Screen Rant's Pathetic Black Myth Wukong Review

With the release of Black Myth: Wukong just around the corner, reviews are starting to pour in. Judging by some of the conversations happening online, it's clear that certain critics are eager to throw in their two cents. The first review that caught our attention comes from Screen Rant, which offers a mixed take on the game.

The review is titled "Black Myth: Wukong - The Souls-like Action Hype Train is a Bit Off Track." There's no denying the buzz around this game, given its stunning visuals, intriguing lore, and the legendary Monkey King setting. I'm definitely excited to see what it has to offer. But let’s dive into what the review has to say.

The review praises the game as a cinematic masterpiece but raises concerns about its performance. While there’s a lot of excitement, some folks are already running benchmarks to see how well it holds up. Another positive note is that the combat is described as engaging and addictive—definitely a plus! But there’s criticism too, such as the shallow design of the environments and boss arenas. We’ll have to see if these issues hold true.

Now, here's where things get interesting. The review takes a turn to discuss the lack of inclusion and representation in the game. But let's remember, Black Myth: Wukong is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, specifically the tale of the Monkey King. What kind of inclusion and representation were they expecting? The review mentions controversy surrounding the game’s developers, which has been debunked multiple times as mistranslations and inaccurate reports. Yet, here we are, with these points still being brought up.

The reviewer goes on to say that playing as a female gamer allowed them to notice issues surrounding inclusion and representation. This sounds a lot like the rhetoric we've seen from certain critics who are always on the lookout for things to criticize. It's a mentality that seems exhausting, to say the least. Instead of being just a gamer, why focus on these labels? We all enjoy games, regardless of our backgrounds or identities.

The review also notes that the game lacks female NPCs, enemies, or bosses, except for one boss named "Mother of Stones," who is essentially a glowing rock. But it’s crucial to remember that this game is inspired by ancient Chinese folklore. Criticizing it for not meeting modern standards of diversity seems misplaced.

Despite acknowledging the game's enjoyable moments, the review claims there’s an underlying feeling that women aren’t welcome in this fictional world. Again, this is a video game—a world of fantasy and imagination, not a reflection of societal norms. Comparing it to something like Super Mario Brothers, where there were no female characters in the original game, yet it remains universally beloved, shows how this line of thinking can be overly critical.

In conclusion, while the game has its share of criticisms, especially from those looking for issues that might not be there, Black Myth: Wukong is shaping up to be a fun and intriguing game. If you’re on the fence, it’s totally understandable—maybe wait for a review from a YouTuber or critic you trust before making a decision. Personally, I’m excited to dive in and see what this game has to offer.