1. Origins and Unreal Engine 5 Reveal (2020–2021)
Game Science first stunned the world in August 2020 with a jaw-dropping Unreal Engine 5 trailer, setting expectations sky-high for their Wukong project. The trailer hinted at photoreal visuals and fluid combat, leading to widespread excitement and confidence in a new Chinese triple-A star.
Over the next year, Game Science grew from a small team funded by government tax incentives into a motivated developer hotly anticipated in China and beyond. The transition from a tech showcase to a fully realized combat and narrative experience marked the foundation of Black Myth: Wukong.
2. Announcement of Release Date and Platforms (2023–2024)
In May 2024, Game Science confirmed an August 20 release for the PlayStation 5 and Windows, later adding Xbox Series X/S for August 2025. This strategic staggered release built anticipation and spotlighted the studio's dedication to quality.
The short development window between announcement and launch brought high expectations—and significant pressure—to deliver smooth gameplay, captivating narrative, and technical polish.
3. Launch: Visual Mastery and Sales Explosion (August 20, 2024)
On release day, Black Myth: Wukong smashed records: over 10 million copies sold in 3 days, and peaked as one of Steam’s most-played titles, topping out ahead of Counter-Strike and Palworld.
Critics praised it as visually stunning and culturally rich . However, PC players immediately faced performance issues—stutters, crashes, and high-end GPU slowdowns—even with powerful RTX 4090 systems.
4. Combat: Soulslike Roots and Personal Style
The combat is clearly inspired by Soulslike classics—stamina-driven dodges, precise hit windows, and fierce boss fights. Yet unlike Elden Ring, this is more linear, focused on boss encounters.
Analysts praised the integration of transformations, spells, enemy-absorbed powers, and focus meter mechanics for strategy and flair. Some critics argue combat lacks depth and becomes repetitive, especially against minor enemies .
5. World and Exploration: Linear Beauty
Unlike open-world games, Wukong favors crafted linear segments capped with arena battles. Critics appreciate cinematic pacing and intentional exploration, but note the lack of navigational tools and world variety.
The absence of a mini-map amplifies mood but leaves players occasionally disoriented . Hidden chambers ("Obsessions") add depth, rewarding curiosity and lore awareness.
6. Narrative: Mythic Ambiguity vs. Plot Clarity
The story follows the Destined One on a quest to recover Sun Wukong's six senses—delivered through cryptic environmental storytelling and boss lore. Critics highlight its moody depth but also note confusion for those unfamiliar with the original myth.
While hardcore fans appreciate the fragmented style, newcomers may feel lost without subtitles or narrative breadcrumbs .
7. Technical Issues and Performance Struggles
Initial PC versions, even on top-tier hardware, suffered from stutters and crashes. Game Science patched performance but persistent framerate issues and load problems remained into mid-2025.
Xbox delays also stem from optimization concerns. Despite efforts, the pool of hardware and engine demands make stability uneven.
8. Community Reception: Praise, Controversy, and Harassment
The fandom has been loud, but often divided. Some forgive technical flaws in favor of beauty and combat.
However, toxic debates arose when critiques about combat simplicity, developer sexism, and influencer guidance led to harassment campaigns targeting reviewers. Publishers attempted to control messaging post-launch, igniting further controversy.
9. Awards Recognition and Cultural Milestones
Despite its challenges, Wukong has earned nominations—including from the Game Awards 2024 . Many regard its success as a milestone for Chinese-developed AAA games, elevating global interest in Eastern narrative forms and mythology.
Final Rating
| Category | Score (/10) |
|---|---|
| Visual Presentation | 9.5 |
| Combat and Gameplay Depth | 8.5 |
| Cultural & Narrative Storytelling | 8.7 |
| Technical Performance | 6.8 |
| Exploration and World Design | 7.5 |
| Challenge and Boss Encounters | 8.9 |
| Overall Enjoyment | 8.4 |
Overall Verdict: 8.4 / 10
Black Myth: Wukong is a breathtaking, ambitious debut from Game Science. Its visual mastery and combat customization mark it as a new standard for Eastern myth-inspired action titles. However, technical polish and narrative clarity flaws hold it back from greatness. Still, for players willing to look past these issues, it offers a deeply rewarding journey.
