The Rise of Black Myth: Wukong

A Clash of Cultural Storytelling in Chinese, Japanese, and Western AAA Games

By Xinyi Song

In August 2024, “Black Myth: Wukong” launched worldwide, generating millions in sales for the first so-called “AAA game” produced in China and sparking widespread discussion. “Black Myth” not only captivated gamers with its stunning visuals and fluid combat system, but introduced a distinct storytelling experience rooted in Chinese mythology that set it apart from other high-budget games created in Japan and the U.S., countries whose games control most of the market. With Sun Wukong, mythical creatures, and the rich world of Chinese legends brought to life by the Game Science team, “Black Myth” offers a fresh cultural perspective to a global audience. While China has long been a dominant force in mobile and online gaming, the success of “Black Myth” is something new. As Chinese game planner Bin Zhu puts it, “The globalization of Chinese AAA games has not truly begun yet.”

What is an "AAA Game?"

Character

A AAA (or “triple-A”) refers to a
high-budget, high-profile video game developed and published by a large, well-established studio.

These games are akin to blockbuster movies, designed to appeal to a wide audience, with substantial investments in graphics, gameplay mechanics, story, and marketing.

In the AAA gaming market, Japan and Western countries have developed sophisticated storytelling traditions that incorporate elements of their own cultures. Japanese AAA games like “Final Fantasy” and “Elden Ring”, as well as American-made titles such as “God of War” and “Red Dead Redemption,” have each made a strong impact in the global market through their unique cultural narratives. Each country’s developers tell stories from their cultural perspectives, creating a global gaming ecosystem that, until recently, was missing a significant cultural voice—that of China.

Here's how the portrayal of the main character and chosen weapon in “Black Myth: Wukong” differ from those in a Japanese game like “Final Fantasy VII” from Japan and the U.S.-designed “God of War: Ragnarök.”

PART I. PROTAGONISTS

The Destined One, Cloud Strife, and Kratos stand as powerful embodiments of their respective cultures, each character offering players a unique perspective through the lens of myth and folklore. The Destined One, from “Black Myth: Wukong,” channels China’s Daoist philosophy, embodying balance, resilience, and harmony with nature, emphasizing the importance of unity over individual triumph. Conversely, Cloud Strife from “Final Fantasy” mirrors Japanese culture’s nuanced approach to technology and identity, grappling with isolation, destiny, and a search for self amidst societal change. In the West, Kratos from “God of War” personifies a deeply individualistic hero, rooted in personal vengeance and transformation; his journey is both a tribute to mythological power and a critique of the burdens it brings. Together, these characters enrich the gaming world with stories that reflect each culture’s view of heroism, struggle, and redemption.

Click each character to learn more

Sun Wukong
Cloud Strife
Kratos
DO Image

The "Destined One" (天命人), an anthropomorphic monkey from the mythical Mount Huaguo, embodies the spirit of Chinese culture and mythology in Black Myth: Wukong. Rooted deeply in the rich heritage of Journey to the West, his journey reflects the values, traditions, and storytelling techniques that have shaped Chinese narratives for centuries. As a chosen warrior, he embarks on a quest to revive the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong, not merely as a personal mission, but as a larger reflection of China's enduring connection to its myths and cultural identity.

The relics he seeks—the Six Senses of the Great Sage—are more than pieces of Sun Wukong’s essence; they symbolize elements of Chinese philosophy, such as the balance of mind, spirit, and nature. Each relic represents an aspect of Wukong’s profound wisdom and strength, drawing parallels to traditional Chinese ideals like harmony, resilience, and the pursuit of enlightenment. The journey to recover these relics takes the Destined One across a mythical vision of China, rich with landscapes, deities, and challenges that echo both historical and spiritual elements of Chinese culture.

As the Destined One ventures into this legendary world, the line between personal growth and cultural preservation blurs. Each step of his odyssey reflects the themes of transformation and renewal found in many Chinese myths, where heroes often rediscover their purpose through trials that reconnect them with their heritage. The revelation that the Destined One is himself the Mind of Sun Wukong—a living fragment of the Great Sage—further ties his character to the cyclical nature of rebirth and legacy, central to Chinese storytelling.

Through the journey of the Destined One, "Black Myth: Wukong" brings Chinese mythology to life, merging tradition with the immersive potential of modern gaming. His quest is not just an adventure — it’s a testament to the depth and resilience of Chinese cultural heritage, where ancient legends continue to inspire and evolve. By reimagining Sun Wukong’s legacy in a world filled with spiritual and mythical challenges, the game invites players worldwide to experience the timeless wisdom embedded in China’s stories. The Destined One becomes more than a character; he is a bridge between the past and present, showing how even the oldest myths can find new resonance and meaning. This blend of myth and modernity not only honors China’s cultural roots but also reminds us of the universal appeal of stories that speak to the heart of humanity itself.

Cloud Image

Cloud Strife, the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, stands as a reflection of profound cultural themes rooted in Japanese storytelling. Born in the quiet mountain town of Nibelheim, Cloud harbored dreams of heroism, idolizing the legendary SOLDIER Sephiroth and yearning to escape his humble origins. Yet, his journey deviates sharply from the heroic ideal, revealing instead a deeply flawed and conflicted individual shaped by trauma, memory, and societal forces.

Cloud’s fragmented identity is emblematic of a broader cultural motif in Japanese narratives: the struggle to reconcile individual desires with societal and existential pressures. The influence of Shinra Corporation—the exploitative power destroying the planet—parallels the clash between modern industrialization and traditional values, a recurring theme in Japanese literature and art. Cloud’s inner turmoil, distorted by the influence of Jenova cells and a fractured memory, represents the tension between personal authenticity and the external imposition of identity, a conflict that resonates in Japan’s collective consciousness amidst rapid modernization and globalization.

As Cloud delves deeper into his memories, his journey becomes a quest for balance between the past and the present, reflecting the Japanese concept of mono no aware—an awareness of the impermanence of things and the beauty in their transience. His eventual confrontation with Sephiroth and acceptance of his true self mirrors the process of kintsugi, the art of mending broken objects with gold, symbolizing that strength and beauty emerge through embracing imperfections and past scars.

Cloud’s story also critiques the environmental and societal costs of industrial greed, drawing from Japan’s deep connection to nature and the cultural reverence for harmony between humanity and the environment. The devastation wrought by Shinra reflects fears of ecological destruction, while Cloud’s fight against it evokes the enduring spirit of resistance in Japanese folklore, where heroes often rise not for personal glory but to restore balance to their world.

Ultimately, Cloud’s journey transcends his personal struggle, resonating as a universal tale of self-acceptance and resilience. His evolution from a fractured, reluctant hero into a figure of quiet strength speaks to the Japanese ethos that heroism lies not in achieving an idealized destiny but in embracing imperfection and finding harmony within oneself. Through Cloud, Final Fantasy VII bridges the personal and the cultural, offering a narrative that connects players to timeless themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for balance amidst chaos.

Cloud Strife is not the typical hero. He is an introspective and often conflicted character whose journey speaks to the universal struggle of self-discovery and healing. His story asks a critical question: to what extent are we defined by our past, and can we rebuild ourselves in the face of painful truths? This theme resonates widely, as players can see in Cloud’s journey the challenge of moving beyond trauma, accepting one’s imperfections, and forging a new path. Ultimately, Cloud’s story is a tale of resilience, showing that personal strength doesn’t come from erasing or escaping the past, but from accepting and moving forward. His journey transcends the fantasy setting, offering players a narrative that mirrors real human struggles. In the face of inner conflict, Cloud shows that healing is possible—that one can find purpose, connection, and self-worth by embracing their true self, however flawed. Through this deeply personal story, "Final Fantasy VII" elevates Cloud’s experience into a powerful reflection on the human condition, making his journey one of the most memorable in gaming history.

Kratos, the iconic protagonist of the God of War series, serves as a bridge between mythology and cultural storytelling, embodying themes of fate, redemption, and the transformative power of legacy. Rooted in Greek mythology, Kratos begins his journey as a Spartan warrior consumed by wrath and grief after being manipulated by Ares into killing his own family. His tragic path reflects the Greek cultural motif of hubris and the inescapable consequences of human flaws, themes deeply ingrained in the myths of ancient Greece. Kratos’ vengeful dismantling of the Olympian pantheon symbolizes the destructive cycle of anger and the futility of resisting one’s destiny—a reflection of the Greeks’ view of fate (moira) as an inexorable force.

The series reboot transitions Kratos to the Norse realm, introducing new cultural dimensions to his story. Norse mythology, with its emphasis on cyclical time, fate (wyrd), and the inevitability of Ragnarök, provides a contrasting lens through which to view Kratos’ journey. In this context, Kratos becomes a figure caught between these two mythological traditions—Greek fatalism and Norse determinism—while striving to carve out a new identity. As a father to Atreus, Kratos grapples with the Norse ideal of family legacy and skaldic storytelling, where heroes are celebrated not just for their deeds but for the values they pass on to the next generation.

In "God of War: Ragnarök", Kratos embodies the cultural tension between personal agency and the weight of prophecy. Norse mythology frames Ragnarök as both an inevitable end and a chance for renewal, mirroring Kratos’ struggle to reconcile his violent past with his desire to protect his son from repeating his mistakes. His journey reflects the Norse theme of ragnarøkkr, or "twilight of the gods," as a transformative process rather than mere destruction—an opportunity to rewrite the narrative and create a new world founded on resilience and hope.

Kratos’ evolution from a god of vengeance to a god of transformation resonates with universal cultural themes. He symbolizes the possibility of breaking free from the cycles of violence and fate, echoing cultural narratives that value redemption and self-reinvention. By integrating the cultural essences of both Greek and Norse mythologies, God of War creates a hero whose struggles are both deeply personal and profoundly mythological, connecting players to timeless questions about legacy, identity, and the power to forge a better path.

Kratos’s story embodies Western themes of individualism, redemption, and the struggle to defy one’s fate. His journey reflects a Western narrative arc where heroism is about facing inner darkness, seeking forgiveness, and ultimately reshaping one’s destiny. Through Kratos, "God of War" examines the transformative power of choice and personal responsibility, capturing the essence of a hero defined by resilience and a refusal to be bound by the past.

Part II. Weapons

Following the visual comparison, their chosen weapons offer a fascinating lens through which to understand the cultural contexts that shape each hero’s journey.

Sun Wukong wields the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a mystical staff rooted in Chinese folklore. This weapon is not only a tool of power but also a symbol of flexibility and adaptability, mirroring Daoist values that emphasize harmony and balance. Its ability to expand and contract reflects the boundless nature of the universe and "Sun Wukong"’s connection to cosmic forces, embodying the Chinese philosophy that true strength lies in fluidity and balance.
Cloud Strife’s iconic Buster Sword, on the other hand, is both a personal burden and a cultural symbol within "Final Fantasy". Its massive size represents the weight of responsibility and sacrifice—a theme often present in Japanese storytelling. This sword serves as a reminder of his ties to a lost past, symbolizing the struggle of balancing individual identity with collective memory, an essential aspect of Japanese culture and post-war identity.
Kratos wields the Blades of Chaos, a weapon forged in darkness and designed for brutal close combat. The Blades symbolize his tragic past and ongoing struggle with anger and guilt, representing Western ideals of personal redemption and inner conflict. Unlike the fluidity of "Sun Wukong"’s staff or the reverence tied to “Cloud’s" sword, Kratos' weapons embody raw power and are a tool of vengeance, reflecting a Western emphasis on overcoming personal demons and the weight of past actions.
Ruyi Jingu Bang
Buster Sword
Blade of Chaos
Harmony and Balance
Responsibility and Sacrifice
Vengeance

Through the journeys of Destined One, Cloud Strife, and Kratos, we see how video games can be more than just a source of entertainment—they are a powerful means of cultural storytelling, bringing ancient myths and modern narratives to a global audience. Each character and their weapon represents not only personal struggles but also the values, conflicts, and philosophies unique to their cultures. These heroes are not simply avatars of strength or skill; they are windows into the deeper cultural landscapes they embody, revealing how different societies understand concepts like heroism, destiny, and redemption.

In an ever-connected gaming world, these culturally resonant stories allow players to step into worlds shaped by the past yet resonant with present-day themes, encouraging cross-cultural empathy and understanding. The fusion of character, weapon, and myth in games like “Black Myth: Wukong”, "Final Fantasy", and "God of War" demonstrates the profound impact of cultural narratives on global audiences. As players journey alongside these heroes, they are not only fighting battles or solving quests but also exploring the legacies of Chinese, Japanese, and Western traditions.

In the end, these stories remind us that while each culture may offer a unique lens on heroism, all share the universal themes of growth, connection, and the quest to find meaning within and beyond oneself. In a world that grows more connected by the day, games like these bring the timeless power of mythology to the forefront, showing us that every hero’s journey, no matter where it begins, speaks to something deeply human and universal.

Produced by candidates for the MS degree in the Media Innovation & Data Communication program at the Northeastern University School of Journalism. © 2024