Chongqing – Black Myth: Wukong, a Chinese AAA game, has taken the gaming world by storm, smashing sales records and captivating millions of players with its breathtaking combat, stellar production quality, and unforgettable boss fights. Despite some skepticism from Western media outlets like IGN, the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from gamers around the globe. To explore what makes this game so special, I spoke with Jacob Kapustinski, a dedicated gamer from Connecticut, now living in Chongqing, China. Jacob, who runs the YouTube channel Raw Dog Game Reviews (https://m.youtube.com/@RawDogGameReviews-ug8hb), took a break from his gaming and new dad life to discuss Black Myth: Wukong. Jacob remains deeply engaged in the gaming community, and his insights provide a unique perspective on why this game is considered one of the best in its genre. Set in a gorgeous world where players battle monsters and demons, Black Myth: Wukong revisits the legendary tale of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, as he takes on the armies of heaven, offering players an immersive experience that blends action, mythology, and stunning visual storytelling.
The New Evolution of Action RPG: Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong, developed by the Chinese studio Game Science, is revolutionizing the action RPG genre. Since its release, the game has shattered records, drawing millions of players worldwide. To dive into this phenomenon, I caught up with Jacob Kapustinski, a passionate gamer from Connecticut who now resides in Chongqing, China. Jacob, who runs the YouTube channel Raw Dog Game Reviews, shared his thoughts on what makes this game stand out.
A Gamer’s Journey to the East
Jacob’s gaming journey began almost as soon as he could hold a controller. “I’ve been gaming my entire life,” he recalls. “I was sitting on my dad’s lap, controller in hand, by the time I was three.” His move to China seven years ago broadened his gaming interests. “Moving here, I’ve really started to appreciate different gaming styles, especially Chinese RPGs like Black Myth: Wukong.” Jacob’s enthusiasm for the game is evident. “When the first trailer dropped five years ago, I was hooked. It was clear this game was going to be something special, and it hasn’t disappointed.”
A Game That Lives Up to the Hype
Black Myth: Wukong isn’t just another RPG; it’s a turning point for Chinese game development. “This game lives up to every bit of its hype,” Jacob states. “It’s visually stunning, with tight controls and an engaging story. It’s definitely China’s big entry into the AAA market.” With about 30 hours of gameplay under his belt, Jacob is convinced of its impact. “It’s the new evolution of action RPGs, blending the best elements of Souls-like games with unique Chinese mythology. It’s a game that both challenges and immerses.”
To get a sense of the local reaction, I asked my son, Huang HuiJing, what he thought as a hardcore Chinese gamer. “Every character has his own story, and it’s a deeply Chinese story that is very meaningful to Chinese people. It’s amazing, my friends and I, we all love it very much,” he said, before quickly returning to finish his boss fight. This enthusiasm mirrors the excitement seen among gamers worldwide, highlighting the universal appeal of Black Myth: Wukong.
Showcasing Chongqing on a Global Stage
What sets Black Myth: Wukong apart is its deep cultural roots. Set against the backdrop of iconic Chinese locations like Chongqing’s Baoding Mountains and the Dazu Buddhist sculptures, the game weaves real-world beauty into its fantasy. “It’s fantasy, sure, but it’s so deeply rooted in real places that it makes you appreciate China’s culture and landscapes,” Jacob explains. “This game is like a love letter to China. It’s going to make people around the world curious about these places, about Chongqing.”
Igniting Conversations and Curiosity
Beyond the stunning visuals and engaging gameplay, Black Myth: Wukong is sparking deeper cultural conversations. James Mitchell, a Scottish teacher who lived in Chongqing, married a local girl, and now resides in sunny Sanya, has noticed a shift. “It’s spurred a lot of conversation about Chinese mythology,” he says. “My wife, who usually isn’t interested in gaming, is suddenly engaged, explaining the mythical creatures, the yaoguai, and the lore behind them. It’s fascinating to see how the game brings these ancient stories to life in a way that resonates with both Chinese and international audiences.”
James believes that the game’s impact extends beyond entertainment. “It’s a modern platform that not only entertains but also educates,” he adds. “This game is an eye-opener for many, offering a glimpse into history and mythology that people might not have explored otherwise. I’m looking forward to bringing these discussions into my classroom, where students can explore and express their opinions on both the game and the rich cultural heritage it portrays.”
Facing Criticism Head-On
Despite its success, Black Myth: Wukong hasn’t escaped criticism, particularly from Western media. Jacob shrugs off the negativity. “Critics will always find something to nitpick, but the players love it. That’s what counts.” YouTube personality Asmongold chimed in on the controversy, suggesting that the criticisms from outlets like IGN might stem from commercial motives rather than genuine concern. “They’re more concerned with staying relevant than with what gamers actually want,” Asmongold argues. “And gamers want Wukong.“
A New Era for Chinese Gaming
Jacob is excited about what Black Myth: Wukong means for the future. “China’s mostly been known for mobile games, but this changes everything. Now, the world knows that China can produce big, high-quality, culturally rich games. This is just the beginning,” he emphasizes. “This game shows that China is in the big leagues now, and it’s only going to get better. We’re going to see more great games, a lot more like this, more China-made and Chinese culture games.”
In the end, Black Myth: Wukong is more than a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, bridging gaps between East and West. As Jacob enthusiastically notes, “This isn’t just about gaming—it’s about sharing our stories, our culture, and showing the world what we can do.”
A Rocky Start to a Mythical Adventure
Starting my journey with Black Myth: Wukong was anything but smooth. As a Canadian living in China, I faced some unique challenges, such as being unable to purchase the game on the Chinese Steam store using my Canadian VISA card. It’s ironic because the game is cheaper there! While relaxing on the beach, it took nearly 24 hours to download the massive 128 GB game file. I woke up excited, only to find a fraud alert had been triggered, refunding the game and leaving me with a download but no license to play. After opening a ticket with Steam, it took another day to sort out the issue. Another dilemma was deciding between my Onexplayer 2 Pro handheld with its Ryzen AMD 7840u chip and 32 GB of RAM or waiting until I returned to Chongqing to play on my PS5. Finally, I was able to dive in, and the opening sequence did not disappoint. The cinematic quality and the nostalgic voice of the original Chinese actor explained why this game shattered records, with over 2.4 million concurrent players on Steam at launch and more than 10 million units sold in just a few days. It’s incredible, breathtaking, and at times, incredibly challenging. But like the Monkey King himself once said, “Look. You may be a king—you may even be a deity—but you are still a monkey.” And so I am, returning to this mythic world, again and again.
Jorah Kai, the author of Kai’s Diary, Amos the Amazing, and the soon-to-be-released A Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu, is both a big fan of action games and Chinese culture. Here, he stands on the Great Wall of China, protecting it against monsters and those who would blemish Sun Wukong’s great legacy. (Photo by Jorah Kai)
