Arm yourself with some lore knowledge before diving into Black Myth: Wukong! Here’s all you need to know about Journey to the West and Sun Wukong’s origins.
Game Science's Black Myth: Wukong came out steaming hot following its release on August 20th and is already touted as the Game of the Year (GOTY) by many people. Professional reviewers and casual fans majority shared their satisfaction with the game's mesmerizing visuals, accurate oriental environment, and top-notch gameplay.
The game is inspired by the 16th-century Chinese novel, Journey to the West, and revolves around the historical figure, Sun Wukong. Many people know the fundamentals of the popular story, but those from outside East Asia may not be so familiar.
To avoid a confusing gaming experience, it is important to understand the lore and backstory of the Chinese folktale. So make sure to read ahead for a summarized lore before diving into Black Myth: Wukong. Here we go!
Journey to the West - what is it about
Black Myth: Wukong features Sun Wukong as the main figure of the story - an obvious detail from the title. Sun Wukong is one of the main characters in the Chinese novel "Journey to the West", a story set in the 7th century.
Journey to the West is about a Buddhist monk, Tang Sanzang, who sets off on a religious journey to obtain "sutras" (holy scriptures) from the "Western Regions" located in India and returns after facing 81 different challenges.
Throughout his journey, he was accompanied by four disciples - Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (a man pig), Sha Wujing (a sand monster), and Bai Long Ma (a white dragon horse). These four characters have all sinned against heaven in one way or another and are now given a chance to redeem themselves by helping Tang Sanzang's journey.
The end of the novel sees them succeed. Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang achieved Buddhahood - a state of enlightenment and liberation. Meanwhile, the other three became saints or earned posts in heaven.
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The story of Sun Wukong
To get even more context for Black Myth: Wukong, we need to also dive into Sun Wukong's beginnings.
Sun Wukong was a monkey who was stronger and more intelligent than his peers, earning himself the title "Monkey King". Upon learning the concept of death, Sun Wukong went off on a journey to search for Immortality.
He found a Taoist sage, Puti Zushi, who taught him many magical powers. He also gave Monkey King his religious name "Sun Wukong". The magical powers he picked up include 72 different transformations, freezing people in place, and weather manipulations which are all integrated into Black Myth: Wukong's gameplay.
Sun Wukong then acquired the Riyu Jingu Bang, a magical staff that can be elongated, fly, and attack enemies according to its master's will. When not in use, Sun Wukong shrinks his staff to the size of a needle and keeps it in his ear.
But as he grew stronger, Sun Wukong became more arrogant. He began breaking the rules of Heavens, and demanded more power. The Jade Emperor, the ruler of the Heavenly Domain, attempted many peaceful solutions but Sun Wukong's arrogance proved them ineffective.
After wreaking havoc in Heaven, war sets off between the Jade Emperor and Sun Wukong. The powerful Monkey King single-handedly defeated the Army of Heavens of 100,000 warriors and the Four Heavenly Kings.
But he was finally subdued by Erlang, the greatest warrior in Heaven, who bears a third eye on his forehead. We see the duo's confrontation unfold with Erlang's appearance in the opening scene of Black Myth: Wukong.
Black Myth: Wukong story - What is it about?
As the game title itself presents Sun Wukong's name, it is natural to assume Sun Wukong is the protagonist. But it might not be that simple.
You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.
In the game description, Game Science names the protagonist "The Destined One". In the opening scene, Erlang mentions that he has "bested" the main character before. He also said "A monkey made Buddha once" which indicates that the legendary beginning of Sun Wukong ALREADY happened.
The character and origins of the protagonist is one big mystery. It seems like Black Myth: Wukong wants us to uncover our identity as we experience the game. Some people theorize that we are playing as another monkey who wants to retrace the steps of the legendary Sun Wukong. Some others theorize that we are the reincarnation of Sun Wukong.
Now that you've learned the lore of Sun Wukong and his story in Journey to the West, your gaming experience in Black Myth: Wukong will greatly improve! You can download Black Myth: Wukong on Steam for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox Series X|S. Read more news and updates on esports.gg!
