Black Myth: Wukong Is More Than a Journey to the West Adaptation

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Black Myth: Wukong Is More Than a Journey to the West Adaptation

As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Eastern mythology and its various adaptations, I find myself thoroughly captivated by the innovative approach taken by Game Science with their creation, Black Myth: Wukong. While it undoubtedly draws upon the foundational pillars laid by Journey to the West, it manages to carve out a distinctive identity for itself through the inclusion of original characters and evolving locations that reflect the passage of time.

The following contains spoilers for
Black Myth: Wukong
.

Initially, it seemed like Game Science’s game, Black Myth: Wukong, would let players control the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, from the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. However, this action RPG takes place after the events of the novel. Consequently, rather than playing as Sun Wukong himself, players encounter a reinterpretation of the world depicted in Journey to the West through the perspective of a common monkey character called the “Destined One”, who bears a striking resemblance to Sun Wukong. Essentially, this means that Black Myth: Wukong is distinct enough from Journey to the West to carve its own narrative path as an original story, rather than being a literal adaptation of the novel.

In several aspects, the video game Black Myth: Wukong can be viewed as a continuation or reinterpretation of the classic tale Journey to the West. While it frequently refers back to the original story during its approximately 30-hour long narrative, it’s essential to note that Journey to the West functions more as the blueprint for the game rather than a muscle-bound expansion. The novel primarily serves as the foundation upon which Game Science has built the intriguing storyline and captivating world showcased in this game. It doesn’t hesitate to incorporate some of the most iconic characters from Journey to the West, although many have been reimagined specifically for the game. Its strong connection with Eastern mythology also helps bridge any narrative gaps created by its semi-adaptive format.

Some of Black Myth: Wukong’s Major Characters and Locations Are Pulled Directly From Journey to the West

In the realm of Black Myth: Wukong, I find myself treading paths that echo tales from Journey to the West. While the Destined One is a fresh character crafted uniquely for this game, many key figures seem to have roots in that timeless novel. As the story unfolds five centuries later, these characters serve as links to our past, enriching the narrative of today.

In the game “Black Myth: Wukong,” one of the most intricate and well-rounded characters is Bajie, who assumes the roles of companion, instructor, and guide to the Main Character throughout much of the storyline. In the original tale, “Journey to the West,” Bajie is depicted as somewhat lazy but also displays his respectful and kind-hearted nature, particularly towards Sun Wukong, whom he affectionately calls “brother.” Their bond is heartwarming, making readers easily fond of him. In “Black Myth: Wukong,” however, Bajie exhibits a more arrogant and reckless demeanor. Yet, his unwavering loyalty to the game’s hero often reveals the same tender side of his character, hinting at his enduring friendship with Sun Wukong. Despite these differences, what remains consistent is how endearing Bajie truly is as a character.

In addition to the game, many sites familiar from the tale “Journey to the West” have been incorporated, but they’ve been painstakingly reimagined to offer expansive areas for exploration and countless battles with bosses. Notable locations like Black Wind Mountain, Yellow Wind Ridge, the Flaming Mountains, and Mount Huaguo can all be explored within “Black Myth: Wukong”. However, these areas have been redesigned to showcase how they’ve evolved over time and their new significance in a fresh narrative that takes place centuries after the original story. This allows “Black Myth: Wukong” to establish its own unique identity distinct from “Journey to the West”.

Black Myth: Wukong Includes Original Characters and Evolved Locations to Define Itself

In a departure from the classic tale of Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong has the freedom to incorporate characters and settings not present in the original story, thanks to the substantial time difference between the game and its source material. This flexibility allows Game Science to infuse the game with characters inspired by Eastern mythology that weren’t part of Journey to the West, while maintaining its essence as an Eastern-themed mythological adventure. Consequently, Black Myth: Wukong introduces new adversaries, largely drawn from Eastern folklore, and updates locations from the novel to reflect the lapse of time, all within the broader narrative framework of the original story.

In the game “Black Myth: Wukong,” we find a rich array of celestial entities, gods, and mythical creatures known as Yaoguai, many of which are not present in the classic novel “Journey to the West.” The main character, the Destined One, comes across numerous lesser Yaoguai in “Black Myth: Wukong” that aren’t featured in “Journey to the West,” such as the Croaky, the Crow Diviner, the Tenner, and the Pitstone, Poisestone, and Palestone. While many of the game’s main bosses are similar to those found in “Journey to the West,” there are some bosses that we haven’t encountered in the novel.

In Black Myth: Wukong, we encounter a host of fresh characters, predominantly adversaries, who are not present in the original tale of Journey to the West. These newcomers draw heavily from Eastern folklore. Moreover, there are updated and time-relevant settings derived from the novel to enrich the narrative.

In terms of locations, many that characters can traverse in the game Black Myth: Wukong are already found in the classic tale Journey to the West. However, some unique locations such as Crouching Tiger Temple, Turtle Island, Mirrormere, and the Pagoda Realm are exclusive to the game. Although these specific places aren’t present in the original novel, it does contain descriptions of various pagodas. In this sense, Black Myth: Wukong offers a distinct gaming experience that goes beyond what can be found in the 16th-century novel upon which it is based.

Black Myth: Wukong draws heavily on the narrative, characters, and landscapes of Journey to the West for its foundation, but it’s set after those events, which is why Game Science has incorporated fresh creatures from Eastern folklore and unheard-of locations not found in the original book. The opportunity to traverse these unexplored territories, embark on quests, and immerse oneself in the captivating scenery of Black Myth: Wukong extends far beyond its formidable battles. It’s essential to remember that Black Myth: Wukong is not just a series of boss fights; it’s a voyage through a mythology-rich world inspired by Chinese legends and Journey to the West. The game’s focus on unique elements, immersive worldbuilding, and stunning vistas ensures that even those unfamiliar with Journey to the West can enjoy Black Myth: Wukong as an entirely new experience.

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2024-08-20 15:24