Black Myth: Wukong Might Be the Most Unique Action RPG on Xbox This Year

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The Sony PlayStation 5 has been consistently impressing players with one outstanding first-party exclusive title following another, and a few select partnership exclusives thrown in between. One of the most successful games from this category is “Black Myth: Wukong,” developed by Game Science, which was released last August. As its exclusive deal with PlayStation nears its end, “Black Myth: Wukong” will be available on Xbox Series X starting 20th August 2025. If you haven’t had a chance to explore the game or only have a passing familiarity with it, let me assure you that you are in for a treat beyond your wildest expectations.

As a devoted fan, I must clarify that Black Myth: Wukong transcends typical action-adventure brawler stereotypes. It’s a deeply thoughtful game, where every component harmoniously contributes to an enchanting and enduring experience – one that lingers in your memory long after the final credits have rolled. I vividly recall the initial trailers for Black Myth: Wukong, marveling at its stunning animations and environments, powered by Unreal Engine 5, and doubting that the finished product would merely be a pale echo of this captivating pre-release hype.

It’s understandable that you might have doubts about Black Myth, given it’s from a studio with less established success and it aims to deliver top-tier current-gen AAA game quality at a lower budget. This combination can be hard to swallow. However, when the game was finally released, I found myself completely wrong in my skepticism and had the opportunity to marvel at Black Myth: Wukong in all its splendor.

As soon as you begin playing Black Myth: Wukong, the game thrusts you into a battle against an almighty deity. The grandeur is overwhelming, from observing a massive troop of soldiers to beholding a colossal stone giant who can crush mountains with a single swing of his axe. Fighting amidst the clouds, the landscape sets the stage for an epic adventure that lies ahead.

The battle itself is not lacking in any way; it serves as a playground to grasp the intricacies and nuances of combat in Black Myth: Wukong’s. Alternatively, you can simply keep pressing the light and heavy attack buttons without much consequence since there’s no visible health bar for opponents during the fight. This makes it an excellent opportunity for players to become accustomed to the rhythm of combat, as this will be crucial later in the game.

In essence, your battle is designed for defeat, serving as the starting point for your transformation into the Chosen One destined to traverse various realms and retrieve six relics that mirror Sun Wukong’s six senses. With all your previous armor and powers discarded following the initial encounter, Black Myth: Wukong begins in earnest, demanding you to be agile and tactical if you hope to outmaneuver these formidable bosses.

Discussing Black Myth: Wukong is quite challenging, yet you can visualize it as a fusion of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Bloodborne, and a touch of Devil May Cry. The core mechanics, like the restricted healing options during combat and stationary checkpoints, are reminiscent of FromSoftware’s titles. However, it also incorporates hack-and-slash elements, such as building up a series of light and heavy strikes against both formidable bosses and common adversaries by charging them up.

The game, Black Myth: Wukong, brings a distinct beat to its combat. It resonates harmoniously with titles such as Devil May Cry or Sekiro. It offers chances for strategic attacks, where you can deal a series of powerful blows, and these moments can be prolonged using tactics like transforming into enemies previously encountered or immobilizing them to keep them stationary.

On one hand, acting impulsively with your staff attacks won’t lead you to success. Instead, you need to understand the enemy attack patterns and learn when and where to evade if you aim to overcome some of the tougher opponents. The top boss fights in Black Myth: Wukong are nail-biting challenges that test your endurance, skill, and adaptability in a variety of ways.

As a dedicated fan of Black Myth: Wukong, I must admit that this game can present quite the challenge at times. Boss battles, for instance, may involve long combos with unforeseeable cues, and each strike can deal a hefty blow to your health gauge, making it crucial to remember these attack patterns. Some fights even unfold across multiple phases, with bosses adopting different strategies during each phase, which can extend the duel to over 10 minutes. Yet, despite its toughness, the game maintains an admirable balance of challenge and fairness, a trait seldom seen in games outside the FromSoftware realm that rely on difficulty as a lure for gamers.

In Black Myth: Wukong, combat depth goes way beyond just evading skillfully. Alongside this intricate dance, players have numerous avenues for growth, such as enhancing stats like health or stamina through learned skills, or discovering fresh combat mechanics like a new combo sequence. Additionally, you can acquire new abilities or even assume the form of previously defeated enemies. There are also options to brew potions with elemental properties, like fire or poison, which can be handy in tough situations. Furthermore, you can switch between various stances to adapt your move set to different opponents. Managing all these features can be challenging – especially during intense battles – but mastering them can significantly boost your ability to take down formidable bosses swiftly.

What’s intriguing about Black Myth: Wukong is its focused approach to gameplay. At first, it might seem like a modern Soulslike game, but upon closer inspection, it’s more akin to a fast-paced boss rush game similar to Furi. While there are some open areas populated by enemies and side paths offering extra points or essential materials, the main experience involves battling one boss after another.

Game Science made a smart decision by focusing on the boss fights in their game, rather than attempting to offer multiple types of gameplay that might not be as strong. This strategy gives the game a sense of cohesiveness, with the boss battles being the main attraction, while other sequences function as brief interludes without overstaying their welcome. This approach also allowed Game Science to complete development faster and at a lower cost because they focused on one core aspect of the game.

Surely, we can’t overlook the importance of the visuals, right? The game Black Myth: Wukong does an outstanding job in this regard, delivering highly realistic graphics. Constructed with Unreal Engine 5, Black Myth: Wukong makes full use of all modern rendering techniques to create a breathtaking and vibrant world that truly feels lifelike.

Beyond the technical aspects, let’s not forget to admire the thoughtful art design. From the intricate character and enemy designs to the immersive, harmonious environments that seamlessly blend diversity with tranquility. The animation quality is outstanding, making it a delight to watch at every turn. It’s clear that this work is a labor of love, and I can understand why you might find yourself pausing often to appreciate the beauty in your travels.

Certainly, Black Myth: Wukong isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination. The narrative could use some refinement, particularly for those playing in English. Additionally, being confined to a specific path can feel restrictive and even aggravating if you’re seeking an exploratory experience.

Despite its minor flaws, Black Myth: Wukong is an extraordinary gaming experience that keeps generating buzz. It’s no surprise given the impressive sales of over 25 million units and its platform exclusivity, which suggests that Game Science has truly hit a home run with this game. If you’re intrigued by Black Myth: Wukong in any way, I strongly recommend adding it to your gaming lineup when it launches for Xbox Series X on August 20.

This article’s opinions belong solely to its writer; they do not reflect the collective viewpoint of GamingBolt as a whole.

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2025-07-24 15:43