Game Science’s action role-playing game Black Myth Wukong has gone gold and will be released on August 20th for PC and PlayStation 5. The development team is working hard on the final stages of testing and deployment. A new trailer for the game will be shared on August 8th at 10 a.m. Beijing time.
Black Myth Wukong will unlock at 10 am on all platforms it releases, including Steam, the Epic Games Store, and PlayStation 5 in the West. The game was initially planned to be released on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S this month. However, it has been delayed on Microsoft’s consoles to allow for better optimization.
The delay might also involve issues related to Sony. A new release date for the Xbox platforms has not been confirmed yet. Black Myth Wukong is one of the most anticipated titles of 2024.
Preorders have been open since June, and PC gamers can take advantage of notable discounts. The standard edition is available for $52.49 at CDKeys, down from its regular price of $59.99. A Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes exclusive in-game items, is also available for $61.39.
Black Myth Wukong release details
The game is based on the legendary Chinese literary work “Journey to the West.” Players will control the Destined One, a monkey inspired by Sun Wukong from the classic novel. It features fast-paced combat, skill trees, linear-style levels, and a captivating narrative.
Black Myth Wukong combines stamina-based fighting, bonfire-style checkpoints, and boss fights with linear levels, gear rarities, and a combat system not primarily centered around spacing and attack commitment. This approach has anticipated the game highly, topping Steam’s “most-wishlisted” chart. The game has received some criticism over claims of a misogynistic workplace culture at Game Science and a demo version’s lack of female characters.
However, IGN’s recent review called the game “stunningly gorgeous,” “incredibly fluid,” and “immensely satisfying,” noting that women will be present in the final game. Experts believe that the gamified Wukong, with his trademark fighting staff and ability to transform into different beings, will transcend cultural barriers. Each rendition of the character breathes new life into it, and there is much space for retelling the old story and recreating the classic persona.
As Chinese game developers increasingly explore overseas markets, they must confront diverse cultural elements, from content to workplace culture. Some say the industry has traditionally been very male-dominated in China, but this approach is shifting. Judging by the rave reviews on top gaming websites, Black Myth Wukong has won the hearts of many.
Video Games Chronicle called it “frantic, hard as nails, and visually stunning.” At the same time, GamesRadar writer Austin Wood said it was “easily among the best and best-looking action [role-playing games] I’ve played in years.”
