Hi everyone! I’m Gray, a content creator hailing from China. It’s fantastic to see so many enthusiastic gamers engaging with this game and our culture!
I realize the narrative of Journey to the West might seem complex to those unfamiliar with Chinese traditions, so I decided to offer a concise yet informative background to introduce everyone to the story. For those who prefer a more visual medium, I’ve also prepared a video: “4-Minute Crash Course to Prepare You for the Game Black Myth: Wukong.”
Overview of the Literature
Journey to the West stands among the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, penned in the 16th century by Wu Cheng’en.
This remarkable work interweaves elements of mythology, folklore, and spirituality, leaving an indelible mark on Chinese culture and literary heritage.
Core Narrative
The tale chronicles the pilgrimage of Master Xuanzang (known as 唐三藏 Tang Sanzang) during the Tang Dynasty, tasked with embarking on a journey to India to procure sacred Buddhist texts.
It’s noteworthy that Master Xuanzang is sometimes referred to as 唐僧 (Tang Seng), indicating his origins from the Tang Empire.
Accompanying him are four notable disciples:
- Sun Wukong (The Monkey King): A mischievous yet mighty monkey boasting extraordinary strength and agility, capable of transforming into various beings. Initially a rebel, he was tamed by Buddha and appointed to safeguard Xuanzang.
- Zhu Bajie (Pigsy): A pig-like character characterized by his laziness and appetite, providing comedic elements while remaining a faithful ally.
- Sha Wujing (Sandy): A steadfast and composed figure depicted as a sand ogre.
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Bai Long Ma (White-Dragon Horse): Originally a dragon prince who faced a transformation into a white horse as punishment and now serves as Xuanzang’s trusty steed.
The Challenges of the Journey
Master Xuanzang and his companions encountered 81 trials during their expedition before arriving at their destination.
These challenges serve as tests of their faith, determination, and moral character, facilitating their spiritual growth and enlightenment. Most of the trials involve confrontations with demons and fantastical entities, some of which will appear in the game, now enhanced with additional powers!
Linking the Novel to the Game
The protagonist of the game, referred to as “the Destined One,” is presumably Wukong or one of his monkey followers.
The narrative set forth in the game unfolds after the events of Journey to the West. Based on the information available, it suggests a significant upheaval in the world, leading to the revival of many yaoguai (demons), several of whom have grown even more formidable.
This situation could resemble the dying flames in Dark Souls, or the shattered Ring in Elden Ring, which have turned their worlds into chaotic realms.
Additional Insights into Wukong
Origin from Stone: Wukong originated from a magical stone. His skin is often noted to be “as hard as stone,” lending to the notion that he might be an asexual monkey.
Havoc in Heaven: In his earlier phases, Wukong named himself “齐天大圣 (Qi Tian Da Sheng = The Great Sage, Heaven’s Equal)” and revolted against celestial authority. He triumphed over 100,000 Heavenly Soldiers and showcased his might against renowned celestial generals, including the four Heavenly Kings—who also make an appearance in the game trailer—and had a legendary confrontation with Erlang God Yang Jian, ultimately facing defeat.
Weapons and Skills: His signature weapon is the 如意金箍棒 (Ru Yi Jin Gu Bang = the Golden Staff), and he possesses the ability known as the “72 Transformations.” This allows him to shape-shift into over 72 different forms (though this number is somewhat exaggerated). It’s anticipated that players may also be able to utilize this transformation ability within the game to tackle various challenges.
I’ll keep this brief, ensuring I cover all the critical points without overwhelming you. I hope you find this information helpful, and I wish you all an enjoyable gaming experience!
