Black Myth: Wukong, China’s first AAA video game* to receive a perfect rating on game review site IGN, was released today, August 20. Developed by Game Science, a game development studio based in Hangzhou and Shenzhen, the game takes its inspiration from the Chinese epic Journey to the West, where Sun Wukong, a man-like monkey also known as the Monkey King, accompanies a monk in his dangerous journey to obtain sacred Buddhist Sutras. The game has received backing from Tencent, which also holds a 5% stake in Game Science.

Development on Black Myth: Wukong started in 2018, and was teased in an extended trailer in 2021.

Ahead of the final release, multiple Chinese brands including Lenovo Group, Luckin Coffee, and Didi Bike showed their support for the game by giving their own products Black Myth: Wukong makeovers. The advertisements have proven to be a great success: yesterday, Luckin posted online that all of their merchandise in collaboration with Game Science had sold out across China prior to the game’s release. The Chinese stock market is also feeling the impact, with A-shares having experienced a tremendous boost earlier today.

And the game is truly going global. On Reddit under a thread for Soulslike, a narrative-driven video game genre defined by high difficulty levels and dark themes, many are sharing their excitement. “If it plays even half as good as it looks,” said user Yarzeda2024, “I will be over the moon.” Embarrassed_Move_174 has “been really looking forward to this game, already pre-ordered.”

Writing for CG Magazine, game critic Zubi Khan states that Black Myth: Wukong “masterfully takes what makes a good Soulslike tick without selling its own soul, delivering what is the best action game of the year.”

Other reviewers were less effusive though. At But Why Tho? Abdul Saad writes that in spite of the “epic, unforgettable gameplay,” the overarching narrative still leaves a lot to be desired, and that “the technical and balance issues can be a hindrance.”

There is also some controversy surrounding the game, due to persistent accusations of misogyny aimed at its development team.

Back in China, netizens are showing their awe and pride for the game. On Bilibili, a review video of the game was pinned on the front page of the website and has so far received more than 7.5 million views. In the comment section, the user Molanyu dyc called the game “a landmark in the Chinese game industry.” Another user, Wozhendebuhuiqiming, added that “Chinese games have struggled in the dark for too long. This is a light for the industry that shines for all those who will follow in its footsteps.”

* A gaming industry term referring to high budget games from major studios.

Banner Image via Game Science.