Black Myth: Wukong has captured the attention of gamers worldwide with its stunning visuals, unique narrative, and highly anticipated gameplay. One of the most talked-about aspects leading up to its release was the game’s difficulty level. With early gameplay footage drawing comparisons to the Soulslike genre, many players braced themselves for another punishing experience. However, as the game has been explored, it’s clear that Black Myth: Wukong is not another Soulslike but rather a distinct experience with its own approach to challenge and difficulty.
Not a Soulslike: A Hack-and-Slash Adventure
Despite initial impressions, Black Myth: Wukong diverges significantly from the Soulslike formula. The game is more aptly described as a hack-and-slash action game, bearing similarities to titles like God of War Ragnarok and the 2018 God of War. This distinction is important because it sets the tone for what players can expect in terms of gameplay mechanics and difficulty.
Key Differences from Soulslike Games
- No Punishment for Dying: One of the most significant departures from Soulslike games is that in Black Myth: Wukong, you don’t lose anything upon death. There is no penalty for failure, allowing players to approach challenges without the fear of losing progress.
- Simplified Combat and Customization: The game offers a more straightforward combat system with only one weapon (a staff) and a limited moveset. Unlike the intricate buildcrafting and class systems seen in Soulslike games, Black Myth: Wukong focuses on skill points and minor stat boosts, offering only minimal customization. The game’s design encourages players to engage with its cinematic storytelling rather than delve into complex character builds.
- Linear Progression and Storytelling: The game’s structure is largely linear, with a chapter-based progression reminiscent of Nioh. The emphasis is on delivering a story-driven experience with frequent cutscenes, rather than the open-ended exploration often seen in Soulslike titles.
- Approachable Difficulty: While Soulslike games are known for their unforgiving difficulty, Black Myth: Wukong provides a more accessible challenge. The game’s difficulty is consistent across all players, with no adjustable difficulty settings, making it easier for a broader audience to enjoy.
Understanding the Difficulty of Black Myth: Wukong
So, how hard is Black Myth: Wukong? The difficulty can be best compared to God of War Ragnarok on its normal setting. The game features two types of encounters: bosses and non-boss mobs.
- Non-Boss Mobs: These enemies are relatively easy, often going down in a few hits and posing little threat. Their role is more about filling the world and providing minor obstacles rather than offering significant challenge.
- Bosses: Boss encounters are where the game’s difficulty becomes more pronounced. Early bosses may challenge players as they learn the mechanics and dodge timing. However, as you progress and unlock more skills and spells, even these encounters become more manageable. Later bosses, especially those at the end of chapters, can require a few attempts to learn patterns, but they are far from the grueling battles found in Soulslike games. With the right preparation, these fights can be approached with a strategy that makes them feel fair and rewarding rather than punishing.
The Role of Exploration in Difficulty
Exploration in Black Myth: Wukong plays a crucial role in managing difficulty. Players who take the time to explore side areas and unlock additional spells, items, and upgrades will find the game’s challenges more manageable. For example, unlocking a transformation spell early in the game can provide a significant advantage in boss battles, allowing you to deal damage while avoiding incoming attacks. This strategic use of spells and upgrades can make even the toughest bosses feel less intimidating.
New Game+ Mode
For those seeking an additional challenge, Black Myth: Wukong offers a New Game+ mode. In this mode, players retain all their progress, including the best armor and weapons. While bosses have more health in New Game+, the overall difficulty is reduced because of the player’s enhanced capabilities. This mode is ideal for cleaning up any missed content from the first playthrough and provides a chance to experience the game with a new perspective.
A Balanced Challenge
Black Myth: Wukong strikes a balance between delivering a satisfying challenge and ensuring the game is accessible to a wide range of players. It avoids the extreme difficulty of Soulslike games, instead offering a more streamlined and story-focused experience. While the game may present some challenging moments, particularly in its boss battles, it is designed to be conquered through strategic gameplay and exploration. For experienced players, the difficulty may range from a 4/10 to a 5/10, making it a game that rewards skill without overwhelming frustration.
In summary, Black Myth: Wukong is an engaging hack-and-slash adventure that provides a balanced challenge, allowing players to immerse themselves in its captivating world and story without the punishing difficulty that some may have expected.
