After a four-year wait since its 2020 announcement, Black Myth: Wukong has finally received its initial reviews! This article summarizes the critical reception and a recent controversy surrounding review guidelines.
Black Myth: Wukong's Arrival (PC Only, for Now)
Since its debut trailer, Black Myth: Wukong has generated considerable excitement. Early reviews are largely positive, with the game currently boasting an 82 Metascore on Metacritic based on 54 critic 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 interpretation of the Journey to the West mythology is well-received, 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, points out potential drawbacks, including subpar level design, uneven difficulty, and occasional technical glitches. The narrative's fragmented nature, similar to older FromSoftware titles, requiring players to piece together the story through item descriptions, is also noted as a potential issue. Importantly, all early access reviews are based solely on the PC version; console performance remains unreviewed.
Controversial Review Guidelines Surface
Reports emerged of a controversial document distributed by one of Black Myth: Wukong's co-publishers to streamers and reviewers. This document allegedly contained "Do's and Don'ts," restricting discussion of topics such as "violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishization, and other content that instigates negative discourse." This has sparked significant debate within the gaming community.
Despite this controversy, Black Myth: Wukong remains highly anticipated, currently topping Steam's best-selling and most wishlisted games charts. While the lack of console reviews creates some uncertainty, the game is poised for a substantial launch.
