Is Black Myth Wukong a Souls Like? What is a Souls Like Game?

Is Black Myth Wukong a Souls Like?

No, Black Myth: Wukong is not a soulslike game, although it incorporates some elements from the genre. Unlike traditional soulslike games, which are known for their challenging combat and drip-fed storytelling, Black Myth: Wukong focuses more on its narrative with a clear-cut story delivered through cutscenes.

The game offers a more approachable experience with upgrades, spells, and weapons that make combat less reliant on precise timing compared to typical soulslike games. Despite its similarities in combat and difficulty, it aims to be a more narrative-driven action RPG rather than fitting strictly into the soulslike category.

What is a Souls Like Game?

A Soulslike game is a type of action RPG known for its high difficulty and dark fantasy setting. It originated from Demon's Souls and the Dark Souls series by FromSoftware. These games feature challenging gameplay where players often die and learn from their mistakes, with minimal save points.

The story is revealed through the game’s environment rather than direct exposition. The term "Soulslike" is used to describe games that share these tough mechanics, though it’s debated whether it’s a specific genre or just a set of common features. Games in this style may also be called Soulsborne if developed by FromSoftware.

Black Myth Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG developed and published by Game Science, released worldwide on August 20, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and Windows, with an Xbox Series X/S version planned for later. Inspired by the Chinese novel Journey to the West, the game features a monkey protagonist based on Sun Wukong.

It's the first game in the Black Myth series, which will delve into various Chinese myths. Critics have given it generally positive reviews, praising its combat, visual design, and worldbuilding. However, some criticism has been directed at its level design and technical issues.

Black Myth Wukong Gameplay

Black Myth: Wukong is a single-player action RPG inspired by the Chinese novel Journey to the West. Players control the monkey protagonist, the Destined One, who uses a versatile staff that can extend and shrink in combat. The game features three combat stances and requires managing focus and stamina.

Players can use spells and transformations, like becoming a wolfman with a flaming glaive, for unique attacks. Spirits provide skills and effects, acquired from defeated enemies. The game has linear progression with checkpoints at shrines and involves battling various enemies. Difficulty remains consistent but can vary during play.