Black Myth: Wukong's Character and Enemy Design Set It Apart From Other Soulslike Games

Summary

Black Myth: Wukong, an upcoming Soulslike based on the 16th-century Chinese novelJourney to the West, got a big trailer at The Game Awards. Not only did this new teaser show off titanic foes and dazzling fidelity, but it also demonstrated howBlack Myth: Wukong’s mythological creatures will be unlike anything players have seen in the genre thus far.

A good while in the making,Black Myth: Wukongwas revealed back in 2020. The game will follow the journey of the ‘Destined One’, a character modeled after monkey king Sun Wukong. All manner of creatures, both small and colossal, look to stand in the player’s way. Many seem to be direct allusions toJourney to the West, such as a giant arachnid that might be one of the book’s spider demons—or an anthropomorphic black bear that likely represents the demon Xiong Shanjun. Many other creatures could also take their likeness from more ancient Chinese mythology.

Black Myth Wukong Tag Page Cover Art

Black Myth: Wukong Brings A Whole New Look To Soulslikes

Soulslikes have always been known for having iconic monster designs, often showcasing exceeding creativity and gruesomeness. Just look attheDark Soulsseries and their bossesfor a masterclass in the nightmarish imagination that’s become a Soulslike signature.Black Myth: Wukongtakes a similar approach here. Its designs are brimming with imagination and many carry on that body horror tradition:

How Wukong’s Art Design Sets It Apart Culturally

Black Myth Seemingly Abandons Many FromSoftware Tropes

However,Black Myth: Wukongalso looks to be bucking some of these trends. On the surface level, we see that most of these creatures are not so plagued with infection or wrought with tragedy as those in FromSoftware’s catalog. The anthropomorphic animals and giant beasts (namely the spider and the turtle) are shown without themselves being turned into horror shows.

Many other humanoids, even if they carry additional skeletal arms or have insectoid legs, are muscle-bound—almost regal in their depiction. Once players are shownthe full scope ofBlack Myth: Wukong, there may yet be more grit to be found. So far, though, its world is a sunnier one filled with beasts and proud demon kings not marred by horror in the ways we’ve seen before.

Chinese Mythology and Inspiration is Ripe in Black Myth: Wukong

Another notable aspect of this art design that really setsBlack Myth: Wukongapart from its contemporaries is its clear inspiration from older Chinese mythological artwork, specifically Buddhist artwork.Journey to the Westis a story with roots in Buddhist folklore and with a strong Buddhist message, things thatBlack Myth: Wukongwears on its sleeve.

An example of this would be the figures depicted in bhavacakra paintings (depictions of the cycle of samsara that are found within and outside of China). Of particular interest is the demon holding the wheel, Mara, whose humanoid face, wrinkles, and colorful skin (often a bright red) can often be found among many creatures of Chinese mythology. That might be painting in broad strokes, but it explains the inspiration for the distinctly human faces of most beasts seen in the trailer.

Another unique feature of the game’s art is the liberal use of larger-than-life scope. Mighty dragons as long as mountains are tall, titans with heads above the clouds, and gargantuan insects to mount can all be found in the new release date trailer. All these creatures, far greater in scale than what gamers are used to from Soulslikes, are reminiscent of thegiants found inShadow of the Colossus.

With an official release datemarked for 2024,Black Myth: Wukongwill soon be giving players a Soulslike experience like never before. From all that has been shown thus far,Wukongseems to present a bestiary right out of a hanging scroll painting.