Chinese mythology is rich in stories and features various legends and creatures that inspire works such as films and books released both in China and around the world. Myths filled with creatures, epic battles, and deities have shaped the identity of a vast country over millennia.
With deep roots in Eastern philosophies, Chinese mythology intertwines with the country’s history, influencing art, literature, spiritual practices, and even video games.Numerous games use concepts from these mythsas the foundation for adventures and grand battles that explore unique elements.
Based on the 2015 film of the same name,Monkey King: Hero Is Backis a gamethat follows the Great Sage, Sun Wukong, newly freed after 500 years of imprisonment, as he embarks on a grand journey with a young boy who admires him. Both the game and the film, likeBlack Myth: Wukong, are based on the novelJourney to the West.
Additionally, the action-adventure game adds new chapters to the story of the original film, creating new layers in the narrative while further exploring the martial arts aspect of the film with fast-paced combat against various enemies and bosses.
AlthoughImmortals Fenyx Risingis a game with abackground based on Greek mythology,Ubisoft released a DLC in 2021 that explores stories and characters from Chinese mythology. Featuring a new hero, players control Ku on a journey to help the goddess Nuwa restore balance between Heaven and Earth.
Players will have access to various legendary Chinese deities and face battles against exotic monsters from the mythology, challenging their skills in epic fights to save humanity.
Chinese mythology isn’t limited to action games.The Rewinderisa puzzle and adventure game inspired by ancient Chinese folklore, featuring legendary figures such as Spirit Wardens, the Ox-head and Horse-face Guardians of the Beyond, and Tudi Gong, all presented in a beautiful pixel art style.
The game’s story follows the protagonist Yun, a “rewinder” with the ability to enter people’s minds and influence their actions. When the Spirit Wardens request Yun to visit a village to investigate a problem involving a spirit, the adventure begins.
6Xuan Yuan Sword 7
A Long-Running Historical Fantasy RPG
Xuan Yuan Sword 7is a third-person action RPG that is part of a game series dating back to 1990, with over 10 titles exploring Chinese mythology. The game is set during the final period of the Western Han Dynasty and places the player in a world inhabited by mythical creatures such as Hundun, Taowu, and many others.
In this adventure, players take on the role of Taishi Zhao, a swordsman who embarks on a journey to protect his family and uncover the truth in a chaotic kingdom. The game features a fluid real-time combat system with various elements such as Active Skills, Dodge, Block, and Riposte.
Although it doesn’t take place in China or during the time of Chinese mythology,Enslaved: Odyssey to the Westis a game set 150 years in the future and is heavily inspired byJourney to the West. In this game, the world is in chaos,with war and destruction bringing humanityto the brink of extinction, and slave ships capturing the population, taking people away forever.
The story follows Trip, a young tech expert trying to escape from one of these ships, and Monkey, a fellow prisoner who breaks free with his brute strength. Together, they must embark on a journey home, facing threats and obstacles in their quest for freedom.
Honor of Kingsis a popular MOBA developed by Tencent, set in a world inspired by Chinese mythology. The game features a wide range of heroes based on historical and legendary figures, such as Pan Gu, Nuwa, Nezha the Marshal of Central Altar, Yang Jian, and many others.
Like other popular MOBAs, the game consists of a 5v5 battle, with various characters using unique abilities to destroy the enemy base. The game is a massive success in China, becoming one of the most played and profitable games in history.
TheDynasty Warriorsseries consists of action andhack-and-slash games known as Musouor Musō. The games feature a unique combat style where players battle hordes of enemies using a variety of attacks and combos that can hit dozens or even hundreds of foes at once.
The series is also known for drawing from the era of the Three Kingdoms in China, a period when the Chinese Empire was divided into three kingdoms around 220 to 265 AD, and is depicted inThe Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynastyis an action RPG set in ancient China during the Three Kingdoms period, blending various historical elements with the fantasy of Chinese mythology. Players take on the role of a militia warrior who faces a demonic invasion and fights for survival in a dark version of the end of the Han Dynasty.
In this game, players can use swords and techniques based on Chinese martial arts to combat various creatures and enemy soldiers, unlocking new abilities with different combat styles.
One of the most remarkable releases of 2024,Black Myth: Wukongis an RPGinspired by the classic Chinese novelJourney to the West. Set in a fantastical world rooted in Chinese mythology, it follows Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as he battles legendary foes to uncover the dark truth behind an ancient legend.
As one of the most popular games of all time,Black Myth: Wukongstands out for its stunning visuals and top-notch gameplay, featuring spells, transformations, and magical apparatuses.
