Black Myth: Wukong PS5 Review – An Excellent Port

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Black Myth: Wukong has truly captured my heart and left me breathless. If you’ve danced the blood-soaked ballet of games like Bloodborne, then prepare to slip on your satin shoes once more. The combat in this game is a symphony of precision and agility, a dance that demands every ounce of your skill and reflexes.

Without a doubt, the action role-playing game Black Myth: Wukong stands among the best in the genre. Recently, I evaluated the PC version and was left awestruck by its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay dynamics. Yet, there have been some whispers about the technical prowess of the PlayStation 5 edition.

With few PS5 reviews available last week, many players, including myself, were understandably cautious about how well the game would run on Sony’s console in terms of technical optimization. After all, there have been several games that underperformed at launch on consoles (cough, cough, Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor), so the absence of console reviews for Black Myth certainly raised a few eyebrows. However, after dedicating numerous hours to the PS5 version of the game, I can comfortably assert that the experience is on par with its PC counterpart.

Technically speaking, Black Myth: Wukong offers a delightful surprise on the PlayStation 5 with its sharp visuals and consistent frame rates.

Regarding its technical aspects, Black Myth: Wukong on PS5 delivers what you’d typically find in a contemporary console game launch. The title offers three visual settings – Quality, Balance, and Performance. As their names imply, Performance mode reduces the resolution to boost the frame rate, Balance mode strikes a perfect equilibrium between resolution and frame rate, while Quality mode decreases the frame rate for enhanced rendering resolution.

However, there is more to it than meets the eye. Quality mode renders the game at what looks like 1440p at a target frame rate of 30 frames per second. Performance mode, on the other hand, renders the game at what looks like 1080p, but ramps up the frame rate to 60. Balance mode probably targets a resolution between 1440p and 1080p but brings down the frame rate to the 40s. The performance in all three modes is reasonably good, for the most part. There are noticeable hiccups here and there, but what we are looking at is ultimately a mostly stable version that can still be improved through future patches.

Contrasting the PS5 and PC versions of Black Myth: Wukong, it’s noticeable that some graphical aspects such as shadows and post-processing aren’t quite as refined on the PS5. However, it manages to approach high-quality settings on a PC, particularly when in Quality mode, which is quite remarkable for a console that isn’t a top-tier PC build. Additionally, I noticed significantly faster load times on the PS5, making quick travel less of a wait. This might differ depending on your location, but you won’t typically have to spend much time waiting for the PlayStation 5 to catch up when traveling quickly. From a technical standpoint, Black Myth: Wukong is quite impressive on the PS5, offering clear visuals at consistent frame rates.

Black Myth: Wukong PS5 Review – An Excellent Port

“There is a lot to choose here, with whole trees dedicated to things like Stamina and Survival.”

Not only does Black Myth: Wukong showcase stunning visuals due to its exceptional art style, it also tests the boundaries of Unreal Engine 5. It’s likely that we’ll witness more visually impressive PS5 games as the console reaches its later years; however, at this moment, Black Myth: Wukong is undeniably one of the most graphically impressive titles on the console.

Regarding the gameplay of Black Myth: Wukong, my previous remarks about the PC version apply equally here. As expected, combat is the central aspect of the game, featuring only one type of weapon – your reliable staff. Players familiar with action RPGs similar to Bloodborne will find themselves comfortable in this title. The game emphasizes swift reflexes, requiring you to dodge and attack skillfully as you journey through this grand adventure.

In terms of advancement, similar to numerous other titles of its era, Black Myth: Wukong emphasizes the acquisition of skill points for character enhancement. You’ll find an abundance of options here, with entire branches dedicated to aspects like Endurance and Survival. Additionally, there are stances, categorized into three distinct groups, each boasting a complex array of skills that strengthen their respective type. I found myself leaning towards the Smash stance, but it’s quite possible someone else might favor the Pillar Stance due to its impressive-looking moves.

Black Myth: Wukong PS5 Review – An Excellent Port

Players have the ability to create items that can boost their attack capabilities or make them immune to specific effects such as burning (fire) or freezing.

In addition, you’ll find various kinds of armor becoming available as you advance in the game. Similarly, you’ll discover different types of staves, some even having their unique upgrade systems. The intricate level design encourages players to delve into every hidden corner of the world, and with each resource gathered, you’ll gain the ability to craft potent items and elixirs.

In the game Black Myth: Wukong, players gain a currency called Will, which they can collect by exploring and vanquishing foes. This in-game money, along with resources, allows players to synthesize medicines and enhancements. These concoctions are particularly handy when facing challenging confrontations. Players can also manufacture items that boost their offensive capabilities or make them immune to specific effects, such as fire or freeze. The result is a captivating battle system that may seem straightforward at first glance, but offers a subtle complexity and, of course, an exhilarating adrenaline rush.

In “Black Myth: Wukong”, it’s the boss battles that truly shine. This game offers a range of bosses, each unique in their design and difficulty level. Conquering these challenges is a more inviting experience than games like “Dark Souls” or “Elden Ring”, as mastering their patterns and weaknesses feels less daunting.

Black Myth: Wukong PS5 Review – An Excellent Port

“Black Myth: Wukong is easily one of the best PS5 games out there.”

Without a doubt, “Black Myth: Wukong” stands as one of the top PS5 games, not just among action role-playing games on the platform. Although there’s room for improvement in areas like frame rate and the inclusion of an in-game map, the game’s numerous strengths far outweigh these minor flaws. The game offers exhilarating combat, memorable boss battles, a straightforward yet captivating progression and crafting system, and stunning visuals. As such, “Black Myth: Wukong” is a title that no PS5 owner should miss out on. It’ll be intriguing to see how developer Game Science will develop the IP in the future.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

2024-08-22 23:41

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