What separates Black Myth from the crowd, though, is its slick presentation and a sense of generosity.

You’re to witness the most lavish, cinematic worlds and its creatures.

It’s been a while since I’ve played anything quite as impressive as this.

Sun Wukong sits atop a cloud in regal armour and stares at an unknown enemy in Black Myth: Wukong.

Forgive my ignorance, as I find Black Myth’s Soulsy story delivery quite difficult to follow.

Thing is, though, I don’t mind it one bit?

“, making it a Souls-venture hybrid that pushes youandpushes you onwards.

Meditating in the forest cliffs in Black Myth: Wukong.

This doesn’t mean that Black Myth’s world is one big funnel, oh no.

Okay yes, there are obvious arenas and routes; this is a video game, after all.

So no, the world doesn’t interlock and intertwine quite like a Souls game.

A little rat father screams at the Destined One, while a mysterious armoured rat sits in the distance, in Black Myth: Wukong.

Eh, it’s a restriction that’s quickly shrugged off given just how beautiful Black Myth is.

Like seriously, I am unsure whether I’ve ever been wowed quite like I have with Black Myth.

Ding up and you’ll earn Sparks, which you could pop into many a skill tree.

The Destined One sits atop their pole as they fight the Black Wind King in Black Myth: Wukong.

And this is where more of Black Myth’s generosity lies.

I love switching between them all, honestly.

The Spells, though!

A look at Black Myth: Wukong’s skill tree.

It’s fantastic for catching a breather; a quick swig of the Gourd.

But also for extending a combo or closing a gap.

Once your foe is freed and goes for a swipe?

Talking to a boar who demands meat in Black Myth: Wukong.

God, it’s refreshing to be able to use these abilities so freely and seamlessly.

There’s less emphasis on equipment though.

Say you’ve felled some hulking golem with your conniving spells, and they drop some crafting materials.

Then again, its relative simplicity doesn’t distract or overwhelm from the adventure at hand.

The gyrating, sparkling dragons that spiral through the air.

The mountains in the distance, ice crackling underfoot as you slow-mo dodge pillars of electricity.

A corrupted buddha placing his palm on tiles and the earth splintering, pulsing, then erupting.

Black Myth is home to surprises, too, lots of them.

Then as if to spite me, he used the same technique on me two seconds later.

Black Myth: Wukongis a triumph.

This is Game Science bursting onto the scene and saying: “You’ve got competition”.

And hey, I’m listening.

You should be, too.