Black Myth: Wukong Pre-Release Feedback Emerges Despite Dispute

Black Myth: Wukong – Early Impressions and Controversy

After a four-year wait since its 2020 announcement, Black Myth: Wukong has finally arrived, generating significant buzz and some controversy. Early reviews paint a largely positive picture, with the game boasting an 82 Metascore on Metacritic (based on 54 reviews).

A Stunning Action RPG (For PC, at Least)

Critics praise the game's exceptional combat system, emphasizing precise and engaging fights that complement its well-designed boss battles. The visuals are consistently lauded, encouraging exploration of its richly detailed world brimming with secrets. The game's connection to Chinese mythology, specifically Journey to the West and the adventures of Sun Wukong, is also frequently highlighted as a strong point. 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, the overwhelmingly positive reception isn't without caveats. Several reviews cite subpar level design, noticeable difficulty spikes, and occasional technical glitches as potential drawbacks. The narrative, similar to older FromSoftware titles, is described as fragmented, requiring players to delve into item descriptions to fully grasp the story. Crucially, all early access reviews are solely based on the PC version; console performance remains unreviewed.

Controversial Review Guidelines Spark Debate

Adding to the pre-release buzz, reports emerged of controversial guidelines issued by one of Black Myth: Wukong's co-publishers to streamers and reviewers. This document allegedly restricted discussion of topics including "violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishization, and other content that instigates negative discourse." This sparked heated debate online, with some criticizing the guidelines as overly restrictive, while others saw no issue.

A Strong Launch Despite Controversy

Despite the controversy surrounding the review guidelines, Black Myth: Wukong remains highly anticipated. Its Steam statistics speak volumes, currently holding the top spot as both the best-selling and most wishlisted game on the platform. While the lack of console reviews adds a layer of uncertainty, the game appears poised for a significant launch.