Black Myth: Wukong Rivals FromSoftware in an Unprecedented Way

Highlights

Black Myth: Wukong's enemy design draws from ancient Chinese mythology, giving the game a strong chance to rival FromSoftware's titles.

FromSoftware's success with games like Bloodborne can be credited to their immersive world design and meticulous attention to detail when it comes to enemy designs. Game Science aims to make Black Myth: Wukong stand out within the genre by offering a diverse range of monster designs and introducing a dynamic protagonist who can tackle difficult challenges.

Among the numerous upcoming games showcased at this year's Gamescom, Black Myth: Wukong has garnered particular attention from fans of the Soulslike genre. Taking place in Ancient China and inspired by the renowned novel Journey to the West, this action RPG has captivated gamers with its distinct style and aesthetic since its initial unveiling in 2020. While Soulslike games have become more prevalent since the announcement of Elden Ring, many struggle to capture the essence that sets FromSoftware's Soulsborne collection apart. Nonetheless, Black Myth: Wukong possesses a promising opportunity to rival FromSoftware's titles in one notable aspect: enemy design.

With an abundance of fascinating and unique monsters present in Ancient Chinese mythology, Black Myth: Wukong holds a significant advantage in this domain. Developer Game Science is able to tap into a wealth of imaginative designs when crafting the game's adversaries. Based on what has been revealed thus far, it is evident that the developer has diligently embraced this source material, signaling a favorable outlook for the game's potential success. This dedication could potentially produce some of the most outstanding bosses within the genre for Black Myth: Wukong.

Black Myth: Wukong's Enemy Design Could Rival FromSoftware's Finest

The existence of the term 'Soulslike' serves as evidence for FromSoftware's dominance in the genre. Over the past decade, their continued refinement of the blueprint established in Demon's Souls and perfected in Elden Ring, the Game of the Year winner in 2022, has significantly elevated FromSoftware's reputation. Led by Hidetaka Miyazaki, their team has dedicated themselves to crafting immersive and unforgettable environments and adversaries within the realm of video games.

Distinguished among their creations is the exclusive PlayStation 4 title, Bloodborne. Many regard the dark and Lovecraft-inspired world of Yharnam as the epitome of world design. Furthermore, the game's enemy designs are highly esteemed. The likes of the grotesque Orphan of Kos and the hybrid creature Ludwig, blending human and horse, contribute to Bloodborne's esteemed status. However, it is not solely the bosses that showcase the game's excellence—equal attention and care are bestowed upon standard enemies. Each one presents a unique challenge, and their visually captivating appearances are almost unparalleled.

Game Science has a golden opportunity to make Black Myth: Wukong stand out in the genre, and they appear to be fully embracing it. The showcased footage of boss fights thus far unveils thrilling and distinctive battles, such as an intense encounter with the formidable tiger vanguard, and a mesmerizing duel against a snow-covered, ivory-colored dragon amidst towering mountains. With Black Myth: Wukong's anticipated release in Summer 2024, it is highly probable that more exhilarating content will be revealed in the approaching months.

The diverse and impressive monster designs in Black Myth: Wukong indicate that players will face formidable opponents of various types. Fortunately, the Monkey King emerges as a remarkably nimble and athletic protagonist, capable of confronting any challenge that comes his way, no matter how daunting. Should Game Science succeed in delivering captivating enemy and boss designs, Black Myth: Wukong has the potential to become the surprise hit of 2024.

Black Myth: Wukong is scheduled to release in summer 2024 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.