Wukong Sun: Black Legend, a game currently available for pre-order on the US eShop, faces an uncertain future due to striking similarities to the popular title, Black Myth: Wukong. While drawing inspiration is common in game development, Wukong Sun appears to borrow heavily from its predecessor, raising concerns about copyright infringement.
The visual style, the protagonist wielding a staff, and the plot synopsis strongly resemble Black Myth: Wukong. The game's description reads: "Embark on an epic journey to the West. Play as the immortal Wukong, the legendary Monkey King, battling for order in a chaotic world filled with powerful monsters and deadly dangers. Explore a story inspired by Chinese mythology, featuring intense battles, breathtaking locations, and legendary foes." This description echoes the core elements of Black Myth: Wukong's narrative and setting.
Black Myth: Wukong, developed by a small Chinese studio, unexpectedly achieved immense popularity, topping Steam charts. Its success stems from its intricate detail, immersive gameplay, and challenging yet accessible combat system, blending elements of the souls-like genre with user-friendly mechanics. The game's stunning visuals, particularly the fluid animations during combat, and its captivating world design are frequently praised. Many gamers believe Black Myth: Wukong deserved a "Game of the Year 2024" nomination at The Game Awards.
The significant similarities between Wukong Sun: Black Legend and Black Myth: Wukong could lead to legal action by Game Science, the developers of Black Myth: Wukong, potentially resulting in the removal of Wukong Sun: Black Legend from the eShop. The extent of the alleged plagiarism remains a point of contention.