Regardless of Whether Black Myth Wukong is a Soulslike

Whenever a new action game garners significant attention, there's a frequent assumption that it must be a Soulslike game. This label was hastily applied to Stellar Blade and even Armored Core 6 earlier this year, and now Black Myth: Wukong has found itself in a similar situation. Online searches for the game yield countless articles, Reddit discussions, and forum threads questioning if Black Myth: Wukong fits the Soulslike category, often followed by clarifications that it does not.

I want to definitively state that Black Myth: Wukong is not a Soulslike game. However, it is an exceptional character action game that draws inspiration from Dark Souls, among other influential titles like God of War and Bayonetta.

Defining a Soulslike Game The term 'Soulslike' can have varying interpretations, but typically refers to games that feature a high-risk reward system, such as losing Souls, XP, or resources upon death, challenging bosses, melee-centric combat, and restricted healing options. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of Dark Souls and Elden Ring, described these games in an IGN interview as "Those dark fantasy third-person action games with a higher focus on melee combat and a strong sense of accomplishment."

For me, the key features of a true Soulslike game include tough boss battles, a leveling system that necessitates enemy respawns at each checkpoint, and rich exploration opportunities. FromSoftware's games are renowned for their intricate maps with interconnected routes and shortcuts, forming a labyrinthine world.

Distinguishing Features of Black Myth: Wukong While Black Myth: Wukong shares some elements with Soulslike games—such as challenging boss fights, a dodge and melee combat style, stamina bars, and limited health items—it aligns more closely with boss rush games like No More Heroes. Unlike the complex, puzzle-box worlds of Dark Souls, Black Myth: Wukong's levels are relatively linear, guiding the protagonist from one boss to the next in a straightforward manner.

The structure of Black Myth: Wukong draws inspiration from the classic novel "Journey to the West," where the protagonist, Sun Wukong, faces 81 trials to acquire sacred Buddhist scriptures—a narrative almost akin to progressing through 81 video game levels, as described by IGN China Editor-in-Chief Charles Young.

Our initial impressions from early previews suggested Black Myth: Wukong might be a Soulslike game due to its checkpoint system, stamina management, and dodge-focused combat. However, playing the full game revealed that it truly stands on its own, distinct from typical Soulslike frameworks.

The Influence of Soulslike Games

Over the past decade, the Souls series has had a profound impact on the action-adventure landscape, shaping how games are perceived and labeled. The term 'Soulslike' has become a common descriptor, widely applied to a variety of games that incorporate similar challenging elements. However, it's crucial to recognize that while many games now carry the 'Soulslike' tag, this designation merely highlights a subgenre within the broader action-adventure category.

For a deeper dive into how FromSoftware's approach has redefined action games, beyond merely contributing to the Soulslike subgenre, consider reading this detailed article on IGN, which explores the lasting impact of these gameplay innovations: Even If Black Myth: Wukong Isn't a Soulslike, FromSoftware Has Changed Action Games Forever. The article not only discusses the nuances of what makes a game 'Soulslike' but also how these elements have been integrated into other games that do not fit strictly within this subgenre.

The Enduring Impact of FromSoftware

FromSoftware's contributions to the gaming industry have undeniably influenced a myriad of other titles, though this integration doesn't automatically categorize them as Soulslikes. Features such as limited-use health items, stamina bars, and respawn points that reset all enemies have become staples in many modern games. These elements can now be found in a variety of non-Soulslike games, including Black Myth: Wukong, Stellar Blade, and even FromSoftware’s own Sekiro—which, despite common misconceptions, is not a Soulslike game.

Previously, gameplay elements like the stamina bar and limited-use health items—think the Estus Flask from Dark Souls—were considered quintessential aspects of the Dark Souls series, significantly contributing to its challenging gameplay. These features were initially distinctive but have now become more widespread as an increasing number of games have adopted them into their own action frameworks. For example, Stellar Blade incorporates a combat system reminiscent of Black Myth: Wukong and adopts the Soulslike checkpoint system, yet it completely omits the stamina bar. On the other hand, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom includes a stamina bar and features notably tough bosses, yet it is clearly not a Soulslike game.

These adaptations illustrate the broad influence of Soulslike mechanics beyond their original context. Moreover, the integration of these features into various games indicates a shift in the action game design, embracing elements that enhance challenge and strategic play. However, as developers experiment with these elements, challenges can arise. For instance, the developers behind Black Myth: Wukong have cautioned that despite extensive internal testing, serious issues may still occur, highlighting the complexities of integrating such mechanics smoothly into new games. For more insights on potential challenges in game development like those faced by Black Myth: Wukong, you can read more here.

It’s evident that gameplay mechanics once unique to Soulslike games have permeated titles outside this subgenre. We now find ourselves in a new era for action games, where the presence of FromSoftware-inspired elements does not necessarily mean a game belongs to the Soulslike category.

This distinction is crucial, particularly for fans of action games who may not favor the Soulslike approach. It would be unfortunate for these players to overlook titles such as Black Myth: Wukong or Sekiro simply due to a misclassification under a very specific subgenre.