Black Myth: Wukong – A Spectacular Action Game Opening to Rival God of War 3 and Asura’s Wrath
When it comes to bombastic action games, Black Myth: Wukong is a title that demands attention. The opening 10 minutes of the game are a statement in themselves, showcasing the power and prowess of the legendary monkey king, Sun Wukong. Fans of Journey to the West will find a familiar and beloved character in Wukong, a trickster with supernatural abilities that include surfing on clouds, transforming into animals, creating clones, and freezing enemies in place with his staff. The game wastes no time in immersing players in a grand battle against the armies of heaven, setting the stage for an epic adventure.
GameScience, the Chinese studio behind Black Myth, is clearly aiming to compete with the likes of FromSoftware and Capcom, and the opening moments of the game certainly make a strong impression. While the combat may not reach the same level of excellence as some other titles in the genre, the scale, seamless transitions between combat and cutscenes, and dynamic camera work are undeniably impressive. As a journalist who has played through the initial chapters of the game, I can attest to the fact that Black Myth’s opening is one of the most captivating and visually stunning introductions to an action game that I’ve experienced since God of War 3.
The opening sequence of God of War 3, released in 2010, is a masterclass in showcasing the capabilities of a new console. As players take control of Kratos scaling Mount Olympus on the back of the titan Gaia, the sheer scale and spectacle of the scene are awe-inspiring. From battling sea monsters to facing off against gods, the opening of God of War 3 sets a high bar for epic action sequences in gaming. Similarly, Asura’s Wrath, released in 2012, opens with a grandiose display of power as the protagonist, Asura, engages in battles of planetary proportions. While the gameplay may not be as complex as other titles, the sheer spectacle of the boss battles is a sight to behold.
Both God of War 3 and Asura’s Wrath make use of quick time events (QTEs) to enhance the cinematic experience of the games. While QTEs can often feel like a gimmick, Asura’s Wrath manages to use them in a way that adds to the over-the-top nature of the game. The moments where players control Asura’s rage-filled actions during cutscenes are a clever meta twist that adds an interactive element to the storytelling. However, as the gaming landscape has evolved, QTEs have fallen out of favor, and it’s refreshing to see Black Myth take a more restrained approach in its opening sequence.
One of the standout features of Black Myth’s opening is its focus on showcasing Wukong’s powers without overwhelming players with QTEs. The game provides a brief combat tutorial that allows players to experiment with Wukong’s abilities before thrusting them into a visually stunning action setpiece. This approach not only immerses players in the world of the game but also highlights the importance of Wukong’s powers in the overall gameplay experience.
As I continue to delve into Black Myth, I am eager to see how the game’s narrative unfolds and whether it will deliver on the promise of epic battles and revenge against celestial beings. The opening chapters have set a high standard for the rest of the game, and I am excited to see how GameScience will build upon the foundation they have established. Black Myth has the potential to be a standout title in the action genre, offering players a unique and visually stunning experience that pays homage to the legendary character of Sun Wukong.
In conclusion, Black Myth: Wukong’s opening is a bombastic and visually stunning introduction to a game that aims to rival the likes of God of War 3 and Asura’s Wrath. With its focus on showcasing Wukong’s powers and abilities, as well as its impressive scale and dynamic camera work, Black Myth sets a high standard for action games. As players embark on Wukong’s journey, they are sure to be captivated by the epic battles and grandiose setpieces that await them. GameScience has made a bold statement with Black Myth, and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the game unfolds.
