Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the classic Journey to the West, was a highly anticipated game of 2024, lauded for its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. However, Chinese developers are pushing the boundaries even further. Leaks from reputable source Lunatic Ignus reveal a new unannounced AAA title in development, promising to be even more impressive. Initial images shared via Lunatic Ignus’s Twitter offer a tantalizing glimpse into this ambitious project.
Key details revealed so far include:
- Unreal Engine 5
- PlayStation 5 and PC release
- Sony’s involvement (likely as a producer)
- Open-world action-RPG genre
- Massive 960km² map
Next-Gen Graphics and a Vast Open World
Black Myth: Wukong captivated players with its dynamic combat and challenging bosses, like the memorable Wandering Wight. Combined with its breathtaking world and impressive graphics, it set a high bar. This makes Lunatic Ignus’s claim that this new title “looks better than Black Myth: Wukong” all the more intriguing.
Ancient Chinese SettingCredit: Game Science
The leaked images, purportedly captured in-game, showcase stunning environments reminiscent of ancient China, evident in the architecture and character designs. The prospect of exploring this world in a vast open-world setting is particularly exciting. The reported 960km² map dwarfs even Nintendo’s expansive worlds in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Expansive Chinese VillageCredit: Lunatic Ignus
Platform Availability and Release Date
Unfortunately, an Xbox release seems to be missing for now, mirroring Black Myth: Wukong‘s initial launch strategy, although leaks suggest the latter may eventually come to Xbox Series X. While an Xbox version of this new title isn’t impossible, it’s unlikely to be available at launch. Given the limited information available, a 2025 release date seems improbable, but further announcements are anticipated soon.
The Rise of Chinese Game Development
Chinese developers have been making a significant impact recently, spearheaded by Black Myth: Wukong. Other promising titles include Where Winds Meet by Everstone Studio, Phantom Blade Zero by S-GAME, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers by Leenzee Games, showcased at the October Xbox Showcase.
A Focus on Action RPGs and Chinese Culture
These games predominantly fall into the action-RPG genre, featuring both open-world and linear experiences. They draw heavily from China’s rich history and mythology, a welcome addition to the gaming landscape. Many embrace the Wuxia genre with RPG elements, immersing players in Chinese culture.
Sony’s Involvement and Future Prospects
Sony’s backing suggests a high potential for success, given their successful track record with single-player titles. However, with limited details available about this upcoming Chinese game, it’s difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Time will tell how it stacks up against Black Myth: Wukong, but the initial glimpses are certainly promising.
