The Nintendo Switch store is about to welcome Wukong Sun: Black Legend, but not without stirring up significant backlash, particularly among Chinese gamers. Slated for release on December 26 at a budget-friendly price of $7.99, the game has drawn criticism for its apparent attempt to piggyback off the success of the widely acclaimed Black Myth: Wukong.
A Familiar Name, Familiar Imagery
Wukong Sun: Black Legend borrows heavily from Black Myth: Wukong, not just in its name but also in promotional imagery that could easily mislead potential players. The similarities might lead some to believe that the visually stunning action RPG has been ported to the Switch. However, the reality couldn’t be more different.
This new release is a side-scrolling platformer reminiscent of 16-bit games from the Sega Genesis and SNES era. The game’s eShop description touts “supercharged abilities, crazy fighting skills, captivating visuals, and unforgettable storytelling,” but the low price point and minimal storage requirement of 338 megabytes raise questions about these claims.
China’s Pride in Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong is a source of national pride in China, celebrated as the country’s first AAA gaming hit. Based on the 16th-century Chinese classic Journey to the West, the game has achieved global acclaim, selling over 20 million copies and securing a spot among Steam’s top-sellers and most-played games of 2024. Its success has positioned it as a cultural touchstone and a symbol of China’s growing influence in the gaming industry.
In stark contrast, Wukong Sun: Black Legend appears to leverage the success of this blockbuster. Chinese internet users have expressed outrage, accusing the game of blatantly copying elements from Black Myth: Wukong and tarnishing its legacy.
Backlash on Chinese Social Media
The controversy has taken social media by storm, topping discussion rankings on platforms like Weibo, China’s version of X. Many users are calling for the removal of Wukong Sun: Black Legend from the Nintendo eShop, likening it to pirated content.
One user wrote, “Since Nintendo has removed pirated games from its shelves, this should also be removed.” Another commented, “Have you heard? The stunning Black Myth: Wukong has been copied! This is beyond disappointing.”
A Questionable Launch
The release of Wukong Sun: Black Legend raises larger questions about quality control and consumer protection in the gaming industry. While games based on Journey to the West are not new, the blatant similarities to Black Myth: Wukong—from the title to the promotional materials—highlight the fine line between inspiration and imitation.
Nintendo has not yet commented on the controversy, and it remains to be seen how this will impact the game’s launch. However, the uproar underscores the global recognition of Black Myth: Wukong as a standard-bearer for Chinese gaming excellence and the frustration that arises when its success is seemingly exploited.
As gamers worldwide await the release of Wukong Sun: Black Legend, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of originality and respect in the creative industry. Whether this new title will stand on its own merits or fade into infamy remains to be seen.
