Black Myth: Wukong Review for Steam

Rating: 10/10

I don’t usually throw the score right at the top, but let’s be clear: this game deserves it!

Black Myth: Wukong is simply fantastic. From the first cutscene, everything about this game impressed me—story, gameplay, visuals, and the sheer creativity packed into each enemy encounter. It’s not often a game that has me grinning after being crushed by a boss fight for the third time in a row, but this one did.

Black Myth: Wukong Story

Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t just tell a story; it pulls players deep into a world of magic, myth, and ancient legends. Based on Journey to the West, one of the great Chinese literary classics, the game draws players into the epic tale of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Even if players are not familiar with the story, the game does a great job of weaving it into its structure, giving you enough to appreciate it, while also sending you down a rabbit hole of research if you really want to get into the mythology. And trust me, it’s worth it.

If you’re like me, you’ll probably end up watching Journey to the West explainer videos on YouTube at 2 a.m. because this game packs in more lore and mythological Easter eggs in a two-minute cutscene than Joseph Campbell. But if you’re not a mythology nerd, don’t worry—Black Myth: Wukong balances the story and gameplay so players can enjoy it on any level.

You play as the Destined One, a mysterious figure who feels a little too much like Sun Wukong to be a coincidence. The game drops visual and story hints about who the Destined One really is, but even when you think you’ve figured it out, the developers still manage to throw in a twist that’s satisfying without feeling overdone. No spoilers here, but even if you think you’ve got it all pinned down early, there’s still something to look forward to.

What really impressed me, though, is how Black Myth: Wukong respects its source material. You can feel the care and love that went into bringing Chinese mythology to life. The characters you meet—each pulled straight from folklore—are rich and fascinating. And the game never throws too much lore at you at once. It strikes the perfect balance between action and narrative, using cutscenes and environmental storytelling in a way that feels natural. Plus, the in-game journal? Pure poetry. I’m not exaggerating—it’s literally written as poems and parables, giving players cryptic, beautiful entries that deepen the world as they unlock more of the game.

Gameplay

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG at its core, but the combat is on another level. The game doesn’t hold your hand, but it’s not unfair either. You’ll die— a lot—but every defeat teaches players something, and every victory feels well-earned. It’s challenging, yes, but never frustrating, and that’s a fine line the developers nailed perfectly.

The combat in this game is oh-so-sat-is-fy-ing. It’s fast-paced but also strategic. Button-mashing won’t get you very far here. Players will need to study their enemies, learn their attack patterns, and strike at the right moment. There have been a lot of comparisons to games like Dark Souls and Sekiro in terms of how much patience and precision are rewarded, and that is definitely there. But Black Myth: Wukong is also its own game, including gameplay mechanics, like shape-shifting, that keep it from simply being another soulslike.

Sun Wukong is a shape-shifter, and that ability plays a huge role in combat. Players can transform into different forms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. And it’s not just useful for fighting. The shape-shifting mechanic also plays a role in exploration, like when players are turned into a Golden Cicada to scout ahead in a level. The mechanic adds to the story and feels like an organic part of the experience rather than a gimmick.

The enemies in Black Myth: Wukong are straight out of Chinese folklore, and they’re as beautiful as they are deadly. Every enemy type requires a different approach, and the boss fights—oh man, the boss fights—are some of the best I’ve played in years. They’re tough, no doubt about it, but in that way that makes you want to keep trying. You’ll get your timing wrong, you’ll miss a dodge, and you’ll probably curse at your screen. But when you finally figure it out and take them down, it’s incredibly rewarding.

What I loved most about the bosses is how varied they are. One might have you dodging massive AOE attacks, while another is a more intimate duel, testing your ability to parry and counter at the right moment. The variety kept me on my toes, and even after several hours of gameplay, the combat never got old.

The world design in Black Myth: Wukong is nothing short of breathtaking. Each environment is meticulously crafted, from ancient forests to desolate mountain peaks. The level of detail is incredible, and the world feels alive in a way few games manage. There are secrets hidden everywhere, and the game rewards exploration with lore, items, and abilities that make every detour feel worthwhile.

Steam Deck

I swear I’m not a shill for Valve, but I can’t leave this review without taking a moment to talk about how my SteamDeck was the best impulse purchase I’ve ever made.

I usually play low res, low FPS, low everything indie games that my Steam Deck can easily handle. I never worry about battery life because my games barely draw on the machine. For Black Myth: Wukong, I knew I had to turn everything up to 11 to do it justice. And, my SteamDeck was perfect. I’m not deluding myself that playing on the Deck would be as good as playing on a PS5 with a 4K TV and surround sound, and yes, the battery life tanked (I could only play for about 40 minutes without a charge), but I was so proud of my little handheld and happy that I could take Black Myth: Wukong with me to work to keep playing on a lunch break.

Conclusion

Black Myth: Wukong is a gem of a game. It’s challenging but fair, visually stunning, and filled with depth both in its story and gameplay. Whether you’re here for the action, the mythology, or just to experience a new kind of RPG, this game delivers. It’s one of those rare experiences where everything comes together perfectly.

10/10, no question.

Black Myth: Wukong is available for PC via Steam.

Related: Reviews by Michelle Jones

Michelle Jones

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I'm a completionist gamer who just needs to find that one last object and clear that final dungeon. I love all video games, from open world sandboxes on a console to a mindless match three on my phone. In addition to gaming and writing, I am a graduate student working on a thesis about the ancient Icelandic Sagas. Feel free to ask me anything about Vikings.