Summary
- Black Myth: Wukong introduces mythological creatures unlike anything seen before in the Soulslike genre, with imaginative designs and strong cultural inspiration from ancient Chinese mythology.
- The game deviates from the typical body horror and tragedy seen in FromSoftware games, presenting a sunnier and less gruesome world filled with regal depictions of anthropomorphic animals and giant beasts.
- The art design of Black Myth: Wukong draws from older Chinese mythological artwork, particularly Buddhist paintings, showcasing the influence of Journey to the West and its Buddhist message on the game's visuals.
Black Myth: Wukong, an upcoming Soulslike based on the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, got a big trailer at The Game Awards. Not only did this new teaser show off titanic foes and dazzling fidelity, but it also demonstrated how Black Myth: Wukong's mythological creatures will be unlike anything players have seen in the genre thus far.
A good while in the making, Black Myth: Wukong was revealed back in 2020. The game will follow the journey of the 'Destined One', a character modeled after monkey king Sun Wukong. All manner of creatures, both small and colossal, look to stand in the player's way. Many seem to be direct allusions to Journey to the West, such as a giant arachnid that might be one of the book's spider demons—or an anthropomorphic black bear that likely represents the demon Xiong Shanjun. Many other creatures could also take their likeness from more ancient Chinese mythology.
Black Myth: Wukong Brings A Whole New Look To Soulslikes
Soulslikes have always been known for having iconic monster designs, often showcasing exceeding creativity and gruesomeness. Just look at the Dark Souls series and their bosses for a masterclass in the nightmarish imagination that's become a Soulslike signature. Black Myth: Wukong takes a similar approach here. Its designs are brimming with imagination and many carry on that body horror tradition:
- The trailer sees a gaunt, winged creature that appears somewhat desiccated.
- A boss resembling a ball of gold enveloped by some tangle of wooden vines is distinctly abstract.
- Lantern-headed humanoids, an uncanny mixture.
How Wukong's Art Design Sets It Apart Culturally
Black Myth Seemingly Abandons Many FromSoftware Tropes
However, Black Myth: Wukong also looks to be bucking some of these trends. On the surface level, we see that most of these creatures are not so plagued with infection or wrought with tragedy as those in FromSoftware's catalog. The anthropomorphic animals and giant beasts (namely the spider and the turtle) are shown without themselves being turned into horror shows.
Many other humanoids, even if they carry additional skeletal arms or have insectoid legs, are muscle-bound—almost regal in their depiction. Once players are shown the full scope of Black Myth: Wukong, there may yet be more grit to be found. So far, though, its world is a sunnier one filled with beasts and proud demon kings not marred by horror in the ways we've seen before.
Chinese Mythology and Inspiration is Ripe in Black Myth: Wukong
Another notable aspect of this art design that really sets Black Myth: Wukong apart from its contemporaries is its clear inspiration from older Chinese mythological artwork, specifically Buddhist artwork. Journey to the West is a story with roots in Buddhist folklore and with a strong Buddhist message, things that Black Myth: Wukong wears on its sleeve.
An example of this would be the figures depicted in bhavacakra paintings (depictions of the cycle of samsara that are found within and outside of China). Of particular interest is the demon holding the wheel, Mara, whose humanoid face, wrinkles, and colorful skin (often a bright red) can often be found among many creatures of Chinese mythology. That might be painting in broad strokes, but it explains the inspiration for the distinctly human faces of most beasts seen in the trailer.
Another unique feature of the game's art is the liberal use of larger-than-life scope. Mighty dragons as long as mountains are tall, titans with heads above the clouds, and gargantuan insects to mount can all be found in the new release date trailer. All these creatures, far greater in scale than what gamers are used to from Soulslikes, are reminiscent of the giants found in Shadow of the Colossus.
With an official release date marked for 2024, Black Myth: Wukong will soon be giving players a Soulslike experience like never before. From all that has been shown thus far, Wukong seems to present a bestiary right out of a hanging scroll painting.
Black Myth: Wukong
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 80%
- Released
- August 20, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Game Science
- Publisher(s)
- Game Science
WHERE TO PLAY
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology and based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.
You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.
As the Destined One, you shall encounter powerful foes and worthy rivals throughout your journey. Fearlessly engage them in epic battles where surrender is not an option.
Aside from mastering various staff techniques, you can also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find the winning strategy that best suits your combat style.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
