How Black Myth: Wukong Compares to DBZ

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How Black Myth: Wukong Compares to DBZ

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in both the mystical world of Chinese mythology and the vibrant universe of Dragon Ball Z, I can confidently say that these two seemingly disparate franchises share an unexpected bond. Like a long-lost relative discovered through DNA testing, they are connected by their shared roots in the legend of the Monkey King.

At its debut, not many games managed to captivate the gaming world as impressively as Black Myth: Wukong did, with the Game Science creation shattering numerous impressive records in the process. Drawing inspiration from one of Chinese mythology’s most iconic figures – the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) from the renowned tale, Journey to the West – Black Myth: Wukong shares some resemblance with the narrative structure of Dragon Ball Z.

In essence, these two creations seem incredibly dissimilar on the surface – one is an action RPG deeply rooted in Chinese folklore, offering intense and expansive gameplay, while the other is a classic anime series that paved the way for the shonen genre long before its surge in popularity. Nevertheless, their mutual fascination with the legends of the Monkey King serves as a common ground, making a comparison, even though it might seem unusual, possible.

Black Myth: Wukong and Dragon Ball Z Are Strange Bedfellows

There are multiple lenses under which both franchises can be compared. For starters, of the two adaptations, Black Myth: Wukong stays much closer to the source material. The game portrays a more traditional depiction of the Monkey King set after the events of Journey to the West, even allowing players to have a taste of his full might for the first few minutes of the game before stepping into the shoes of the Destined One – the relic of Sun Wukong’s mind and his next reincarnation. In Dragon Ball Z, Goku (whose name is derived from Sun Wukong’s Japanese name, Son Goku) is more metaphorically based on the Monkey King. Instead of being a literal monkey, Goku is an alien from the Saiyan race, but he retains some of Wukong’s essential characteristics, including a strong moral compass and a carefree, adventurous nature.

In earlier versions of Dragon Ball, characters like Goku utilized the Nimbus cloud and Power Pole, which were inspired by Sun Wukong’s cloud-riding abilities. While Dragon Ball has its merits, Black Myth: Wukong delves deeper into the story of Sun Wukong. Game Science incorporated key features such as shape-shifting and summoning multiple versions of himself. The protagonist’s quest, initially aimed at collecting Sun Wukong’s relics to revive him, eventually transforms into a journey of enlightenment. As players progress, they unintentionally learn more about the Chinese mythological figure’s inner workings.

Visual Designs And Setting Are Where Black Myth: Wukong and Dragon Ball Z’s Adaptations Differ Greatly

When it comes to visual design, the series like Dragon Ball Z and Black Myth: Wukong adopt distinct strategies. In contrast to Dragon Ball Z, Goku’s appearance only shares minimal links with the Monkey King figure, mainly during his early childhood and Super Saiyan 4 transformation, which includes a tail. However, there are hints of Sun Wukong’s mastery of various forms in Goku’s multiple transformations, albeit with an anime-style twist, characterized by colorful hair and radiant auras.

Another significant hint about Wukong’s lineage in Dragon Ball Z might be found in the Saiyans’ ability to transform into a Great Ape form during a full moon. Conversely, Black Myth: Wukong offers a more literal portrayal of the Monkey King, emphasizing monkey-like traits. The game’s artwork is realistic and combines detailed mythical landscapes that accentuate the legend’s beauty with a touch of realism. In contrast, Dragon Ball Z prefers vibrant settings ranging from Earth’s cities and alien planets to deserts and outer space.

In terms of storytelling, “Dragon Ball Z” revolves around martial arts and alien perils, combining action and humor into one of the most acclaimed anime and manga series ever produced. On the other hand, “Black Myth: Wukong” delves deeper into spirituality, concentrating on the lore of the traditional character and the mythology connected to him. Although they differ significantly, “Black Myth: Wukong” and “Dragon Ball Z” exhibit some similarities, a fact emphasized by certain modders collaborating to develop a mod that allows players to assume the role of Goku instead of the original main character.

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2024-10-03 16:05