BLACK MYTH WUKONG - Walkthrough Gameplay - Stream 01

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"Black Myth: Wukong" is an action RPG developed by Game Science, released for the PS5 on August 20, 2024. Its lore is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, drawing inspiration from the classic 16th-century novel "Journey to the West," one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.
The game takes place in a fantastical version of ancient China, a land teeming with gods, demons (yaoguai), and breathtaking landscapes inspired by real-world locations like Shanxi Province’s Yungang Grottoes and the Dazu Rock Carvings. The world is steeped in a mix of Buddhist, Daoist, and folkloric traditions, reflecting the mythological backdrop of "Journey to the West." However, the story unfolds long after the original journey, in a time where the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong, is no longer present as he once was.
You play as the Destined One, a monkey-like warrior who is not explicitly Sun Wukong but bears a striking resemblance to him and wields similar powers. The Destined One’s quest is to recover six relics, each tied to one of Sun Wukong’s six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and thought). These relics are scattered across a world filled with danger and mystery, hinting at a deeper purpose tied to Wukong’s legacy.
The lore begins with an enigmatic premise: Sun Wukong, the rebellious Monkey King who once defied the heavens and escorted the monk Tang Sanzang to retrieve sacred scriptures, is gone—either dead, imprisoned, or diminished. His mind, described as a unique essence that fades with life’s end, is lost, leaving behind a broken shell of his former self. The Destined One emerges as his successor, destined to retrace Wukong’s path and uncover the obscured truth behind his legend.
These areas are populated by yaoguai—beings with supernatural abilities and grotesque forms—and feature gods from the Chinese pantheon. The narrative suggests a cosmic instability, with tensions brewing between the Buddhist deities of Mount Lingshan and the Daoist gods of the Celestial Court, though this conflict remains in the background.
The Destined One and Sun Wukong’s Legacy
The Destined One’s identity is a central mystery. An Old Monkey, a recurring figure, reveals that the Destined One carries Wukong’s mind, positioning him as a spiritual successor rather than the Monkey King reborn. Throughout the journey, the Destined One collects the relics, battles formidable foes, and encounters characters with ties to Wukong’s past, such as Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) and the Bull King, who were part of the original "Journey to the West."
The climax involves a confrontation with Sun Wukong’s broken shell, a remnant of his former power. After defeating it, the five relics unite with the Destined One, and Wukong’s iconic circlet—the golden hoop once used to control him—falls into the water.
The lore explores themes of legacy, destiny, and the cyclical nature of existence. Sun Wukong’s story in "Journey to the West" is one of rebellion, redemption, and enlightenment, but "Black Myth: Wukong" adds a layer of melancholy and ambiguity. The Destined One’s journey questions whether he can escape Wukong’s fate or if he is doomed to repeat it.
Key elements from the novel are woven into the game:
Sun Wukong’s Powers: The Destined One inherits Wukong’s staff, the Ruyi Jingu Bang, which can resize at will, and his transformation abilities (e.g., turning into a cicada or summoning clones).
The Circlet: A symbol of control, originally placed on Wukong by Guanyin Bodhisattva to curb his wild nature, reappears as a pivotal artifact.
Familiar Faces: Characters like Zhu Bajie and the Bull King bring continuity, their backstories enriched by their past with Wukong.
The World and Its Inhabitants
The game’s world is a tapestry of Chinese mythology, where shapeshifting is commonplace, and every foe has a story. Bosses and enemies, such as the Elder Jinchi (who once tried to burn Wukong and Tang Sanzang) and the Fourth Sister (a spider demon), are drawn from or inspired by the novel’s vast cast. The lore is delivered subtly—through journals, cutscenes at chapter ends, and environmental storytelling—leaving much open to interpretation for players unfamiliar with the source material.
On the PS5, the lore is experienced through stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, with detailed environments and cinematic cutscenes that enhance the mythological atmosphere. The game’s performance mode ensures smooth combat, vital for facing the over 100 unique enemies and epic bosses, while the PS5 Pro Enhanced version (available later) refines this further. The lore remains consistent across platforms, but the PS5’s immersive presentation—complete with haptic feedback and rich audio—deepens the journey into this mythic world..