I remember the summer of 2024 like it was yesterday. The gaming world was buzzing about a Chinese action RPG called Black Myth: Wukong. I'd seen hype before, but this felt different. Then I tuned into Asmongold's stream, and his reaction sealed it for me. He was absolutely blown away, and his words stuck with me: "This is way better than what I had expected." That was the moment I knew I had to dive in.
The Game That Broke Records
Black Myth: Wukong, developed by Game Science, didn't just meet expectations—it shattered them. Within days of release, it amassed over 2 million concurrent players, becoming Steam's most-played single-player title ever. That's a staggering achievement for any game, let alone a debut from a relatively new studio. Inspired by Journey to the West, the action RPG combined soulslike combat with Chinese mythology, and players couldn't get enough.
Asmongold was one of them. He gave the game a 9/9.5 out of 10, calling it the current frontrunner for Game of the Year 2024. "The mechanics in this game are incredible, they are so well done," he said. "Each of the bosses is really well-designed." For a streamer who is often critical of the industry, this praise was notable.
One Small Gripe
But even a near-perfect score comes with a caveat. Asmongold's only issue? He wanted more exploration. "I wish it had more open world exploration, because of how good the game is," he admitted. "I feel dumb even saying that." It's a fair point. The game's levels are more linear than some open-world epics, but that focus allows for tighter combat and better pacing. Still, I understand his desire to roam more freely in such a beautifully crafted world.
How It Stacks Up
Asmongold didn't shy away from comparisons. He said Black Myth: Wukong is better than Stellar Blade, a game he rated an 8. "If Stellar Blade is an 8, this is a 10," he explained. "And I think Stellar Blade is a phenomenal game." He also dismissed Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC as a GOTY contender, noting that DLC never wins the top prize. His chat argued, but he stood firm.
| Game | Asmongold's Rating | GOTY Contender? |
|---|---|---|
| Black Myth: Wukong | 9/9.5 | Yes |
| Stellar Blade | 8 | No |
| Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree | N/A (DLC) | No |
The GOTY Debate
Asmongold firmly believed Black Myth: Wukong was the clear favorite for GOTY 2024. "It's so weird to see a game like this and to see how f**king amazing it is," he said. "And then compare it to other games that have been released, it's like, what are they even doing? It's insane." He hoped that if the game performed well, Game Science would be empowered to make an even bigger project.
Well, it did perform well. And while the actual GOTY 2024 award went to Astro Bot, Asmongold's enthusiasm wasn't misplaced. The game won multiple awards and remains a fan favorite. Now, in 2026, I can say without hesitation: this game is a masterpiece.
Why It Still Matters
As a professional gamer, I've played countless titles. Black Myth: Wukong stands out for its fluid combat, stunning visuals, and unforgettable boss fights. The exploration could be deeper, sure, but what's there is polished to a mirror shine. Asmongold's 9/9.5 is spot on. If you haven't played it yet, what are you waiting for? 🎮
In the end, Asmongold was right. Black Myth: Wukong deserved every bit of praise. It may not have taken home the ultimate GOTY trophy, but it won the hearts of millions. And that's something no award can measure. 🏆