Summary
Breaking records on Steam with over 2.2 million concurrent players,Black Myth: Wukonghas been a major success for Game Science after four long years of fans waiting for its release. With an incredible opening spectacle, true next-generation graphics, and combat that rivals many other action RPG titles,Wukonghas already stamped its place as a classic in the genre.
With comparisons made to similar games such as Sony’s Santa Monica’sGod of Warfranchise, there is no doubt that plenty of what is seen in the studio’s latest installment inRagnarok, is very much alike what players are currently experiencing in Game Science’s blockbuster entry.
5Combat/Spells
Kratos & The Destined One Have Multiple Special Abilities
With Kratos wielding the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and theDraupnir Spear, players have a plethora of special abilities to choose from for each inGod of War Ragnarok. These are primarily used to stun enemies or bosses at much faster rates and maintain separate cooldowns, and players will largely benefit from upgrading their preferred skills throughout the journey.
Black Myth Wukongtakes a very similar approach despite the Destined One only utilizing a staff, and players have the opportunity to switch between different spells where it matters most, which also operate on cooldowns. Aside from the spells and abilities at the player’s disposal, the combat systems inRagnarokandWukongmaintain strong similarities in movement and the importance of mixing in light and heavy attacks.
4Armor Customization/Builds
New Armor Sets Become Available After Boss Battles
Unlike a plethora of other action RPG titles that allow players to find armor sets via exploringopen-worldmaps, bothBlack Myth: WukongandGod of War Ragnaroktake a different approach. Considering the various amount of locales that are present in both games and their semi-open world-level design, armor is typically crafted in the aftermath of overcoming particular enemies and bosses.
This is relevant as a variety of enemies utilize elemental attacks, which many armor sets can defend players against. It is highly important in Game Science’s new IP, as some encounters will be decided depending on how efficient players' reactions are with perfect dodges, or if they have the appropriate gear equipped.
3Boss Battle Spectacle
Both Opening Sequences Feature Boss Encounters
There is no denying the breathtaking nature ofGod of War Ragnarok’s opening sequence, which kicks the narrative off right where it ended with Santa Monica’s 2018 installment with an encounter with Freya. The game’s opening segment eventually ends with an engaging battle with Thor, and future boss encounters manage to maintain the same high levels of impressive spectacle.
Black Myth: Wukongfollows in the same vein as the critically acclaimed PlayStation title, not only with its epic opening segment boss battle playing as Wukong but continues to produce high-quality boss encounters throughout its runtime. This is especially thanks toUnreal Engine 5, providing almost lifelike sequences on screen.
2Combat Companion
The Destined One Is Accompanied In Combat In Chapter Three
With the majorityofGod of War(2018)’s narrative and gameplay experience, players would be accompanied by the Ghost of Sparta’s son Atreus. Considering the large amount of success that stemmed from this, Santa Monica followed this up inRagnarok, not only with Atreus as an ally but also with Freya.
Black Myth: Wukongfeatures a very similar segment, which sees the Destined One in combat alongside Zhu Bajie, who deals a sufficient amount of damage to enemies while healing the player. This is an easy reminder of how ideal allies such as Atreus and Freya are inRagnarok.
1Loot Materials
Materials Are Ideal For Crafting High-Quality Gear
As aforementioned, both games treat armor and weapon build acquisition in similar ways, which also applies to loot materials. Instead of finding gear in chests, materials that help the Destined One or Kratos craft high-quality gear are found there instead. This is what allows players to step away from main objectives, and dive into exploration for necessary materials.
The comparison here is evident within the animations and camera work behind both characters while opening the chests, and there aremany across realmsinRagnarok, and the same inBlack Myth: Wukong. It also helps that fast travel is possible, so if players happen to miss any important loot that can be crucial to overcoming the toughest enemies, they can always track back to ensure they are readily equipped.
Whether developers at Game Science looked toward Santa Monica’sGod of Warfranchise as an inspiration for its opening segment and gameplay elements throughout the journey to collecting the six relics, it is clear to see that there are a plethora of similarities present, specifically within customization, loot, and gameplay.
