一、惊艳登场，震撼全球
《黑神话：悟空》自发布以来，犹如一颗重磅炸弹，在全球游戏领域掀起了惊涛骇浪。8 月 8 日，游戏预告片多平台发布，迅速成为国内外玩家热议的焦点。在国内，B 站 和微博的点击量短短两小时内便达到了 306.7 万次，评论量突破 4 万条；海外的 IGN 和 Playstation 等知名游戏账号在 YouTube 上同步发布的预告片，总浏览量也达到了 14.1 万次。玩家们对预告片中的 “七十二变” 等玩法和法宝系统充满期待，满屏的中国风更是让大家赞叹不已。这款游戏预售情况异常火爆，销售额已破亿元。其开发成本预计将超过 4 亿元，预售价格基础版为 268 元，实体收藏版已有超过 43 万套的预约量。在《2024 年 1—6 月中国游戏产业报告》中，国内游戏市场实际销售收入为 1472.67 亿元，其中移动游戏占 73.01%。而《黑神话：悟空》作为买断制单机游戏，在手游蓬勃发展的背景下，以其独特的魅力吸引着玩家。它的火爆预售，不仅体现了国产游戏在品质和创新上迈出的重要一步，也反映出市场对高品质国产游戏的强烈需求。根据 SteamDB 的数据显示，《黑神话：悟空》Steam 愿望单数量超过《空洞骑士：丝绸之歌》，成为榜单第三名，且有望在 8 月 20 日发售之前登顶该榜单。玩家们如此盼望着这款游戏开启中国游戏的下一站，可见其高度的期待值。
二、卓越评测，高分赞誉
（一）多方权威评分
《黑神话：悟空》在各大游戏评分网站上都获得了极高的评价。IGN 意大利分部为其打出了 8.5 分，称赞游戏提供了完整丰富的体验，各大 Boss 战绝对值得称赞，且探索无需花费太长时间，艺术和对《西游记》的重新诠释价值优秀，让人期待未来发展。IGN 法国也给出了 9 分的高评价，称其以高端制作和全面玩法令人愉悦，画面和战斗得到赞美，虽有空气墙等小问题，但整体让人着迷。OpenCritic 上《黑神话：悟空》媒体均分为 82 分，评论家推荐率 74%，其中 IGN 本部给出 8 分，Gamespot 给出 8 分，PCGamesN 给出了 8 分，IGN 中国给出了 10 分，游民星空给出了 10 分。52 家全球媒体平均给出了 82 分的评价，其中还有多家媒体给出满分评价。
（二）精彩亮点剖析
在 Boss 战方面，《黑神话：悟空》可谓精彩绝伦。截止到本周日，游戏已卖出超过 1000 万份，其 Boss 设计深受玩家热议。例如寅虎，作为小西天隐藏地图六六村中的角色，气质内敛，攻击大开大合，战斗风格让玩家有爽感。不同于传统魂类游戏 Boss 不断丢技能，寅虎的攻击节奏更讲技巧，玩家在与他战斗时能不断博弈见招拆招。在敌人设计上，《黑神话》角色和敌人设计充满想象力，与其他魂游戏大不同。引入了前所未见的神话生物，采用极富想象力的设计，充满中国古代神话文化灵感，呈现出一个更加阳光、不那么可怕的世界。妖王们威风凛凛，艺术设计汲取中国古老神话艺术作品灵感，尤其是佛教绘画灵感，还有比真人更大的怪兽让人想起《旺达与巨像》中的巨人。在剧情和角色塑造方面，《黑神话：悟空》深度心理解析揭示了其如何成为一场心灵成长的奇幻旅程。主角孙悟空是文化符号，玩家扮演孙悟空实现对自我潜能的探索和认同，从石猴到斗战胜佛的转变象征个体成长与自我实现，心理投射到孙悟空身上有助于自我认知。情节设计充满象征意义，闯关挑战象征人生困境，锻炼心理韧性；心灵觉醒代表个体对自我认知深化；道德抉择培养道德判断力。游戏为玩家提供心灵之旅，有情感宣泄、自我激励和心灵成长的作用。
三、扑朔迷离，剧情探秘
（一）独特剧情架构
《黑神话：悟空》的剧情架构独特，与传统的《西游记》故事有着显著的不同。游戏开局便是取经归来，天庭派杨戬来收孙悟空。在这场战斗中，不知谁作弊念了紧箍咒，孙悟空被打成六块尸体。二郎神把其中五块尸身分给五个大妖怪，一个年轻猴子在老猴子的指导下，为了集齐尸身（六根）重走取经之路。黄眉老怪的剧情中，他嘲讽曾经的同事唐僧，而此时的唐僧，徒弟死的死，逃的逃，自己也躲了起来。唐僧曾抱怨 “灵山祥光瑞霞，山下苦困天灾。何以你我高高在上，其他人只配磕头烧香”。蜘蛛精的故事更是充满戏剧性。蜘蛛精跟猪八戒是旧情人，孙悟空跟白骨精是旧情人。孙悟空杀妻证道，三打白骨精。白骨精思念亡夫，为孙悟空的继承人天命人引路。蜘蛛精抓了猪八戒，即使白发苍苍仍要跟他同房成亲，因为他们有一个可爱的女儿。天蓬元帅在天上时仰慕嫦娥，却与嫦娥宫里的宫女暧昧。被贬下凡后，在高老庄追逐美女时发现自己变成猪，后又在温泉池遇到变成蜘蛛精的宫女。牛魔王的剧情也十分复杂。太上老君的看炉童子跟铁扇公主搞腐败，牛魔王变身牛头人。红孩儿不是牛魔王的孩子，是铁扇公主被天庭逼迫喝了女儿国河水生的，他还想把玉面公主的闺女抓来戏耍。红孩儿吃了孙悟空的尸身变成夜叉王，铁扇公主称其为夜叉部族唯一血脉，红孩儿因不能报天庭灭族之仇自杀了。在牛魔王的回忆中，孙悟空自称是被天庭逼迫到火焰山，才强行夺取扇子，把牛魔王的孩子送走，打死他的小妾。牛魔王发怒，却被天庭派来的托塔李天王与哪吒镇压。
（二）多元解读争议
玩家和媒体对《黑神话：悟空》的剧情有着不同的理解和分析。一方面，有人认为游戏的剧情改编大胆创新，为经典故事注入了新的活力。例如，孙悟空与各妖怪之间复杂的情感关系，以及取经归来后的命运转折，都让玩家感受到了一个更加立体的西游世界。另一方面，也有部分人对剧情提出了质疑。比如孙悟空为何杀白骨精，仅对妻子下手才能证道成佛的设定让人难以理解。还有人质疑当了几天佛就想回到花果山的孙悟空，其行为动机是否过于简单。此外，孙悟空被分尸陨落，闹了一大圈仅仅只为了除去头上金箍的情节，也引发了争议。媒体方面，有的认为游戏剧情在深度挖掘角色性格和拓展故事背景方面做得很出色。通过对孙悟空性格的多面塑造，赋予了他更多的内心世界和情感层次。同时，游戏在原有《西游记》故事的基础上进行拓展和延伸，挖掘了更多隐藏故事，为玩家呈现了一个更加丰富和立体的西游世界。然而，也有外媒表示看不懂游戏剧情，认为许多 BOSS 只出现一次，且由于对中国文化的不了解，无法理解这些角色和情节的重要性。这些不同的理解和分析，引发了对游戏故事深度的广泛探讨。玩家们在论坛上热烈讨论剧情的合理性和深度，思考游戏中各个角色的命运以及背后的寓意。而媒体的评价也促使游戏开发者更加深入地思考剧情的设计，以满足不同玩家和观众的需求。
四、艰难诞生，开发历程
（一）团队起源与选择
游戏科学成立于 2014 年 6 月，由冯骥和杨奇创立。其初创团队全部来自腾讯互娱自研工作室。成立之初，团队面临着不同的发展方向选择。在手游盛行的时代，他们也曾尝试制作手游以积累资金。先后推出了《百将行》和《战争艺术：赤潮》两款游戏。然而，团队的初心一直是做优秀的单机游戏。冯骥觉得一个人创作的黄金时间只有几年，如果不及时做一点好东西，这辈子可能都没机会了。杨奇也认为不能一直等待所谓的 “成熟时机”，不然永远都不会开始。于是在 2018 年，游戏科学决定组建单机项目团队，正式开启了《黑神话：悟空》的开发之旅。
（二）与腾讯的羁绊
游戏科学的创始团队冯骥和杨奇曾在腾讯八大游戏工作室之一的量子工作室工作，投身公司的自研产品，从 2009 年起牵头做《斗战神》项目。《斗战神》拥有东方文化、史诗叙事、孙悟空 IP 等元素，腾讯内部对其寄予厚望。但在后续运营过程中，由于《斗战神》作为一款 MMORPG 网游，需要高频的内容更新，与项目团队擅长做单机游戏的风格有所冲突，导致游戏后续版本质量不稳定，用户数据持续下滑。最终，在 2014 年腾讯调整工作室架构时，量子工作室与光速工作室合并成立光子工作室群，冯骥和杨奇选择离职创业。《黑神话：悟空》项目与腾讯有着千丝万缕的联系。2021 年，冯骥曾在知乎回答中提到，《黑神话》发布后，腾讯曾在第一时间组团过来拜访，并表示要投资黑神话。腾讯通过增资获得了游戏科学 5% 的股权，投资金额可能超过 2 亿元。腾讯承诺不干预经营决策，游戏科学将继续保持独立经营。
（三）重大时间线回顾
2018 年 2 月底，《黑神话：悟空》正式立项。此前，游戏科学曾开发过以西游故事为主题网游《斗战神》，但因后期内容敷衍和大量氪金元素导致玩家退游。之后又制作了手游《百将行》和《战争艺术：赤潮》。2020 年 8 月 20 日，《黑神话：悟空》首支预告片公布，以极其惊艳的画风和流畅多样的招式瞬间轰动游戏圈，国外知名分析网站数毛社发文称赞其细节丰富。2021 年 8 月 20 日，《黑神话：悟空》采用虚幻引擎 5 制作，画面质量显著提升。2022 年 8 月 20 日，《黑神话：悟空》插曲 “戒网” 火遍全网，展示了盘丝洞的实机剧情片段。2023 年 8 月 20 日，《黑神话：悟空》开启首次试玩，百足虫、赤尻马猴、虎先锋等 Boss 的形象公开。2023 年 8 月 23 日，《黑神话：悟空》亮相德国科隆展，预告片 10 小时在油管便有近 40 万的播放量，试玩区国外玩家热情火爆。2024 年 2 月 27 日，《黑神话：悟空》获得国产游戏版号。2024 年 8 月 20 日，《黑神话：悟空》正式发售，全球多地区同步解锁。在伦敦时间 8 月 20 日 —3:00 BST，柏林时间 8 月 20 日 —4:00 CEST，约翰内斯堡时间 8 月 20 日 —4:00 SAST，莫斯科时间 8 月 20 日 —5:00 MSK，新德里时间 8 月 20 日 —5:00 IST，迪拜时间 8 月 20 日 —6:00 GST，首尔时间 8 月 20 日 —11:00 KST，北京时间 8 月 20 日 —10:00 CST，东京时间 8 月 20 日 —11:00 JST，新加坡时间 8 月 20 日 —10:00 SGT，悉尼时间 8 月 20 日 —12:00 AEST，洛杉矶时间 8 月 19 日 —19:00 PDT，墨西哥时间 8 月 19 日 —20:00 CST，纽约时间 8 月 19 日 —22:00 EDT，圣保罗时间 8 月 19 日 —23:00。
五、震撼画面，极致表现
（一）画质优化探索
对于《黑神话：悟空》这样一款画面精美的游戏，不同配置的玩家可以通过一些方法来优化画面。在硬件层面，对于中低端配置的玩家来说，升级显卡可能是提升画面效果最直接的方式。例如，若使用 RTX 4050 显卡，可以在 1080p 分辨率下进行测试后，使用中等预设，开启光线追踪，DLSS 超采样设置为 66 或 “质量”，这样可以在开启光追的同时，仍然保持较为流畅的帧率。对于拥有更高配置的玩家，可以考虑使用更高端的显卡和更大容量的内存，以获得更出色的画面效果。在软件层面，玩家可以通过调整游戏内的设置来优化画面。例如，视野距离建议设置为 “高” 或 “影视级”，可以让玩家在游戏中获得更为真实和震撼的视觉体验。抗锯齿建议尽量拉满，减少画面中的锯齿现象，使得画面更加平滑自然。后期处理设置为 “影视级”，增强游戏的视觉表现力。阴影质量、贴图质量、特效质量和毛发质量等也可以根据设备性能调整为 “高” 或 “影视级”，以提升整体画面的细节表现。对于全局光照和反射质量，建议根据配置调整，低配设备可以选择关闭全局光照以提升游戏流畅度，而反射质量则可以尽量拉满，增强画面的真实感。
（二）光线追踪解读
《黑神话：悟空》中的光线追踪效果为玩家带来了前所未有的视觉体验。游戏的光追选项名为 “全景光线追踪”，打开即为路径追踪，并提供了低、中、超高三档选项。超高档相比于前两个拥有更好的环境光遮蔽，而中档相比低档则加入了光线追踪反射。路径追踪效果非常惊人，在光线稍多一些的场景下可以和传统光栅画面形成相当强烈的对比。火把对周围环境的晕染效果更强，这些效果依赖于路径追踪的漫反射效果，能让火焰的光线在周围多次反射，造成扩散的效果。在光照强烈的地方，光追下的高光具有更加凸显的效果，带来更加强烈的明暗对比，甚至可以感受到高光射入眼睛中带来的眩目感。光线追踪下的阴影效果也比影视级的阴影质量都要好，阴影边缘非常清晰，是游戏中最优秀的阴影效果。同时，角色身上的衣服褶皱有层次更丰富的阴影效果，这也与光线追踪的阴影有关。此外，水体也是光线追踪大放异彩的部分，黑风山中有大量的水体，可以呈现出光线追踪反射和光线追踪焦散的效果。
（三）平台画质对比
《黑神话：悟空》在电脑和 PS5 平台上的画质和帧数表现各有优劣。在画质方面，电脑端在一些细节上表现更为出色。例如，人物毛发丝丝分明、铠甲装饰丰富、脚下的云朵质量与密度充盈饱满、充当背景板的十万天兵天将也清晰可见。而 PS5 这边在一些场景下会出现发糊变虚的情况。在石头的青苔细节、毛发清晰程度以及远处树叶的分明程度上，电脑端也更胜一筹。在帧数方面，PS5 的性能模式尽管可能在低负载场景下牺牲部分分辨率，却以其稳定的 60fps 表现成为主机玩家的首选。而电脑端要在 4K 分辨率下达到舒适的帧数，即使是 RTX 4070TI 也要开启 DLSS 并进行锐化，锐化后线条是清晰了，但缺少一些自然感。PS5 的画质优先虽然帧数最多只有 30，但分辨率可以和 PC 超高媲美，至少也是棋盘渲染的 4K 分辨率。总体来说，PS5 的优化不错，画质表现上已经相当不错，就是帧数上的妥协购买前需要留意一下。而 PC 画质和帧率上限更高，有个 RTX4070 级别的显卡玩起来还是相当爽的。两个平台并没有谁好谁坏，玩家可以根据自己的需求和预算来选择。
六、特色玩法，创新体验
（一）独特玩法机制
在《黑神话：悟空》中，玩家可以通过土地庙重置灵光点，重新分配技能点。这种机制极大地增强了游戏的可玩性和挑战性，玩家可以根据不同的战斗需求和自身喜好，随时调整角色的发展方向。无论是追求极致输出，还是更注重生存能力，都能通过合理的加点实现。游戏的法术和变身系统更是创新设计的亮点。法术分为奇术、身法、毫毛、变身四类，玩家每次只能选择一个技能装备。这四类法术为玩家在战斗中提供了丰富的策略选择，使游戏的战斗更加多样化和富有挑战性。
（二）战斗逻辑基础
《黑神话：悟空》的战斗系统围绕着三种棍形态和 “棍势” 系统展开。游戏中，主武器棍子可以依照战况，主动切换三种架势，分别是 “劈棍势”、“立棍势” 和 “戳棍势”。“劈棍势” 破绽最小，可以边跑边集气，适合对付行动敏捷的敌人。其蓄力快，靠完美格挡打出伤害以及积累棍势，但后期输出环境较差，随着 BOSS 越来越强，玩家很难打出僵直，一些妖王甚至完全免疫，蓄力时风险较大。“立棍势” 动作虽然慢，但将棍子立在地上可以免疫大部分攻击，追尾性能也很好。在对战强敌时，意外地非常实用。特别是在玩家大量点数投入体力的情况下，无脑蓄力立棍会非常好用，且 AOE 出色。游戏中击败四条龙获得的神珍武器还可以大幅增加立棍追击的效果。“戳棍势” 则是向后闪躲的同时戳出棍子、攻防一体的招式。击中敌方还带有回复气力的功效，但威力普普通通。蓄力较慢，平 A 极攒棍势，主打硬直，适合打一些体积大的怪物。
（三）丰富战斗乐趣
法术系统为游戏带来了更多的战斗乐趣。奇术包含安身术、定身术等，安身术能让天命人原地画个圈，站在圈内可以更快恢复体力和增加棍势，同时提供一个安全的空间以御寒歇息和整备御敌；定身术向敌人施展，使敌人定在原地不能动弹，是扭转战局的关键法术之一。身法有铜头铁臂和聚形散气。铜头铁臂将自身变得坚硬无比，能够抵挡敌人的猛烈攻击并震退他们；聚形散气使用后会在原地留下一个假身，然后快速朝一个方向闪现并隐身，隐身期间攻击会获得额外的 BUFF 加成。毫毛的身外身法可以拔下一根猴毛吹出，变化出无数的分身去攻击敌人，为玩家创造有利的战斗环境。变身系统更是强大，七十二变能够瞬间化身为其他形态并获得全新的战斗能力。已知的变身形态包括金蝉、蝙蝠、老鼠、石像、狼人、教头等，每种形态都有其独特的战斗方式和技能效果，在一些困难的 BOSS 战中，玩家可以拖到第二次甚至第三次变身，实现丝血脱出并对 BOSS 反杀。
七、现象级崛起，未来可期
《黑神话：悟空》在多个方面展现出了卓越的表现，堪称国产游戏的里程碑之作。在玩法上，独特的土地庙重置灵光点机制以及丰富多样的法术和变身系统，为玩家带来了极高的可玩性和策略性。玩家可以根据不同的战斗场景和需求，灵活调整技能点分配和法术选择，使每一场战斗都充满了挑战与惊喜。特效方面，光线追踪效果带来了前所未有的视觉体验。火把对周围环境的晕染、高光的凸显效果、优秀的阴影和水体表现，让游戏世界更加真实生动。无论是在电脑端还是 PS5 平台，画质都令人惊叹，细节之处尽显制作团队的用心。场景设计更是精美绝伦。游戏中融合了中国传统文化元素，将古老的寺庙、神秘的森林等场景展现得淋漓尽致。不同平台的画质对比中，电脑端在细节上的优势和 PS5 平台的稳定表现，都为玩家提供了丰富的选择。任务设计丰富多样，剧情扑朔迷离。从取经归来的独特开场，到孙悟空与各妖怪之间复杂的情感纠葛，再到充满争议的剧情发展，都引发了玩家的深入思考和热烈讨论。任务的完成方式也各不相同，增加了游戏的趣味性和挑战性。动作设计流畅自然，三种棍形态和 “棍势” 系统让战斗更加精彩。不同架势的特点和适用场景，使玩家在战斗中能够充分发挥自己的策略和操作技巧。法术系统的加入，进一步丰富了战斗的乐趣，为玩家提供了更多的战斗选择。《黑神话：悟空》作为国产游戏，不仅在国内引起了巨大的轰动，也在全球范围内获得了广泛的关注和赞誉。它的成功，为未来游戏发展带来了重要的影响。首先，它为国产游戏树立了新的标杆。证明了国产游戏在技术、创意和品质上完全可以与国际一流游戏相媲美。激励着更多的国内游戏开发者勇于创新，追求卓越，为玩家带来更多优秀的作品。其次，它推动了中国传统文化的传播。以《西游记》为背景的游戏剧情，将中国传统文化元素融入其中，让全球玩家更好地了解和认识中国文化。为中国文化 “走出去” 提供了新的途径。最后，它为游戏行业的发展带来了新的机遇。随着《黑神话：悟空》的成功，未来将会有更多的资金和人才投入到游戏开发中。推动游戏技术的不断进步，玩法的不断创新，为玩家带来更加丰富的游戏体验。总之，《黑神话：悟空》的现象级崛起，标志着国产游戏进入了一个新的时代。它的卓越表现和重要地位，将对未来游戏发展产生深远的影响。
First, stunning debut, shocking the world
Since its release, Black Myth: Wukong has been like a blockbuster, which has set off stormy waves in the global game field. On August 8, the game trailer was released on multiple platforms, which quickly became the focus of hot discussion among players at home and abroad. In China, the number of clicks on Station B and Weibo reached 3.067 million in just two hours, and the number of comments exceeded 40,000; The trailers released on YouTube by well-known overseas game accounts such as IGN and Playstation have also reached 141,000 views. Players are full of expectations for the gameplay and magic weapon system such as "seventy-two changes" in the trailer, and the full-screen Chinese style is even more amazing for everyone.
The pre-sale of this game is extremely hot, and the sales have exceeded 100 million yuan. Its development cost is expected to exceed 400 million yuan, the pre-sale price of the basic version is 268 yuan, and the physical collection version has more than 430 thousand sets of reservations. In the Game Industry Report of China from January to June, 2024, the actual sales revenue of the domestic game market was 147.267 billion yuan, of which mobile games accounted for 73.01%. As a stand-alone buyout game, Black Myth: Wukong attracts players with its unique charm in the context of the vigorous development of mobile games. Its hot pre-sale not only reflects an important step in the quality and innovation of domestic games, but also reflects the strong demand for high-quality domestic games in the market.
According to the data of SteamDB, the number of Steam wish lists of Black Myth: Wukong surpassed that of Empty Knight: Song of Silk, becoming the third place on the list, and it is expected to reach the top of the list before its release on August 20th. Players are so looking forward to this game to open the next stop of China game, which shows its high expectation value.
Second, excellent evaluation, high praise
(A) Multi-authoritative rating
"Black Myth: Wukong" has been highly praised on major game scoring websites. IGN Italy scored 8.5 points for it, praising the game for providing a complete and rich experience. The major Boss wars are absolutely commendable, and the exploration does not take too long. The art and reinterpretation of The Journey to the West are of excellent value, which makes people look forward to the future development. IGN France also gave a high evaluation of 9 points, saying that its high-end production and comprehensive gameplay are pleasant, and the pictures and battles are praised. Although there are minor problems such as air walls, the whole is fascinating. The media of "Black Myth: Wukong" on OpenCritic scored 82 points, and the recommendation rate of critics was 74%, among which IGN Headquarters gave 8 points, Gamespot gave 8 points, PCGamesN SN gave 8 points, IGN China gave 10 points, and Wandering Star gave 10 points. 52 global media gave an average evaluation of 82 points, and many of them gave full marks.
(B) Analysis of highlights
In the Boss war, Black Myth: Wukong is wonderful. As of this Sunday, the game has sold more than 10 million copies, and its Boss design is deeply discussed by players. For example, Yinhu, as a character in Liuliu Village, a hidden map of Xiaoxitian, has a restrained temperament, a wide range of attacks, and a fighting style that makes players feel cool. Unlike the traditional soul game Boss, which constantly loses skills, Yinhu's attack rhythm is more about skills, and players can constantly play games to see what to do when fighting with him. In terms of enemy design, the characters and enemy design of Black Myth are full of imagination, which is quite different from other soul games. It introduces the mythical creatures that have never been seen before, and adopts imaginative design, which is full of the inspiration of ancient China mythology and culture, and presents a more sunny and less terrible world. The demon kings are majestic, and their artistic designs are inspired by China's ancient mythological works, especially Buddhist paintings, and monsters bigger than real people remind people of the giants in Wanda and the Colossus. In terms of plot and characterization, the deep psychological analysis of Black Myth: Wukong reveals how it became a fantastic journey of spiritual growth. The Monkey King, the protagonist, is a cultural symbol. The player plays the Monkey King to realize the exploration and recognition of self-potential. The transition from the stone monkey to fighting against Buddha symbolizes individual growth and self-realization. Psychological projection on the Monkey King is helpful for self-cognition. The plot design is full of symbolic meaning, and the challenge of breaking through the barrier symbolizes the dilemma of life and exercises psychological resilience; Spiritual awakening represents the deepening of individual self-cognition; Moral choice cultivates moral judgment. The game provides players with a spiritual journey, which has the functions of emotional catharsis, self-motivation and spiritual growth.
Third, confusing, plot exploration
(A) the unique plot structure
The plot structure of Black Myth: Wukong is unique, which is significantly different from the traditional The Journey to the West story. The game started with the return of the scriptures, and the heaven sent Yang Jian to collect the Monkey King. In this battle, I don't know who cheated and read the incantation, and the Monkey King was beaten into six bodies. Erlang gave five of the corpses to five big monsters, and a young monkey, under the guidance of the old monkey, went back to the road of learning from the scriptures in order to collect six corpses.
In the plot of Johnson Huang Mei, he mocked his former colleague Tang Yan, while Tang Yan, his apprentice, died and fled, and he also hid himself. The Tang Priest once complained that "Lingshan is auspicious, and the mountain is suffering from natural disasters. Why are you and me above, and others only deserve to kowtow and burn incense? "
The story of Spider Spirit is even more dramatic. Spider spirit and Pig Bajie are old lovers, and the Monkey King and Bai Gujing are old lovers. The Monkey King killed his wife, Monkey King Thrice Defeats the Skeleton Demon. Bai Gujing missed her late husband and guided the Monkey King's successor, the Destiny. Spider spirit caught Pig Bajie, even though he was white-haired, he still had to sleep with him to get married, because they had a lovely daughter. Marshal Tianpeng admired Chang 'e when he was in the sky, but he was ambiguous with the ladies in Chang 'e Palace. After being demoted to the world, he found himself a pig when chasing beautiful women in Gao Laozhuang, and then he met a maid-in-waiting who became a spider essence in the hot spring pool.
Niu Mowang's plot is also very complicated. Too old gentleman's furnace boy corrupts with Princess Iron Fan, and Niu Mowang turns into a tauren. Hong Haier is not a child of Niu Mowang, but an iron fan princess who was forced by heaven to drink the river water from her daughter's country. He also wants to catch the daughter of Princess Yumian for fun. Hong Haier ate the Monkey King's body and became the hag king. Princess Tiefan called it the only blood of the hag tribe. Hong Haier committed suicide because he could not avenge the genocide in heaven. In Niu Mowang's memory, the Monkey King claimed that he was forced to the Flame Mountain by heaven, and then he forcibly seized the fan, sent Niu Mowang's children away, and killed his concubines. Niu Mowang was angry, but was suppressed by Tota Li Tian and Nezha sent by heaven.
(B) Multiple interpretations of the dispute
Players and the media have different understanding and analysis of the plot of Black Myth: Wukong. On the one hand, some people think that the story adaptation of the game is bold and innovative, which has injected new vitality into the classic story. For example, the complicated emotional relationship between the Monkey King and monsters, as well as the turning point of fate after returning from the scriptures, have made players feel a more three-dimensional world of westward journey. On the other hand, some people have questioned the plot. For example, why did the Monkey King kill Bai Gujing? It's hard to understand the setting that only his wife can achieve enlightenment. Others questioned whether the Monkey King, who wanted to return to Huaguoshan after a few days as a Buddha, was too simple. In addition, the Monkey King was dismembered and fell, making a big circle just to get rid of the gold hoop on his head, which also caused controversy.
On the media side, some people think that the game plot has done a good job in deeply excavating the character and expanding the story background. By shaping the Monkey King's character in many aspects, he was endowed with more inner world and emotional levels. At the same time, the game expands and extends on the basis of the original The Journey to the West story, and excavates more hidden stories, presenting a richer and more three-dimensional westward journey world for players. However, some foreign media said that they couldn't understand the plot of the game, thinking that many BOSS only appeared once, and they couldn't understand the importance of these characters and plots because they didn't understand the culture of China.
These different understandings and analyses have led to extensive discussions on the depth of game stories. Players discuss the rationality and depth of the plot in the forum, thinking about the fate of each character in the game and the meaning behind it. The evaluation of the media also urges game developers to think more deeply about the plot design to meet the needs of different players and audiences.
Fourth, the difficult birth and development process
(A) the origin and choice of the team
Game Science was founded in June 2014 by Feng Ji and Yang Qi. Its start-up team is all from Tencent Mutual Entertainment Research Studio. At the beginning of its establishment, the team was faced with different development directions. In the era when mobile games were popular, they also tried to make mobile games to accumulate funds. Two games, Hundred Generals and Art of War: Red Tide, have been launched successively. However, the initial intention of the team has always been to be an excellent stand-alone game. Feng Ji thinks that a person's golden time for creation is only a few years. If he doesn't do something good in time, he may have no chance in his life. Yang Qi also thinks that we can't wait for the so-called "ripe time" all the time, otherwise it will never start. So in 2018, Game Science decided to set up a stand-alone project team, which officially opened the development journey of Black Myth: Wukong.
(B) fetters with Tencent
Feng Ji and Yang Qi, the founding teams of game science, once worked in Quantum Studio, one of Tencent's eight game studios, and devoted themselves to the company's self-developed products. Since 2009, they have taken the lead in the project "Fighting God of War". "Battle of God" has elements such as oriental culture, epic narrative and the Monkey King IP, and Tencent has high hopes for it. However, in the subsequent operation process, as a MMORPG online game, Fighting God needs high-frequency content updates, which conflicts with the style that the project team is good at doing stand-alone games, resulting in the unstable quality of subsequent versions of the game and the continuous decline of user data. Finally, when Tencent adjusted the studio structure in 2014, Quantum Studio and Lightspeed Studio merged to form a photon studio group, and Feng Ji and Yang Qi chose to leave their jobs and start businesses.
The "Black Myth: Wukong" project is inextricably linked with Tencent. In 2021, Feng Ji mentioned in Zhihu's reply that after the release of Black Myth, Tencent sent a delegation to visit at the first time and said that it would invest in Black Myth. Tencent acquired a 5% stake in Game Science through capital increase, and the investment amount may exceed 200 million yuan. Tencent promises not to interfere in business decisions, and game science will continue to operate independently.
(3) Review of major timelines
At the end of February 2018, "Black Myth: Wukong" was officially established. Previously, game science had developed the online game "Fighting God of War" with the theme of Journey to the West, but due to the perfunctory content in the later period and a large number of krypton elements, players withdrew. Later, I made the mobile games "Hundred Generals" and "Art of War: Red Tide".
On August 20, 2020, the first trailer of "Black Myth: Wukong" was released, which instantly caused a sensation in the game circle with extremely amazing painting style and smooth and diverse moves. The well-known foreign analysis website Numao Society published a document praising its rich details.
On August 20th, 2021, Black Myth: Wukong was produced by unreal engine 5, and the picture quality was significantly improved.
On August 20, 2022, the episode "Jiewang" of "Black Myth: Wukong" spread all over the network, showing the actual plot fragment of Pansidong.
On August 20th, 2023, "Black Myth: Wukong" opened its first trial, and the images of Boss such as Centipede, Red Horse Monkey and Tiger Pioneer were made public.
On August 23, 2023, Black Myth: Wukong appeared in Cologne, Germany, and the trailer had nearly 400,000 broadcasts in 10 hours. Foreign players in the demo area were enthusiastic.
On February 27th, 2024, Black Myth: Wukong won the domestic game version number.
On August 20, 2024, "Black Myth: Wukong" was officially released, and it was simultaneously unlocked in many regions around the world. August 20th-3: 00 BST London time, August 20th-4: 00 CEST Berlin time, August 20th-4: 00 SAST Johannesburg time, August 20th-5: 00 MSK Moscow time, August 20th-5: 00 IST New Delhi time, August 20th-6: 00 GST in Dubai time, August 20th-11: 00 kst in Seoul time, August 20th-10: 00 CST in Beijing time, August 20th-11: 00 JST in Tokyo time, and August 20th-10: 00 SGT in Singapore time. August 20th-12: 00 AEST in Sydney, August 19th-19: 00 PDT in LA, August 19th-20: 00 CST in Mexico, August 19th-22: 00 EDT in new york and August 19th-23: 00 in Sao Paulo.
Five, shocking the picture, the ultimate performance
(A) the exploration of image quality optimization
For Black Myth: Wukong, a game with beautiful screen, players with different configurations can optimize the screen through some methods. On the hardware level, for low-end players, upgrading the graphics card may be the most direct way to improve the picture effect. For example, if you use RTX 4050 graphics card, you can turn on ray tracing with medium preset after testing at 1080p resolution, and DLSS oversampling is set to 66 or "quality", so that you can turn on ray tracing while still maintaining a relatively smooth frame rate. For players with higher configuration, you can consider using higher-end graphics cards and larger memory to get better picture effects.
On the software level, players can optimize the screen by adjusting the settings in the game. For example, it is suggested to set the visual field distance to "high" or "movie level", so that players can get a more realistic and shocking visual experience in the game. Anti-aliasing is recommended to fill it as much as possible to reduce the sawtooth phenomenon in the picture and make the picture smoother and more natural. Post-processing is set to "film level" to enhance the visual expression of the game. Shadow quality, mapping quality, special effects quality and hair quality can also be adjusted to "high" or "film and television level" according to the equipment performance, so as to improve the detail performance of the overall picture. For the global illumination and reflection quality, it is suggested to adjust according to the configuration. Low-equipped devices can choose to turn off the global illumination to improve the fluency of the game, while the reflection quality can be as full as possible to enhance the realism of the picture.
(2) Interpretation of ray tracing
The ray tracing effect in Black Myth: Wukong brings unprecedented visual experience to players. The light tracing option of the game is called "Panoramic Ray Tracing", which means path tracing when it is turned on, and provides three options: low, medium and super high. Compared with the first two, the ultra-high grade has better ambient light shielding, while the mid-range has added ray tracing reflection compared with the low grade.
The effect of path tracking is amazing, which can form a quite strong contrast with the traditional raster picture in the scene with a little more light. Torch has a stronger smudge effect on the surrounding environment. These effects depend on the diffuse reflection effect of path tracking, which can make the light of the flame reflect around many times and cause the diffusion effect. In places with strong light, the highlights chased by light have a more prominent effect, bringing a stronger contrast between light and shade, and even you can feel the dazzling feeling brought by the highlights entering your eyes.
The shadow effect under ray tracing is also better than that of film and television, and the shadow edge is very clear, which is the best shadow effect in the game. At the same time, the clothes folds on the character have a richer shadow effect, which is also related to the shadow of ray tracing. In addition, the water body is also a brilliant part of ray tracing. There are a lot of water bodies in black wind mountain, which can show the effects of ray tracing reflection and ray tracing causticity.
(3) Comparison of platform image quality
Black Myth: Wukong has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of image quality and frame number on computers and PS5 platforms. In terms of image quality, the computer side performs better in some details. For example, the figures have distinct hair and rich armor decoration, and the clouds under their feet are full of quality and density, and the 100,000 heavenly soldiers who act as the background board are also clearly visible. On the other hand, in some scenes, the PS5 side will become mushy and empty. The computer is also superior in the moss details of the stone, the clarity of hair and the clarity of leaves in the distance.
In terms of the number of frames, PS5' s performance mode has become the first choice for host players because of its stable performance of 60fps, although it may sacrifice some resolution in low-load scenes. On the computer side, it is necessary to achieve a comfortable number of frames at 4K resolution. Even RTX 4070TI should turn on DLSS and sharpen it. After sharpening, the lines are clear, but they lack some naturalness. PS5' s image quality priority is only 30 frames at most, but the resolution can be comparable to PC's ultra-high, at least the 4K resolution of chessboard rendering.
Generally speaking, the optimization of PS5 is good, and the picture quality performance is already quite good, that is, the compromise on the number of frames needs to be paid attention to before buying. The upper limit of PC image quality and frame rate is higher, and it is quite cool to play with a RTX4070-level graphics card. There is no one who is good or bad on the two platforms, and players can choose according to their own needs and budgets.
Sixth, characteristic gameplay, innovative experience
(A) unique gameplay mechanism
In Black Myth: Wukong, players can reset their aura points and redistribute their skill points through the Earth Temple. This mechanism greatly enhances the playability and challenge of the game, and players can adjust the development direction of the role at any time according to different combat needs and their own preferences. Whether pursuing the ultimate output or paying more attention to viability, it can be achieved through reasonable addition.
The magic and transformation system of the game are the highlights of innovative design. Spells are divided into four categories: strangeness, posture, hairlessness and transformation. Players can only choose one skill and equipment at a time. These four kinds of spells provide rich strategic choices for players in the battle, making the battle of the game more diverse and challenging.
(B) the logical basis of combat
The combat system of Black Myth: Wukong revolves around three stick forms and the "stick potential" system. In the game, the main weapon stick can actively switch three postures according to the war situation, namely "chopping stick potential", "standing stick potential" and "poking stick potential".
The "split stick potential" has the smallest flaw, and it can collect gas while running, which is suitable for dealing with agile enemies. Its power storage is fast, and it relies on the perfect block to hit the damage and accumulate the stick potential, but the output environment is poor in the later stage. As the BOSS becomes stronger and stronger, it is difficult for players to play stiff, and some lich kings are even completely immune, so the risk of power storage is greater.
Although the action of "standing stick" is slow, standing the stick on the ground can be immune to most attacks, and the rear-end collision performance is also very good. It is surprisingly practical when fighting against powerful enemies. Especially when the player puts a lot of points into physical strength, the brainless stick will be very easy to use and the AOE is excellent. The magic weapon obtained by defeating four dragons in the game can also greatly increase the effect of vertical stick pursuit.
"Poke stick potential" is a move that sticks out while dodging backwards, and integrates attack and defense. Hitting the enemy also has the effect of restoring strength, but its power is ordinary. Xu Li is slow, flat-A is extremely stick-saving, hard and straight, suitable for hitting some bulky monsters.
(3) Enrich the fun of fighting
The spell system brings more fighting fun to the game. Strange arts include the technique of settling down, the technique of fixing oneself, etc. The technique of settling down can make the destiny draw a circle in place, and standing in the circle can restore physical strength and increase the stick potential more quickly, and at the same time provide a safe space to rest from the cold and prepare for the enemy. Immobilization is one of the key spells to turn the war around.
The posture has copper head and iron arm and gathering gas. The copper-headed iron arm makes itself extremely hard and can resist the fierce attack of the enemy and shock them back; After use, the gathering gas will leave a dummy in the same place, and then quickly flash in one direction and become invisible. During the stealth period, the attack will get an additional BUFF bonus.
The outer body method of a hair can pull out a monkey hair and blow it out, changing countless avatars to attack the enemy, creating a favorable fighting environment for players.
The transformation system is even more powerful. Seventy-two transformations can instantly transform into other forms and gain new combat capabilities. Known transformation forms include golden cicada, bat, mouse, stone statue, werewolf, coach, etc. Each form has its own unique fighting style and skill effect. In some difficult BOSS battles, players can delay the second or even the third transformation to realize silk blood detachment and counter-kill BOSS.
Seven, phenomenal rise, the future can be expected.
"Black Myth: Wukong" has shown outstanding performance in many aspects and can be called a milestone of domestic games.
In terms of gameplay, the unique mechanism of resetting the light points in the Land Temple and the rich and varied spells and transformation systems bring high playability and strategy to players. Players can flexibly adjust skill point allocation and spell selection according to different battle scenes and needs, so that every battle is full of challenges and surprises.
In terms of special effects, ray tracing brings unprecedented visual experience. The halo effect of the torch on the surrounding environment, the prominent effect of highlights, excellent shadows and water performance make the game world more real and vivid. Whether on the computer or on the PS5 platform, the picture quality is amazing, and the details show the intention of the production team.
The scene design is even more exquisite. The game combines the traditional cultural elements of China, showing the ancient temples, mysterious forests and other scenes to the fullest. In the image quality comparison of different platforms, the advantages of computer in details and the stable performance of PS5 platform provide players with rich choices.
The task design is rich and varied, and the plot is confusing. From the unique opening after returning from the Buddhist scriptures, to the complicated emotional entanglements between the Monkey King and monsters, and then to the controversial plot development, players have been deeply thinking and having heated discussions. The task is completed in different ways, which makes the game more interesting and challenging.
The action design is smooth and natural, and the three stick forms and the "stick potential" system make the battle more exciting. The characteristics of different postures and applicable scenarios enable players to give full play to their strategies and operational skills in combat. The addition of the spell system further enriches the fun of fighting and provides more fighting options for players.
As a domestic game, Black Myth: Wukong not only caused a huge sensation in China, but also gained wide attention and praise around the world. Its success has brought an important impact on the future development of the game.
First of all, it sets a new benchmark for domestic games. It is proved that domestic games can completely compete with international first-class games in technology, creativity and quality. Encourage more domestic game developers to be brave in innovation, pursue Excellence and bring more excellent works to players.
Secondly, it promoted the spread of traditional culture in China. The Journey to the West as the background of the game story, China traditional cultural elements into it, so that players around the world better understand and understand China culture. It provides a new way for China culture to "go global".
Finally, it brings new opportunities for the development of the game industry. With the success of Black Myth: Wukong, more funds and talents will be invested in game development in the future. Promote the continuous progress of game technology and the continuous innovation of gameplay, and bring more rich game experience to players.
In a word, the phenomenal rise of Black Myth: Wukong indicates that domestic games have entered a new era. Its outstanding performance and important position will have a far-reaching impact on the future development of the game.
