Soulslikes are all the rage right now. Whether it’s FromSoftware’s blockbusters like Elden Ring, or other studios trying to get in on the action with Lies of P, Lords of the Fallen and more, it seems like every new action title is a soulslike these days – but is Black Myth Wukong in that camp too?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. During our playthrough, we’ve fought countless enemies and can tell you everything you need to know about what the game’s combat is like. So whether you’re a soulslike fanatic after the next challenge or someone who just can’t stand the mechanics and are hoping for some change, we’ve got you covered.
Boss fights have soulslike elements, but have many key differences. Image captured by VideoGamer
Is Black Myth Wukong a soulslike game?
Black Myth Wukong is not a soulslike, but it does borrow certain soulslike elements from the genre. Developer Game Science has been careful to avoid calling it a soulslike, instead choosing to refer to it as an ARPG, perhaps in order to make it seem more approachable to players wary of the soulslike tag.
Like a soulslike, the game’s combat is often difficult, with a particular focus on the game’s tough boss encounters. It features a dodge that is tied to your stamina bar and checkpoints where you can restore health a la bonfires in Dark Souls. Furthermore, upon death, you’ll lose any experience you hadn’t spent and all the enemies you just killed will come right back to life.
All that being said, while Black Myth Wukong is not an easy game by any means, it’s nowhere near as punishing as even the easiest soulslikes. Where soulslike combat is highly reliant upon learning enemy attack patterns and timing, Black Myth Wukong relies more on your equipment and abilities. Upgrading your weapons or trying out new spells could be all you need to get past a particular boss, making it much less frustrating for players who struggle with difficult boss fights.
Black Myth Wukong is much more of a narrative RPG than the likes of Elden Ring and Dark Souls. While there is a challenge to be had, the developers want players to be able to experience the story, so it’s been developed in a way that any players can complete the game, regardless of their skill level.
