PS5 Pro: What We Know So Far and What It Could Mean for Gamers Like Me

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The PS5 Pro is on the horizon, and as someone who’s been following the updates closely, I’m eager to see how it will change the gaming experience. Let’s dive into what’s been shared so far and what it could mean for us. Expected Upgrades: CPU, GPU, and Storage The PS5 Pro is likely sticking with the same CPU as the current PS5, with a slight speed boost expected. The real excitement centers around the upgraded GPU, featuring more compute units and improved ray tracing, promising faster rendering and better visuals. Another welcome change is the increase in storage to 2TB SSD, which will significantly reduce the hassle of managing game installations, a common gripe with the original PS5's 825GB or 1TB SSD options. Connectivity and Performance Enhancements The PS5 Pro is set to support Wi-Fi 7, which means faster and more reliable connectivity for online play and downloads. This is particularly useful for gamers relying on wireless connections. Additionally, the new Game Boost featur...
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Black Myth: Wukong - The Soulslike That Even This Guy Might Finish

Black Myth: Wukong

My PS5 has been gathering dust lately. Between work, family, and the never-ending quest for a decent night's sleep, video games haven't been a priority. But when I finally booted up my console yesterday, a surprise awaited: Black Myth: Wukong.

Remember those jaw-dropping trailers that set the gaming world ablaze a few years ago? Yeah, that game was suddenly ready to play. A wave of curiosity, mixed with a dash of "I'm too old for this," washed over me. Still, I couldn't resist diving in.

First Glimpse: Art That Breathes

From the moment the game loaded, it was clear this wasn't your average button-masher. The visuals are simply stunning. Think Chinese mythology brought to life in vivid, almost tangible detail. It's not just pretty; it's immersive. One moment, you're creeping through a moonlit forest that feels both eerie and enchanting. The next, you're sweating bullets in a volcanic cavern that radiates oppressive heat. The world of Black Myth: Wukong pulls you in and doesn't let go.

The Minds Behind the Magic

Let's take a quick detour to appreciate the masterminds behind this masterpiece. Game Science, a Chinese studio founded in 2014, had humble beginnings in the world of mobile games. But then they set their sights on something much grander: Black Myth: Wukong. And when that first trailer went viral in 2020, the world took notice. They've grown, attracted top talent, and even secured backing from Tencent, all while keeping creative control. It shows.

Gameplay: A Dance of Death (And Occasional Frustration)

Combat in Wukong is exhilarating... most of the time. Wukong moves with a fluidity that's mesmerizing, and the mix of attacks, spells, and transformations keeps you on your toes.

Full disclosure: I'm not a Soulslike fan. I've tried, I really have. But the constant dying and inching forward just doesn't click with me. It feels more like work than fun.

So, when I started getting that familiar "here we go again" feeling in Wukong, a part of me wanted to quit. But something kept me going. The combat, while undeniably challenging, is also undeniably engaging. It demands strategy, timing, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

As I battled through bosses, a strange thought crossed my mind: maybe it's time to give Soulslike games another chance. Maybe this game, with its stunning world and rich mythology, is the key to finally unlocking the appeal of this genre for me.

Cultural Deep Dive: Reimagining a Classic

One thing that sets Wukong apart is its deep connection to Chinese mythology, drawing inspiration from one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. This fantastical tale, attributed to Wu Cheng'en, follows the pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang (or Tripitaka) to India to retrieve sacred Buddhist texts. His journey is fraught with peril, but he's aided by three protectors: Sun Wukong (the mischievous and powerful Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (the gluttonous pig demon), and Sha Wujing (the water monster seeking redemption).

Black Myth: Wukong isn't just a retelling; it's a bold reimagining. It incorporates traditional themes of redemption, enlightenment, and the struggle between good and evil into a modern gaming experience. The result is a unique flavor that stands out in the action RPG landscape.

It's a landmark moment for Chinese game development, showcasing their rich cultural heritage on a global stage. And judging by the game's reception, it's striking a chord with players around the world.

Popularity: Shattering Expectations

Let's talk numbers. Black Myth: Wukong isn't just a critical darling; it's a commercial powerhouse. In its first three days, it sold over 10 million copies, with a staggering 80% of those sales coming from China. That's faster than Elden Ring and Hogwarts Legacy combined. It speaks volumes about the game's immense appeal and its unique blend of challenge and cultural storytelling.

Where to Play

Ready to embark on your own journey? Wukong is available on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. The game leverages the latest hardware, with support for ray tracing and Nvidia DLSS 3.5 on PC. No matter your platform of choice, you're in for a visual feast.

Technical Hiccups and Future Fixes

My experience wasn't entirely flawless. I encountered frame rate drops and a few crashes, especially during intense battles. Other players, particularly on PS5, have reported similar issues. The good news is that the developers seem responsive, so hopefully, these kinks will be ironed out in future patches.

Final Verdict: A Journey Worth Taking

Black Myth: Wukong is a game of contrasts. It's a visual masterpiece steeped in mythology, yet it delivers a combat experience that's both exhilarating and, at times, frustrating. It's not perfect, but it's undeniably memorable.

If you crave challenging action RPGs, have an interest in Chinese mythology, or are simply looking for something different, give Wukong a shot. It may not be for everyone, but it's a journey that's worth taking.

As I closed the game, a sense of accomplishment washed over me. Black Myth: Wukong might not have converted me into a full-fledged Soulslike enthusiast, but it did something even more impressive: it made me appreciate the genre's appeal. And who knows, maybe one day I'll even embrace the grind.


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