could potentially help. This is just a few examples from the variety of imaginative and stunning bosses showcased by Game Science during that time period. Each one is unique in its own way.
In some respects, the game Black Myth: Wukong brings to mind the title Furi developed by The Game Bakers. Unlike other games, it didn’t feature additional enemies, collectibles, or upgrades; instead, the exploration was primarily a linear journey from one location to another, guided by an enigmatic man with a rabbit head. However, the core gameplay consisted almost entirely of boss battles, which could vary in complexity depending on the chosen difficulty level.
After eight years, these bosses continue to be rich in personality, providing insight into the protagonist’s journey through their stories, as well as offering additional context. They are also demanding, blending action-packed hack-and-slash sequences with rapid decision-making and quick dodges to avoid bullet storms. Few games that focus on boss battles have achieved the same level of quality and difficulty as these titles do.
Game Science’s boss designs veer towards a different approach, yet the impressive showmanship and captivating story elements are hard to ignore. Moreover, its replay value could be significantly high thanks to the multitude of spells and transformations available for the Chosen One to master, in addition to armor set bonuses, weapon choices, build customization, and high-rarity loot yet to be discovered.
As a gamer, I’ve found myself immersed in this game thanks to the extensive combo possibilities it offers. With various stances at my disposal, I can create unique combinations that keep gameplay fresh and engaging. Though it might seem simpler than your typical AAA action RPGs, developed by studios with a huge team, don’t let that fool you. Its streamlined approach is just as appealing and enjoyable as its more complex counterparts.
It’s important to note that when Game Science began working on this project in 2018, there were just seven team members involved. By the time it was announced in 2020, the team had grown to around 30. Now, recent reports suggest they have around 100 developers. Although that’s not a small team, it’s remarkable to see them delivering on such an expansive concept with such detail, even without the same resources as some larger development studios.
When “Black Myth: Wukong” eventually releases, I hope it captures the exhilarating atmosphere of action films such as “Ong Bak 2” and “The Raid 2”. This includes those intense scenes where our hero faces formidable opponents who initially seem equally powerful, only to be defeated in a spectacular fashion (and let’s aim for a more uplifting conclusion than “Ong Bak 2”). However, it should steer clear of endless fight sequences with minimal downtime since “Journey to the West” is aiming for a different tone.
Despite the challenge of embarking on this enchanting journey filled with mythical adversaries, it’s hard not to be drawn in. Regardless of whether the ‘boss rush’ tag is debated or considered a non-essential purchase, the game’s distinct character captivates. If it manages to provide an enjoyable experience overall, I believe it’s worth exploring, irrespective of whether it adheres to established genres such as “Souls-like” and so forth.
As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must clarify that while this article carries my personal views, it does not necessarily reflect the collective stance of GamingBolt as a platform. My gaming journey has exposed me to diverse perspectives and opinions, and I strive to maintain an objective approach in all my writings, ensuring that they represent only my own thoughts and experiences in the world of gaming.
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2024-08-11 19:42