Black Myth: Wukong Impressions Face Controversy

Following a four-year wait since its 2020 announcement, Black Myth: Wukong has finally received its initial reviews! This article summarizes the critical reception and addresses a recent controversy surrounding review guidelines.

Black Myth: Wukong is Almost Here (PC Only, for Now)

Since its debut trailer, Black Myth: Wukong has generated significant hype. Early 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, particularly its well-crafted boss battles. The stunning visuals and hidden secrets within its richly detailed world also receive high marks. The game's adaptation of the Journey to the West mythology is lauded, with GamesRadar+ describing 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, notes potential drawbacks, including subpar level design, uneven difficulty, and occasional technical glitches. The narrative structure, similar to older FromSoftware titles, is also criticized for being fragmented, requiring players to piece together the story through item descriptions. Importantly, all early access reviews are based solely on the PC version; console performance (specifically on PS5) remains unreviewed.

Controversial Review Guidelines Surface

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" that restrict discussion of "violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishization, and other content that instigates negative discourse." This has sparked considerable debate, with some criticizing the guidelines as overly restrictive while others express no concern.

Despite this controversy, the game's anticipation remains high. Steam statistics show it as both the best-selling and most wishlisted game prior to release. While the lack of console reviews raises some questions, Black Myth: Wukong is poised for a significant launch.