Asmongold's Black Myth: Wukong Review: A 2026 GOTY Contender?
Explore the legendary Black Myth: Wukong, hailed as a masterpiece with groundbreaking mechanics and epic boss battles, making it a must-play in 2026.
Just finished my first full playthrough of Black Myth: Wukong, and OMG, I totally get the hype now! π€― It's been a hot minute since a single-player game dropped and just took over the entire gaming scene. We're talking 2026, and folks are still buzzing about this masterpiece from Game Science. I was catching up on some old streams and came across Asmongold's legendary review from the launch period. Let me tell you, his take was spot-on and honestly, it hits even harder now, looking back.

Why This Game Is Kind Of A Big Deal
Okay, let's rewind. This game first blew minds back in 2020 with that insane reveal trailer. Fast forward to its PC and PS5 launch, and boom β instant classic. It sold millions, broke Steam records for a single-player title (we're talking over 2 million players at once, hello?!), and critics were obsessed. What makes it so special, you ask? Let's break it down Asmon-style.
The G.O.A.T. Mechanics & Boss Fights
Asmongold, who is notoriously hard to impress, gave this a solid 9 to 9.5/10. His main points of praise? The mechanics and the bosses. And trust me, he ain't wrong. The combat is so fluid and satisfying, it just feels incredible. Every dodge, every transformation, every special move has weight to it. But the real stars of the show? The bosses.
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Innovative Design: Every single boss fight feels like a unique puzzle. You can't just button-mash your way through. You have to learn patterns, adapt, and use your entire kit.
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Sheer Polish: Asmon said he was "surprised" by the level of polish. In 2026, with all the games we've seen, this one still stands out for its technical excellence. No game-breaking bugs, smooth performance β it's a finished product, period.
A Minor Critique? The World Itself
Now, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Even Asmon had one tiny nitpick, and I kinda agree. The game isn't a massive open world. It's more of a guided, beautifully crafted experience. He mentioned that more opportunities for open-world exploration could have elevated it even further. Sometimes you just wanna get lost in the lore, you know? But honestly, the trade-off is a tight, focused story without filler, so it's a valid point but not a deal-breaker.
Lore & Storytelling: A Love Letter to Mythology
This is where the game truly shines for me, and Asmongold was all over this too. The way it weaves the classic Journey to the West tale with its own twists is chef's kiss. π
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Anime-Style Sequences: The cutscenes are cinematic masterpieces. They have this epic anime vibe that makes every story beat hit harder.
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Deep Respect for Mythos: Asmon specifically praised the "deep respect for Norse mythology." Wait, Norse? I think there might have been a little mix-up in the reference article, lol! The game is firmly rooted in Chinese mythology, and it treats its source material with so much love and authenticity. It's clear the devs poured their hearts into this.
The Infamous Asmongold Rating Scale
Let's talk about the ultimate seal of approval. Asmongold compared it to another big title, Stellar Blade. His verdict?
If Stellar Blade is an 8, then Black Myth: Wukong is a 10.
Mic drop. π€ This comparison alone tells you everything about the caliber of this game. It set a new bar.
The Legacy & Future (2026 Update!)
Looking back from 2026, Asmon's hope for the future totally came true. The game's massive success did inspire the devs. Rumors are flying about Game Science's next project, and the hype is real. Also, remember the Xbox delay? Well, that version finally dropped and brought in a whole new wave of players. The game's community is still thriving!
Final Verdict: Is It Still Worth It in 2026?
Absolutely, 100% yes. Black Myth: Wukong isn't just a game; it's a cultural moment in gaming history. It proved that a passionate team can create a world-class experience that resonates globally. Asmongold said if this didn't win Game of the Year, he'd wanna see what could top it. Looking back, it absolutely deserved all the accolades it got. If you haven't played it yet, what are you even doing? Go experience this legend for yourself. You won't regret it. Periodt. π
TL;DR for my busy girlies:
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π€ Combat & Bosses: 11/10. Smooth, challenging, epic.
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πΊοΈ World: Linear but gorgeous. Not a huge sandbox.
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π Story: A beautiful, respectful adaptation of Chinese myth.
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β Asmongold's Rating: 9.5/10. Called it a potential GOTY.
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π Legacy: Inspired a generation of devs. Still slaying in 2026.