“Black Myth: Wukong” is an action RPG that has achieved worldwide success, attracting over 2.2 million users at its launch. Praised for its graphics and gripping story, it has been dubbed the “God of War of China” by some critics.
The game’s plot not only copies “Journey to the West”, but also focuses on the aftermath of Sun Wukong’s return from recovering the scriptures.
Global Sensation for a “Journey to the West” Media
After completing the mission given by the Buddha and passing 80 trials, Tang Seng and his disciples each find their place in Heaven. Sun Wukong, however, refuses to become a Buddha and runs away to live freely on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits. This defiance angers Heaven, which sends Erlang Shen, the Four Heavenly Kings, and countless celestial troops to confront him, even slaughtering the monkeys on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits, sparking Wukong’s anger.
A fierce battle ensues between Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen. In the heat of the fight, the golden headband returns to Wukong’s head, causing him pain. Erlang Shen seizes the moment, dealing a fatal blow and sealing Wukong inside a stone.
Sun Wukong’s soul is divided into six soul stones, which represent his six senses, and are hidden in mysterious places.
Centuries later, the quest to resurrect Sun Wukong continues through generations at Flower-Fruit Mountain, known as “The Destined One.”
In “Black Myth: Wukong,” players embark on a journey through six chapters, encountering and recruiting characters similar to those in “Journey to the West,” such as Zhu Bajie, Niu Mowang, the rat demon Huang Fengguai, and the snake and wolf demons, Lang Xu Zi and Bai Yi Xu Shi.
The Chosen One, like Sun Wukong, wields a transforming staff and can cast spells and change shape.
Although not a direct adaptation of “Journey to the West”, understanding the basic elements of it enhances the gameplay. Players appreciate the depth of the characters’ stories, including the touching sub-story of Zhu Bajie’s love for Chang’e, which has received widespread attention. The game explores Zhu Bajie’s love story with Chang’e from his time as a Marshal of the Sky Canopy.
Chang’e remained devoted to the Marshal, but fell in love with the Moon Goddess. Offended by the Jade Emperor, the Marshal was banished to the mortal realm, where he married a young woman from Gao Lao Village. Their happiness was short-lived, as he was later transformed into Zhu Bajie.
Moved by love, Chang’e descended into the mortal realm, becoming a spider demon. They were together for only a short time before Zhu Bajie left to help Tang Seng. When they were reunited, Chang’e had become an old woman, still awaiting Zhu Bajie’s return. More than 500 years had passed since Tang Seng’s return.
The Legend of Zhu Bajie and Chang’e in “Journey to the West”
Wukong Fever Boosts Tourism
The game became an overnight phenomenon, prompting the Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism in China to release a video showcasing real-life attractions featured in the game to cater to the wave of “Wukong tourism,” according to SCMP.
Yin Zhenxing, director of the Shanxi Sculpture Museum, said the game’s public rehearsals and promotional activities have attracted a record number of visitors, more than 50,000 in just six months.
According to Yicai, about 40% of tourists discovered the place through the game.
In an interview with the Global Times, Yang Qi, art director of Game Science, revealed that his team traveled throughout China to study ancient architecture, including monuments, temples and stone sculptures, before recreating them for the game, which he describes as a “digital archive” of cultural heritage.
He said, “This game will certainly draw the public’s attention to these real-world architectural sites, especially among the younger generation.” On the other hand, he believes that incorporating cultural heritage into the game will increase player visits and consumption of related products.
Source: Gamek
