Black Myth: Wukong's Early Impressions Surface

Black Myth: Wukong: Early Access Reviews and Controversy

After a four-year wait since its 2020 announcement, Black Myth: Wukong has finally arrived, and initial reactions are largely positive. With a Metascore of 82 on Metacritic based on 54 reviews, the game is garnering significant praise.

Currently available only on PC (no console review copies distributed), Black Myth: Wukong shines in its gameplay. Reviewers consistently highlight the engaging, precise combat system and its exceptionally well-designed boss battles. The stunning visuals and hidden secrets within its richly detailed world also receive high marks. GamesRadar+ describes it as "a fun action RPG that feels like the modern God of War games viewed through the lens of Chinese mythology," capturing the essence of its adaptation of the classic Journey to the West tale.

However, the overwhelmingly positive reception isn't without caveats. PCGamesN, among others, points to subpar level design, uneven difficulty, and occasional technical glitches as potential drawbacks. The narrative structure, similar to older FromSoftware titles, requires players to delve into item descriptions to fully grasp the storyline, a point noted across multiple reviews.

Adding to the pre-release buzz is a controversy surrounding review guidelines. Reports emerged of a document distributed by a co-publisher to streamers and reviewers, outlining "Do's and Don'ts" that reportedly restricted discussion of topics including violence, nudity, feminist themes, and potentially controversial content. This has sparked significant debate within the gaming community, with some criticizing the guidelines as overly restrictive, while others express less concern.

Despite this controversy, Black Myth: Wukong's popularity is undeniable. It currently holds the top spot as both the best-selling and most wishlisted game on Steam. While the lack of console reviews creates some uncertainty, the game is poised for a strong launch.