Black Myth: Wukong – Hands-On With an Impressive First 2 Hours
This article delves into my personal hands-on experience with the upcoming soulslike, Black Myth: Wukong. After two hours with the opening chapter, I’m even more excited for its August 20th release. The game’s stunning visuals, fluid animations, and deep integration of Chinese culture are undeniable strengths.
What’s The Best Soulslike (or Souls) Game?
This section is a separate discussion, unrelated to the Black Myth: Wukong preview. It is a question of personal preference about the quality of soulslike or souls games.
Pick a winner
This is also a separate, unrelated section. The article does not attempt to make a subjective decision about a “winner” from the games shown.
About Our Report From Last Year
Last year, iGV published a detailed report concerning several sexist remarks made by Black Myth: Wukong developers. Importantly, this report remains relevant as this preview was conducted, and the developers have yet to address the issues. My personal experience at Summer Game Fest, while positive regarding the gameplay, was marked by a lack of response from Game Science about past statements.
Gameplay Impressions – First 2 Hours
- Fluid Combat: Wukong’s combat system is notably different from other soulslikes. It emphasizes quick reactions and dodging over blocking, with a Bayonetta-style dodge mechanic. This makes combat fast-paced and engaging from the outset.
- Focus-Based Attacks: Perfectly timed dodges build up a focus meter. This focus allows for powerful, chained attacks. Focus points can also be used to unlock more special skills in the skill tree.
- Mana-Based Spells: Magic spells consume mana. The immobilize spell was tested, effectively halting enemies and giving the player openings for attacks. Stronger opponents are less susceptible to the spell.
- Transformations and Stances: The game features empowering transformations that dramatically increase attack power and special abilities. The tower stance offers a unique defensive strategy, allowing the player to dodge on the staff to build focus and unleash a powerful attack.
- Skill Progression: Skill advancement operates similarly to Sekiro. Will earned through defeating enemies fills a bar. When full, a Spark is earned, unlocking upgrades in skill trees. Important note: spent skill points cannot be retrieved if you die before the experience bar is completely filled.
Difficulty and Progression
- Aggressive Enemies: Combat is challenging from the beginning, with aggressive enemies and relentless bosses. Restoration items are limited, enhancing the tension during battles.
- Linear Levels: The levels are relatively linear, with occasional branches leading to optional areas and rewards. However, the boss battles are the true highlight.
- Challenging Boss Battles: Early boss battles include a swift wolf boss, a human-dressed frog, and a particularly challenging two-phased snake man. A difficult hidden dragon boss was also encountered, highlighting the game’s formidable difficulty. Fortunately, shrines serve as checkpoints.
- Gear System: Armor sets offer beneficial bonuses, encouraging players to seek out and collect equipment.
Overall Impressions
Despite a lack of female or femme-coded characters in the demonstrated section of the game, Black Myth: Wukong is demonstrating excellent combat systems. Two hours were enough to establish the satisfying interplay of dodging, focusing, and using abilities to defeat enemies, and also the challenging nature of the boss fights.
Overall, my time with Black Myth: Wukong was highly enjoyable. The initial two hours showcased substantial combat progression, and I am eager to see how the gameplay evolves further. The game’s release date is close, and I’m eager to experience more.
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