Summary

• Black Myth: Wukong is not a soulslike, but it does borrow elements from the genre, making it more approachable and narrative-driven.
• The game focuses more on story with a clear-cut narrative and less of a drip-fed approach seen in soulslikes.
• While challenging, Black Myth: Wukong is easier than a soulslike, with upgrades and spells making fights more action-packed.

When Black Myth: Wukong was first announced, many assumed it would be a soulslike. It bears a lot of similarities with the souls genre, with its gritty world and precise combat appearing straight out of Miyazaki's guidebook to game design. However, since its release, debate around whether or not Black Myth: Wukong is truly a soulslike has done the rounds.

While many of Black Myth: Wukong's story and gameplay details have been explained at length, there is still uncertainty about just how difficult it is going to be. Naturally, there are people hoping it is more accessible and approachable than typical soulslikes, while some will want it to be just as challenging as Dark Souls or Elden Ring. However, Black Myth: Wukong is a little more complicated than that, although it does firmly sit in one camp.

Black Myth: Wukong Isn't A Soulslike But It Borrows Elements From The Genre

Developer Game Science Calls It An Action RPG

Black Myth: Wukong is not a soulslike, despite it borrowing several elements from the genre. In fact, its developer, Game Science, has specifically referred to it as an action RPG and has been careful to avoid calling it a soulslike. Black Myth: Wukong is more approachable than a soulslike, making it perfect for those who avoid the genre generally.

However, there are aspects of soulslike that it takes, including combat and dodging being tied to a stamina bar, checkpoints that restore health, enemies respawing upon death, and losing experience on death. Players can also expect lots of challenging bosses, which they'll need to learn the patterns of in order to defeat. Black Myth: Wukong, in a lot of respects, is a boss rush game, so there will be plenty of challenges for players looking for it.

Black Myth: Wukong Has A Greater Focus On Story Than Soulslikes

Black Myth: Wukong Isn't As Hard As A Soulslike

Black Myth: Wukong does differ significantly from soulslike games in many ways. Firstly, Black Myth: Wukong puts a much larger emphasis on narrative, with its story clearly told across cutscenes spread throughout the game. Players can expect a more clearcut narrative and less of a drip-fed approach typically seen in soulslike games. Although the Wukong gameplay trailer features many soulslike notes, there are other things outside of the look of combat that matter.

The story of Black Myth: Wukong borrows heavily from the Chinese tale Journey to the West, including key characters such as the titular Wukong. However, the developer has taken several liberties to create its own unique story within that universe.

Additionally, the game is much easier than a soulslike, with developer Game Science taking great care to ensure players aren't frustrated. While there is absolutely plenty of challenge to be found, the plethora of upgrades, spells, and weapons make fights a lot more action-packed and less reliant on timing than a normal soulslike game. So, for those worried that Black Myth: Wukong would be too difficult or too much like a souls game, rest assured that it is much more of a narrative-driven action RPG.