Black Myth: Wukong... Reviewed + First 30 Gameplay!

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG developed by Game Science, inspired by the classic 16th-century Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. The game follows the adventures of Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, a central character in the novel.

Journey to the West is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It tells the story of the monk Xuanzang’s pilgrimage to India to obtain sacred Buddhist texts, accompanied by his three protectors: Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy). Sun Wukong, the most famous of the trio, is known for his incredible strength, agility, and magical abilities, including shapeshifting and summoning mini-clones of himself.

In Black Myth: Wukong, players control a character based on Sun Wukong, referred to as the “Destined One.” The game features a rich world filled with yaoguai, supernatural creatures from Chinese mythology. These creatures possess various abilities like shapeshifting, creating illusions, and causing diseases. The protagonist wields a magical staff, the Ruyi Jingu Bang, which can change size and is a key element in combat.

The game not only brings to life the fantastical elements of Journey to the West but also delves deep into Chinese folklore and mythology, offering players a unique cultural experience. The yaoguai, for instance, are inspired by ancient Chinese beliefs in supernatural beings. That said, is the game worth your time and your dime? Well, let's find out!

Gameplay: When it comes to gameplay, I have to say that this game is unforgiving. There are some enemies like the wolves that are easier to take on, but don’t get it twisted because some are stronger than others. You will notice that some of the wolves are a bit more put together in regards to their garb, compared to others who are a bit more disheveled. The ones in clean garb seem to have a bit more training... versus swinging wildly only to leave their back exposed like the more inexperienced wolves. That said, don't overlook an enemy who isn’t a boss-type, because they can definitely give you a run for your… Yen.

The combat system in Black Myth: Wukong is both smooth and realistic. While you can skillfully wield your staff to fend off attacks and protect yourself from arrows, there’s a limit to how many you can block before some inevitably get through... and you catch an arrow to the knee. Additionally, not all attacks can be parried, as some enemies are simply too powerful. In many situations, it’s best to dodge and wait for the right moment to strike. Initially, your attacks, dodging, and running will be effective to some degree, but as you progress and build up your skill tree, you’ll transition from merely surviving to becoming a formidable force.

The skill tree in this game gets me excited because with every upgrade, you’re a step closer to God-like status. That excites me because I want to wield that power when it comes to taking on the biggest baddest foes. You use Sparks as the way to upgrade your “Abilities,” “Foundation,” and your “Spells.” Let's take a break from talking about the gameplay and actually check it out... shall we?

I won't hold the initial freeze against them since it doesn't ruin the gameplay.

Visuals: Black Myth: Wukong is visually impressive, especially if your PC has the right specs. I don’t want to give away any spoilers as far as the opening experience is concerned, but what I will say is that it’s grand and gives you an amazing idea of what’s to come. When it comes to the standard visuals, you will see references to Chinese mythology. Outside of the statues and engravings, the influences are also there in terms of the supernatural creatures. Trust me, I’ve seen some crazy stuff in this game, including something that’s larger than life with a boulder-sized head. I came across a Jinchi that looks like some sort of monk, but it’s green and appears to be covered in reptilian scales and has a robe with beads (oh and I can't forget about the tail). I have yet to take on this giant being, but he’s not the only thing I came across while scratching the surface of this mythical adventure.

Minimum Specs:

• CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
• RAM: 16 GB
• VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB
• DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 8 GB (6GB NVD)
• PIXEL SHADER: 6.0
• VERTEX SHADER: 6.0
• OS: Windows 10 64-bit

Recommended Specs:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 5 5500
• RAM: 16 GB
• VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT / INTEL Arc A750
• DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 8 GB (6GB NVD)
• PIXEL SHADER: 6.0
• VERTEX SHADER: 6.0
• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• FREE DISK SPACE: 130 GB
  
  

Audio: This game has some crispy interesting sounds from creatures able to talk, and others delivering creepy grunts, growls, howls, and so on. Who am I kidding, the creatures that speak are able to make your skin crawl too based on how they sound or if you don’t see them but… you hear them out of nowhere. When they break through the silence, you just might feel a chill. Another element when it comes to the audio that you could appreciate is the background music. The music is subtle, but it adds to the depth. It delivers a martial arts movie-like feel with prominent drums leading the way and subtle sounds from what sounds like the Dizi, Guzheng, and the Erhu.

Price: Pricewise, you can get Black Myth: Wukong

 for $59.99. Is it worth the price? Absolutely, just make sure you have enough hard drive space for your purchase because it requires 130 GB of storage. So just prepare, and with that said, you can just about imagine all the bosses packed into this game. If you take them on strategically, items obtained from besting one boss can help you better take on the next as you level up your badassness (i.e., I obtained the Immobilize Spell while taking on the Bullguard... which has aided me in battle). 

You have a ton of replay value here when you think about the skill tree and being sent back to the drawing board to figure out how to better approach a boss, so if this is your type of game, you won’t be sorry in terms of getting your money’s worth. Are you ready to become the "Destined One"?

Black Myth: Wukong is available now on PC & Playstation with Xbox getting a release at a later time.

Gameplay 5

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

 + Sophi 

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Sclash: Don't underestimate this 2D Samurai fighting game + the First 30!

 

Slice Into Sclash - The Tense 2D Samurai Fighter Available Now

PC Version Also Gets New Sakura DLC Today in This Unique Hand-Drawn Fighter

Console players can now experience the exhilarating tension of samurai duels, as the critically acclaimed 2D fighting game Sclash slashes its way onto Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S! Developed by Bevel Bakery and published by Maximum Entertainment and Abiding Bridge, Sclash brings the art of sword combat to life with gorgeous hand-drawn characters battling across stunningly painted environments.

In Sclash, a single well-timed strike can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Players must carefully manage their stamina and breathing while sizing up opponents, looking for the perfect opening to unleash a deadly blow. With an intuitive yet supremely skill-testing combat system, Sclash captures the patient lethality and solemn drama of traditional samurai duels.

"We wanted to recreate the intense psychological warfare and surgical precision of real sword fighting in a way that was both accessible and endlessly rewarding to master," said Yuki Morimoto, lead developer at Bevel Bakery. "Sclash's deceptively simple controls belie an incredibly deep combat system that forces you to be hyper aware of everything from your spacing to your breath control."

Fun fact: Our dojo was split between karateka like myself... who were learning Uechi Ryu, and the other half were Kendo & Iaido. So while we were empty handed, they had (wooden) swords outside of certain occassions where non-battle ready blades came out for demonstration. Good times. -  Blu 

While the game may seem minimalist on the surface, players can take their skills online and duke it out against other samurai masters from around the world. There's also an immersive story mode that fleshes out the conflict between the warring Aki and Natsu clans through the lens of Japanese culture and history.

Perhaps Sclash's most stunning feature, though, is the breathtaking hand-drawn visual style that brings the characters and environments to life. Each of the 5 playable samurai characters and their 50+ unlockable skins has been painstakingly animated frame-by-frame, while the 16 battleground stages look like living Japanese ink-brush paintings. It's a real feast for the eyes.

The storymode is badass. Really look at the environment when you're in the heat of battle (especially the boss battles) and remind yourself that it's... hand drawn. I have to share this one with my Renshi, and i'm sure our Kyoshi would've been impressed. HAJIME! -  Blu 

To celebrate the console launch, Maximum Entertainment is also releasing the "Sakura" DLC for the existing PC version of Sclash today. This new add-on content includes two new customization items inspired by the iconic Japanese cherry blossom imagery.

Since first releasing on PC back in August 2023, Sclash has cultivated a passionate following among fighting game enthusiasts who appreciated its unique spin on the genre's fundamentals. With its easy-to-learn but insanely difficult-to-master mechanics and stunning visual style, it quickly established itself as an under-the-radar gem.

Now, with Sclash finally making the leap to consoles, an even wider audience can discover the unparalleled tension and exquisite artistry of this new take on samurai sword-fighting games. Grab your controller of choice, steady your breath, and prepare to put your focus and reflexes to the ultimate test against worthy foes. Just don't blink, or it may be Sclashed!

If it were me, I'd hold game tournaments at dojos, but... that's just me. HAJIME! -  Blu 

Sophima

 + Blu 

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First 30: Trek To Yomi

TREK TO YOMI

As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward.

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Who is Chun Li?

Chun‐Li's actual name is Mandarin; Chun means "spring", Li means "beautiful", so she can actually be considered... the beauty of spring or a beautiful spring. She's the very first female character in Capcom's Street Fighter franchise. Chun-Li was introduced in 1991's Street Fighter II and... remained the only female character in Street Fighter until 1997's Street Fighter III: New Generation. 

Now... before you get ready to try and argue that down, remember... this is the main Street Fighter franchise. Of course, you have Street Fighter Alpha, but we aren't talking spin-offs (even though I love it and still own it on the PS1).

Chun-Li came into the game on a mission to avenge her father after the notorious psycho-powered M. Bison and his Shadaloo soldiers took him out. The other players were cool, but what also got my attention was that she was also an undercover Interpol agent. Her father was also in law enforcement and taught her martial artists, which she continued the trend by teaching young children after she temporarily retired. She put the badge back on when one of her students was abducted.

I still think that Capcom should do a fully animated film around Chun-Li's come up because her story is just that interesting, they could do it for them all but... I just think it would be solid. I'm not hating on Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, but... I want a full-fledged animation that gives the beauty of spring... justice!

After Street Fighter II rose to fame, Chun‐Li became one of gaming's most well-known characters and is depicted in some of the series' side projects, including films, comic books, and merchandise.

How many of you tried to do her kicks in real life? Come on... be honest. Oh, by the way, her qipao is worn to pay tribute to her late more who passed away when she was a child.

While not as actually amazing as different characters, Chun‐Li was by a wide margin the speediest. - Chika

I disagree with this comment from Chika. Chun-Li has an awesome skillset and in the right hands, she can dominate in tournaments. I'm not even saying that to diss any of your favorite Street Fighter characters, but... she has a solid skillset too, and she's easy on the eyes for plenty of gamers.

When it comes to her looks, her physique is actually based on the other characters (in the beginning). Initially, she was designed to look strong so that it would make sense to have her in Street Fighter taking on the male competition.

She got thicker in the thighs in later installments because the character designer is into thick women and is attracted to the thighs like Chun-Li has. Nothing wrong with that, a variety in character body types goes a long way and gives motivation to women and girls who may have a similar body type.

Overall, Chun-Li is a kickass character able to hold her own in a fight and definitely represents one of the good gals when it comes to fighting against the baddies. Hopefully the first lady of Street Fighter can get her own anime film showing her back story from the ups and downs in childhood, leaning Kempo, becoming an Interpol agent, growing up with her dad taking on Shadaloo, avenging her dad and training children in martial arts. Maybe we'll get something like that one of these days but in the mean time... game on.

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