After a four-year wait since its 2020 announcement, reviews for Black Myth: Wukong are finally here, sparking debate alongside a review guideline controversy. Read on for a summary of critical reception and the ongoing discussion.
Black Myth: Wukong is Nearly Upon Us (PC Only, for Now)
Since its initial 2020 trailer, Black Myth: Wukong has generated significant hype. Initial critical response is largely positive, with an 82 Metascore on Metacritic based on 54 reviews.
Reviewers praise the game's exceptional action gameplay, emphasizing its precise and engaging combat system and well-crafted boss battles. The stunning visuals and hidden secrets within its richly detailed world also receive high marks.
Drawing inspiration from Journey to the West, the game's portrayal of Chinese mythology is a key strength. GamesRadar+, for instance, described it as "a fun action RPG that feels like the modern God of War games viewed through the lens of Chinese mythology."
However, PCGamesN, among others, points to potential drawbacks that might deter some players. These include uneven level design, difficulty spikes, and occasional technical glitches. The narrative structure, similar to older FromSoftware titles, requires players to actively piece together the story through item descriptions.
Importantly, all initial reviews are based on the PC version; console reviews (specifically PS5) are pending.
Controversial Review Guidelines Surface
(Image from SteamDB)
Reports emerged of a document distributed by one of Black Myth: Wukong's co-publishers to streamers and reviewers, outlining "Do's and Don'ts" for their coverage. This document allegedly restricted discussion of "violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishization, and other content that instigates negative discourse," sparking considerable online debate.
Reactions range from criticism of the guidelines' existence to indifference. The controversy adds another layer to the game's launch, highlighting concerns about creative freedom and censorship.
Despite the controversy, pre-release anticipation remains high. Black Myth: Wukong currently holds the top spot as both the best-selling and most wishlisted game on Steam. While the absence of console reviews presents a caveat, the game's launch appears poised for significant success.
