Black Myth: Wukong – Should Bloodborne Fans Play it?

As someone who’s spent countless hours in the twisted labyrinth of Yharnam, I can say with confidence that the impending release of Black Myth: Wukong has my curiosity piqued and my heart racing faster than a madman’s chase.

Over the years, I’ve found myself returning to the Dark Souls series, whether for a fresh playthrough or to explore mods. However, there’s something I feel compelled to confess about Bloodborne. No, not that it’s a boss rush game and everyone is crazy for thinking so, or that it’s not one of the greatest games ever made. The truth is, I’ve only managed to complete it once. On one occasion, I attempted to tackle The Old Hunters, but unfortunately, that attempt was cut short as I just couldn’t handle it anymore. Not because the game is poor in quality, but because of some technical issues with my PS4.

Although Bloodborne, one of Sony’s most cherished first-party intellectual properties, hasn’t received an upgrade for PS5 or a port to PC, let alone a remastered version or enhanced edition, any hopes for a remake following Bluepoint’s outstanding adaptation of Demon’s Souls in 2020 have largely faded. This leaves players with the challenge of dealing with Bloodborne’s 30 FPS and frame rate issues, while many modern action games provide a smoother 60 frames per second experience instead.

It’s unfortunate, but it boasts some of FromSoftware’s finest creations. Dark yet intricately woven lore reflecting the grim aspects of humanity? Absolutely. Cosmic terror and entities beyond our comprehension? Affirmative. Combat that appreciates skill and encourages an aggressive playstyle? Double affirmative!

In Yharnam, whether you’re wandering the streets or discovering the enigmatic Cainhurst Castle, Bloodborne boasts exceptional aesthetic and environmental design, despite its often gloomy and dismal atmosphere. This game possesses a distinctly eerie charm that sets it apart. Indeed, Yharnam seems to have a personality all its own.

Among certain game titles, some have been a source of comfort over the years, and NEOWIZ’s “Lies of P” is one such example due to its captivating gothic backdrop, thrilling combat sequences, and intriguing dark fantasy adaptation of the classic tale of Pinocchio. Yet, it may be that Game Science’s “Black Myth: Wukong” could potentially surpass it when it is released on August 20th for PlayStation 5 and PC.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to clarify that while Game Science’s hack-and-slash action-adventure title shares some similarities with Souls-like games, it doesn’t entirely fit the mold. For instance, there are checkpoints acting as respawn points for both player and enemies, and a stamina meter is also present, much like in Souls games. However, when considering features like parrying or firearms (and transforming weapons), it falls short compared to Bloodborne. Some might argue that the extendable staff could be considered a transforming weapon, but it’s not on the same level as those found in Bloodborne.

In Bloodborne, rather than using spells, the Chosen One assumes the appearance and battle techniques of vanquished adversaries instead. On the other hand, Wukong showcases an array of spells at his disposal, such as a fiery circle that traps foes and a skill for counterattacking.

The setting is also a pretty big difference-maker. Yharnam is inspired by Victorian-era London, and you could argue that the plague going around is based on the Black Death that afflicted Europe during the Middle Ages. On the other hand, Black Myth: Wukong is based on the Chinese novel Journey to the West and sees the player embarking on an epic journey that spans multiple regions.

In Wukong, you’ll encounter lush forests, snowy mountain ranges, ancient ruins adorned with colossal statues, and other extraordinary landscapes. Unlike some open-world games, it’s not labeled as such but instead offers a mythological adventure filled with fantastical creatures and grand events reminiscent of legends. In essence, Wukong is more about embarking on a mythological journey rather than Gothic medieval fantasy like Bloodborne, which blends elements of dark folklore with Lovecraftian terrors.

It’s hard to argue against the emphasis on quick-timed battles with restrictions in Bloodborne. The game offers faster-paced combats compared to the Dark Souls series, requiring players to rely more on swift dodges and parrying enemies rather than blocking their attacks. A key aspect of FromSoftware’s games is learning boss patterns and reacting promptly, which mirrors how Black Myth: Wukong approaches its combat.

In this game, there’s no option to parry or block attacks, so countering is limited by a cooldown period. Essentially, dodging is your main defense mechanism. Unlike some Souls-like games where you can dodge repeatedly without limit, this game has a restriction – after three consecutive dodges, there’s a short cool down period. It’s not just about reacting to attacks but also about timing and conserving your dodges for critical moments.

It’s important to note that Black Myth: Wukong isn’t necessarily easier than Bloodborne, as some challenging boss fights have been mentioned in previews, particularly optional ones like Loong which demand a high level of focus and proficiency in the Destined One’s abilities.

Keep in mind that these early battles serve as a warm-up – as more transformations and spells become available to the player, future bosses might prove to be even more challenging. This pattern of increasing difficulty is typical for action RPGs with hack-and-slash mechanics. Comparing their difficulties can be tricky because they have unique gameplay styles and boss designs at their core.

However, it’s not about whether Bloodborne and Black Myth: Wukong are the same types of games. The question is whether someone well-versed in the former and who has wasted desperately for a sequel or some kind of a revival should even bother stepping into the Destined One’s shoes. While it definitely won’t offer the exact same experience, I think it’s well worth checking out. Based on the gameplay thus far, Game Science has demonstrated more than just a visual flair, delivering gorgeous environments and effects while maintaining a steady 60 FPS (which hopefully holds up at launch).

As a lifelong gamer and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in various RPGs, I have to say that this game is truly something special. The combat system, with its intricate blend of strategies and techniques, has kept me engaged for hours on end. From the deft dodges and swift light attacks to the powerful, stance-dependent heavy strikes, every battle feels like a dance between adversaries. And let’s not forget the incredible transformations – they are nothing short of breathtaking!

As a long-time gamer who has dabbled in everything from character-driven action games to action-adventure titles, I can confidently say that Black Myth: Wukong looks like it will appeal to gamers of all stripes. The game’s combination of hack-and-slash mechanics and immersive storytelling is something that I believe many players will enjoy, regardless of their preferred genre or platform (although it’s unfortunate that the Xbox Series X/S won’t have access to it at launch). As someone who has spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds and battling enemies, I can’t wait to see what Black Myth: Wukong has in store for us.

After many years of being worked on, the game Black Myth: Wukong is nearly ready for release, and it’s impressive to see how it’s progressed since its initial gameplay reveal. While it remains unclear whether the game will be a huge success or not, and if it will help Game Science expand the potential Black Myth universe, what truly matters is that the game is nearly here.

Although it might not establish a groundbreaking milestone for its genre or appeal to every fan who dives into it, and there could be some less engaging aspects, it seems like an immersive journey worth taking if you’ve been eagerly anticipating your return to Yharnam. It may even provide the frame-rate-free getaway you’ve longed for.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d like to emphasize that the opinions shared in this piece are my own. They don’t reflect the collective viewpoint of our esteemed organization, GamingBolt.

2024-08-15 15:41

Read More