While the video game market is usually dominated by AAA titles and massive ongoing franchises, every so often a game from a smaller studio cuts through the noise. Chinese developer Game Science's upcoming action RPG Black Myth: Wukong definitely turned a few heads when it dropped a surprise trailer in 2020 which included over ten minutes of gameplay. The glimpse at the game certainly impressed players with its visuals and interesting central concept, and Black Myth: Wukong continued to exceed fan expectations with a 2021 trailer that showed off Unreal Engine 5 gameplay.
Anticipation for Black Myth: Wukong is incredibly high, and even though gamers have had a good look at the game in action, there's still not a whole lot known about it. From what has been shown so far, however, Black Myth: Wukong seems to be giving off serious Soulslike vibes, mixed with a healthy dose of Dragon Ball Z – a potent combination that should please fans of both.
Laying The Groundwork For The Game
There is an ongoing relationship between video games and mythology. The latter can be a fertile source of inspiration for games and is often used to inform settings, storylines, and characters. The last few years have seen plenty of these titles, such as Immortals Fenyx Rising and its DLC, or 2018's God of War and its upcoming sequel. Black Myth: Wukong is another such title, borrowing from the sixteenth-century Chinese novel Journey to the West and drawing inspiration from the epic saga's legendary mythical figure Sun Wukong, or the Monkey King.
Not much is known about Black Myth: Wukong's story besides its literary and mythological influences, so players have had to piece things together from the gameplay that has been shown off so far. Gamers will be taking control of the monkey-like main character who will be based on Sun Wukong, and will be able to make use of his formidable fighting skills and powers, including the ability to transform into different forms. It seems like the game will be full of intriguing characters, challenging enemies, and thought-provoking interactions, and players are excited to learn more.
The Influence Of Other Franchises
Alongside more historical, literary, or mythological inspirations, games can also be influenced by other titles. While Black Myth: Wukong looks like its own incredibly unique experience, there are still some elements that are reminiscent of other franchises. FromSoftware's Soulsborne games have been foundational for so many subsequent titles, and their influence has been felt for years. Their intricate designs, wonderfully grotesque enemy types, and relentless gameplay that places an emphasis on dying have helped to shape many IPs, and it seems like Black Myth: Wukong might be taking a page out of their book as well. Its bleak but beautiful landscapes, lonesome protagonist, and fascinating foes look like a fresh take on Soulsborne tropes, which should definitely be interesting.
While the game will undoubtedly appeal to a wide audience, including fans of the Soulsborne games, there is also an argument for Dragon Ball Z enthusiasts to check out Black Myth: Wukong as well. On the surface, comparisons may not be that apparent between the two given the aesthetics, but Dragon Ball Z was also inspired in part by Journey to the West. It will likely share thematic elements with Black Myth: Wukong as a result, as well as parallels between Wukong and Dragon Ball Z's Goku. Some players have also pointed out similarities between the powers that Wukong displays in the gameplay footage and the abilities of Dragon Ball Z characters as they take on incredibly powerful enemies. The stylistic combat, battles against heavy odds, and Chinese influences tick a lot of Dragon Ball Z boxes.
Black Myth: Wukong certainly has the attention of players, and as long as it keeps its cards close to its chest it will continue to be the center of much speculation. A lot of the game still remains a mystery, but it's clear it will be a visually stunning experience, no matter what else Black Myth: Wukong has in store. Once players are able to play through the game themselves, they may be surprised by even more similarities between Black Myth: Wukong and other franchises.
Black Myth: Wukong is scheduled to release in 2023 for PC and unspecified platforms.