The Chinese industry is usually something of an unknown in the game industry compared to other regions. In fact, its works tend to go largely unnoticed. Even so, several of the recently announced games that are coming from China in the near future look compelling. There is no doubt that one of the most promising is Black Myth: Wukong, a new member of the Soulslike genre that draws on Journey to the West.
The title from Chinese developer Game Science has been in full expectation since Black Myth: Wukong's earliest trailer in 2020. The game is an action RPG based on one of the great novels of Chinese literature, and stars Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King.
Black Myth: Wukong and the Legend of the Monkey King
The world of video games is so vast that, sometimes, it is surprising that there are still development teams capable of reinventing genres and stories. Nevertheless, there are developers who dare to take stories hundreds of years old to give them a new life with different perspectives and a large dose of action. This is how Black Myth: Wukong is presented. Journey to the West, written by an anonymous author, tells the story of a monkey's life from his birth to his ascension to Buddhahood. Sun Wukong spent much of his early life seeking immortality and stirring trouble, but for most of the novel, he accompanies the monk Tang Sanzang and other allies on a pilgrimage where he confronts the evil of the world.
Journey to the West shows the development and redemption of a young god still capable of plenty of mischief. This is not only a fantasy story that deals with all the themes of Eastern mysticism, but it also challenges the beliefs, culture, philosophy, and politics of the Chinese world in that era. The novel can be slow for a modern audience, but it hides an amusing story and many teachings about self-control, patience, and personal growth.
Black Myth: Wukong takes a twist on the legend by offering a cooler vision of Sun Wukong. Although Black Myth: Wukong has a release window, many details are yet to be revealed. It is possible that this action game wants to explore the consequences of the Monkey King's rebellion and confinement, as the game's world seems to be plagued by demons and supernatural beings.
From a new perspective and presenting great obstacles, the Unreal Engine 5 game will seemingly bring the legend to life, turning key elements of Sun Wukong's experiences into tangible mechanics. In some of the gameplay that the developer has shown, Wukong's powers are clearly based on the Monkey King's abilities as described in Journey to the West. Sun Wukong will wield all kinds of shapeshifting options in the game, and another special ability summons several clones. Both of these techniques are central to the Monkey King's identity, as is his extending staff.
Journey to the West, and specifically the story of the Monkey King, has been adapted on a large number of occasions and in very different formats, including films and video games. Some of the most recent ones are Monkey King: Hero is Back and Enslaved: Odyssey To The West. Probably the most famous work that has taken elements from this story is Dragon Ball, since Goku is inspired by Sun Wukong himself. Despite all these adaptations, Black Myth: Wukong still looks unique through its gritty tone and Soulslike approach, so it has a lot to offer.
Black Myth: Wukong releases in Summer 2024 on PC and consoles.