Summary
With all its uniqueness as an adaptation of a 16th-century Chinese novel,Black Myth: Wukongisn’t short on influences. While some influences are more prominent, however, others are very subtle — Sucker Punch’sGhost of Tsushimais one of those. Overall,Black Myth: Wukong’s gameplay is almost nothing likeGhost of Tsushima’s. WhereasGhost of Tsushimais more of a typical action-adventure title,Black Myth: Wukongis an action RPG with a heavy reliance onthe Soulslike elements that define it. Even so, one ofBlack Myth: Wukong’s most peaceful features appears to be straight out ofGhost of Tsushima, though the former’s is a big improvement over the latter’s.
Black Myth: Wukong’s Meditation Spots are scattered throughout its world, waiting for players to happen upon them for a brief and necessary respite. It also just so happens that they resembleGhost of Tsushima’s Haiku sequences very closely. However, despite the similarities,Black Myth: Wukong’s Meditation Spots improve uponGhost of Tsushima’s Haikus by making them more directly beneficial to the player. Perhaps the nextGhost of Tsushimagame should take note of this and improve one of the first game’s unique features.
How Black Myth: Wukong Makes the Concept of Ghost of Tsushima’s Haikus Worth It
Ghost of Tsushima’s Haikus Provide Players With a Purely Cosmetic Piece of Gear
Ghost of Tsushimais a captivating and gorgeous game, and that is all the more realized in its Haiku spots. As players approach these reclusive locations, Jin Sakai will kneel on the ground and begin to meditate on his surroundings. From there, players will construct an original haiku based on what they see and the few options that are given to them. During the sequence, calming music plays to set the mood alongside the gentle sounds of nature, includingGhost of Tsushima’s iconic wind. Each Haiku spot provides a worthwhile moment, if not just for the break inGhost of Tsushima’s normal gameplay loop it provides. Unfortunately, the rewards are lacking.
After players complete a haiku at one ofGhost of Tsushima’s Haiku spots, they will receive a headband unique to that location. However, these headbands are purely cosmetic and provide no gameplay benefits, unlike the rest of the game’s gear pieces. Additionally, the majority of the headbands players receive from completing Haiku spots arguably don’t match Jin’s normal wardrobe, making them largely a waste. This is whereBlack Myth: WukongimprovesGhost of Tsushima’s Haiku spots with its Meditation Spots.
Black Myth: Wukong’s Meditation Spots Give Players a Skill Point
As players explore the sizable world ofBlack Myth: Wukong, they might discover the game’s Meditation Spots, which function almost exactly likeGhost of Tsushima’s Haiku spots. When approaching aMeditation Spot inBlack Myth: Wukong, the Destined One will kneel on a pillow, and a short sequence will play showcasing the environmental scenery around him. Additionally, just like inGhost of Tsushima’s Haiku spots, calming music plays here as the Destined One meditates.
Apart from the fact that players can’t write their own haiku duringBlack Myth: Wukong’s Meditation Spot sequence, it is identical to what one would experience atGhost of Tsushima’s Haiku spots.
Black Myth: Wukongimproves upon this idea in its allowance of one skill point, or “Spark,” to players upon the conclusion of the sequence. Sparks are priceless inBlack Myth: Wukong, as there are dozens of skills for players to unlock. As such, finding a Meditation Spot in the game is like finding a gold mine. WhereasGhost of Tsushima’s similar locations simply reward players with a cosmetic piece,Black Myth: Wukong’s actually benefit gameplay. PerhapsGhost of Tsushima’s sequelshould take note of this and offer players a headband with unique gameplay bonuses instead.
