After a four-year wait since its 2020 announcement, reviews for Black Myth: Wukong are finally here, sparking discussion alongside a controversy over review guidelines. Read on for a summary of the critical reception and the ongoing debate.
Black Myth: Wukong is Almost Here (PC Only, For Now)
Since its initial 2020 trailer, Black Myth: Wukong has generated significant hype. Initial critical response is largely positive, with an 82 Metascore on Metacritic based on 54 reviews.
Reviewers praise the game's fluid action combat, engaging boss battles, and stunning visuals. Its exploration of Chinese mythology, specifically Journey to the West, is also widely lauded. GamesRadar+, for instance, describes it as "a fun action RPG reminiscent of modern God of War games, but filtered through the lens of Chinese mythology."
However, criticisms exist. PCGamesN, while considering it a potential Game of the Year contender, notes shortcomings in level design, uneven difficulty, and occasional technical glitches. The narrative's fragmented nature, similar to older FromSoftware titles, requiring deeper engagement with item descriptions, is another recurring concern. Importantly, all early access reviews are based on the PC version; console performance (specifically on PS5) remains unreviewed.
Controversial Review Guidelines Surface
Reports emerged of a co-publisher issuing guidelines to streamers and reviewers, outlining "Do's and Don'ts," and restricting discussion of "violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishization, and other content that instigates negative discourse." This has ignited considerable debate online, with some criticizing the guidelines as censorship while others express no concern.
Despite this controversy, Black Myth: Wukong remains highly anticipated. Steam sales data shows it's currently the platform's best-selling and most wishlisted game before its release. While the lack of console reviews creates some uncertainty, the game is poised for a substantial launch.
