They called this as Black Myth, because this is a darker interpretation of the motive and driving force of each characters for why they did what they did in the original Journey to the West story.
Even in the original novel there are numerous social commentary of how the heavenly court run parallel to our governing bodies on how our rulers are just as flawed as we are, and the judgements on us are often laid with prejudices.
Saying Erlang would’ve held a grudge about his mom is an understatement. There used to be 10 sun gods, but they saw Erlang trying to help his mother escape, so they fried her on the spot. This is where Erlang invents the anime rage moment and kills 9 OUT OF 10 SUN GODS, only sparing the 10th because the moon goddess begged to spare him.
@@适竞郭 I’ve heard 2 stories about what happened to the sun gods; one where the moon goddess shot down 9 of them because they all began to rise at the same time, then the other story with Erlang. Was one of them made up for Journey to the West, or are they somehow both true?
Great video but guanyin isn’t the one who helps erlang catch wukong in his first rampage. It’s Lao tsu who ensnares wukong in his diamond snare while wukong is fighting erlang Shen
Very good video! Thanks for making this. I do disagree with your assessment of one important element; Erlang's motivations for making the pact with Sun Wukong. I think Erlang's motivation has less to do with sympathy and more to do with his obsession with rivalry and prowess in battle. While the game never once references the treatment of Erlangs mother, he tells us explicitely and no fewer than 3 times that no body else is able to push him to his own limits on par with Wukong, that since they battled to a stalemate hundreds of years ago, he's obsessively thought about it every single day and that Wukong is a monkey of worth. My interpretation of why this information is shared with us is because doing battle with Wukong, unrestrained and at his peak is Erlang's obsession. I don't think Erlang views Wukong as an ally but as a rival that he respects, despite their differences in allegiance and that his secret pact with Wukong is not motivated by sympathy or aultrism but by the desire to enable Wukong to break free and transcend limits so that the next time they do battle, he's no longer held back. He wants an equal and by conspiring with Wukong to enable his liberation, the destined one becomes that very thing
You seem to forget that Erlang and Wukong called each other brother in the English dub. In the Chinese dub they use xiōngdì, which is normally used by sworn brothers or good friends. But, Erlang wanting the good fight is something I would agree on as in the Journey to the West 2 (1998) after both Erlang and Wukong no longer saw each other as enemies Erlang said that one day they will have to settle who is on top.
Very well stated point. I can definitely see how the respect comes through their rivalry on the battlefield. There have also been a couple other TY videos stating what @greatoneek stated below, in that they are sworn brothers too.
That was so cool seeing Nezha in the chapter 5 animation. They could really make some cool DLC or sequel content by exploring more of the celestial world. Got me very excited.
Great video. Though I gotta mention that the destined one is the MIND. 1 of the 6. But he doesn't have the memories. That's why when you defeat erlang and get the memories the mind relic is complete. The elder monkey mentions our character was the mind all along. (On the boat ride to the shell) It is stated throughout the game that our character isn't the 1st monkey to seek the relics. The mind will always seek the other 5 in time.
@@unlistednaytibang+ is so awesome. It was a joy dragging the Tiger Vanguard through the mud after him embarrassing me like that on the first playthrough lol
You hit this it took me 30ish tries but so worth it. The fan was a light savior. If you don’t do a hi qi regen I tried to save it and 70% of my mana to the 3rd stage the later the better. What helped me was trying to not use abilities the first phase to get used to dodging him.
Keep going bro, I had to fight him a crap ton of times also. Like the other comment said, the fan is a real life saver for this fight. I’d also recommend having potions that’s increase critical hit chance and the armor that increases crit also, getting critical hits helped me recharge my Qi a lot quicker. I was able to use the fan 3-4 times during the fight. Also, don’t want to spoil it for you but it is a multi-phase boss fight so be prepared for that.
Also, I strongly recomend the Plantain Fan to deal with his shield, then the Azure Dust transformation to break it again on his next fase. And use Reassuring Medicine near the end of battle, just to be safe
Hoping for the next Black Myth to be Black Myth: Erlang There's already a plot hook right there, Erlang essentially betrayed the Jade Emperor by plotting behind his back to give Wu Kong his true freedom
Oh dang. I think you just cracked it and started off the naming convention of this new IP / franchise. Heck yea... great name. Nice comment. have a good one.
Four days late, but here I am. Thank you for a great vid. Others have pointed out some mistakes, such as guanyin not being involved in ensnaring Wukong in his first fight against Erlang Shen, and that he was trapped in the mountain for 500 years. I am also less certain of just how much Erlang Shen knows about Wukong's plan, but nevertheless he was secretly in on this. GS took liberties in order to make this game's story, such as even the concept of being a Buddha as something given and taken away. Regardless, I like what GS did, both narratively and in gameplay.
Just getting caught up on comments. I read only the first 20ish chapters of Journey to the West, then had to just read up on the rest of the story cause I couldn't read the last 80 before Black Myth dropped...haha. I guess I misread Wukong and Erlang's first battle. Appreciate the feedback and your comment. Have a good one.
I appreciate this breakdown. Now I understand the plot way better as I haven't read Journey to the West (though I think I might after having played Black Myth.) The game was fantastic and even though I normally don't bother with New Game+, I enjoy Wukong so much that I actually want a bit more of a challenge and also to get all the stuff I missed in the first run and grab that Platinum since I'm close to it anyway, so I'm gonna give it at least 1 extra Cycle.
Appreciate your comment. And yes, I agree. I've only ever done NG+ for Returnal, Stellar Blade and now this. Enjoy NG+ for Black Myth and good luck getting the PLAT!
This explains the different behavior in the broken shell when he absorbed the relics. It was sun wukong mind and all. He had his mind but he couldn't reveal it. That's why he laughed at the end. And he even encouraged us during the fight. Like he was saying come-on do better. Sure he acted this way without the secret ending. Which had it been asked I would have set it so this doesn't happen unless you initiate the secret ending but.
Oh man, don't even get me started about the Shell's taunts... haha. It took me like 2 hours on each phase to beat the shell and I was getting so frustrated when he would taunt me. Appreciate your comment. Have a good one.
When Wu Kong was younger, he aimed for and did his best to achieve eternal life. But as he journeyed through life, he realized that freedom was more important.
Yes exactly. In the prologue when fighting Erlang, he even makes a comment about immortality and how those who pursue it have destroyed the lives of so many others - he does not want immortality, just freedom.
@unlistednaytiba Black Myth: Wukong doesn't just use the original Journey to the West as its foundation, but it also incorporates elements from movies and TV series into the storyline. For example, the relationship between Wukong and the White Bone Demon, as well as White Tiger Ridge, are Easter eggs referencing Stephen Chow's A Chinese Odyssey (1995). In that film, Wukong falls in love with the White Bone Demon, but Guanyin wants him to let go of this love in order to fulfill his mission to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures, leading to unrequited love. In the game, however, this is flipped-Wukong has a free will and chooses not to wear Guanyin’s headband. The reason why Buddha recreates Wukong’s body is likely because he wants Wukong to choose his own path. The old monkey, if you pay attention to what he says, often teaches the importance of letting go. It's clear that Guanyin is secretly helping when she transforms into the Daoist carrying a basket, asking the Keeper of the Black Wind Mountain to teach Wukong a spell. This figure is 100% Guanyin because there's a legend about her carrying a basket. So, besides secretly helping, Guanyin is also likely the final test for the protagonist in this game.
There are some statements that are wrong. Buddha didn’t capture him in his hand. The whole UNIVERSE is in his hands which means everything is in his hands to begin with. Sun Wukong was also imprisoned under the mountain for 500 years. Not 600
Appreciate your comment. I'm getting back into Chinese culture, all thanks to this game and the interactions through comments such as yours so I'm digging the feedback. I was an art studio major in college and took one Chinese art history class - learned a little about things that are covered in Black Myth, and now brushing up on Chinese culture again here. Have a good one.
Dang your comment is really motivating and heartfelt. Appreciate you leaving it. Yes, all summed up in Wukong saying repeatedly how he's going to RIP IT OFF AND BREAK FREE. Have a good one.
It’s true that the game portrays the eastern heaven (Jade Emperor) and western heaven (Buddha) as not purely altruistic. However, the eastern heaven is just as cruel in the novel. The game didn’t really portray them any worse than they were in the source material.
I think this could be explored more in sequels with the Destined one now being aware of the Elder Monkey. In the Elder Monkey's portrait information, it is stated he is thought to be many things/people, but the first is stated that he is Guanyin. That would be awesome to see this revealed in DLC or a sequel, then see the ramifications of this in a new quest by the Destined One.
Appreciate your comment. Beating the game feels like such an accomplishment right? Enjoy the book. I only got through chapter 20. But I plan to revisit it soon.
I still think that destined ones are wukongs clones being reborn and reborn since we have sentences saying that the elder monk is always listening to different stories.. zhu baije talks about "another mute" since he met other destined ones.. we can presume this refers to multiple playthroughs to be completely reborn. as if the elder monk says that the destined one is wukong mind.. and was a empty mind it explains why he's also mute.. a urge to be whole again.. , unless you regain your memories with erlang. thus.. we can assume.. also based on how the destined one dies and reborns as fur/hair transformations near shrines.. that the destined ones are just that. maybe even the elder monkey is, because he seemingly is wukong's Buddhahood in the mortal form. and the fact that we see the destined one as a old one.. well he turned into another "old monkey" for the next playthrough... and another "more complete hair of wukong" embarks on a new journey.. this time a clone of the old monkey itself. if everyone died at the mountain, that's the only explanation.. that the ones there are a plethora of wukongs clones.. or clones of clones.. Yes, we don't mention time travelling on the game and stuff would play out again as if they never happened before, but they did didn't they.. the entire game design has things repeating without ignoring they happened before.. bosses are waiting for you after you die.. comment on you reappearing, many things are like that on the game. I don't buy this "monkey of true merit" explanation due to all of this... but a "clone of true merit"... because who would want to become someone else and lose his own identity? It's him, through and trough.. imho.
Great points. I read through your comment and thought a bit. I think we could get answers from the Keeper of Black Wind Mountain and Bodhisattva Lingji, as they are the ones that teach the Destined One his spell moves. If you are correct and it is tied to the idea of him being Wukong's clones, then Lingji would hold knowledge of this because wasn't he the one that taught the Destined One the pluck of many in chapter 2?
I think the elder monkey’s motive is beyond securing control over Sun Wukong. On the boat he talks with Bajie about the relic of the mind and it’s significance. I believe he only carries out his duty and accepts that whether or not Wukong would be free is up to the destined one. If the destined one came to battle the shell without the mind relic, he succumbed to the bound of the band. If he won against Erlang, he rightfully achieves his freedom as Sun Wukong.
Nah, he's clearly in opposition side of Wukong. The way he told Bajie and Destined One about Wukong's past, you can really see how he never agree with Wukong. Also there's no reason for him to trap Destined One whether he's worthy or not by putting the band directly on his head like that. He pretty much was faking it as the 6th relic.
Well, in the portrait information, it states some people believe the Old Monkey is Guanyin. It does say people thing he is other things/people, but Guanyin is who is stated first. That's who I'm going with. Loved reading your comment - have a good one.
Thank you for this video. It answers almost all of my questions. The only thing i don't understand is chapter 4 with the spider sisters and how you need to rmove the 4 seals and get a snippet of the boss fight with the hand face guy. I dont get that.
Something like this would be cool and also possible since Baije accompanied The Destined One during some gameplay and bossfights. Would be great to be able to experience something similar with Erlang.
How does he die??? Isn't he imortal, how can he bleed out like that. The headband only causes him pain it doesnt negate his imortalaity. So what did erlang do to cancel wukongs imortality?
“没有人能够杀死孙悟空，能杀死他的只有他自己” 但是现在的孙悟空因为有紧箍咒的限制，不得自由，所以他杀死自己，以身体的腐朽，再入轮回，等到天命人集齐六根，他将再得自由 No one can kill Sun Wukong, only he can by himself But now ,Sun Wukong cannot be free due to the restrictions of the Tightening Curse, so he killed himself and, with the decay of his body, returned to reincarnation. When the Heavenly Mandate gathers all six roots, he will be free again
here is what I think, immortal might not be invincible, he can still die but I think his soul reincarnated, I'm sure the chosen one is just him in new life
I don’t fully agree with your explanation of events. When you listen to what Erlang says both in the intro, the secret boss fight, the cutscene afterwards, and the secret ending scene, you’ll notice that Erlang WASN’T in the know of everything Wukong was plotting and instead, inserted himself into the plan secretly yet remaining conflicted about everything, possibly ONLY participating and helping in Wukongs plan because he hoped that the Destined One would come find him and help him find the answers he’s looking for.
I'm currently doing NG+ and there are definitely some dialogue and scenes to support your idea here and the general idea that there were other motivating factors and subplots pushing other ideas forward. I think the chapter 6 ending animation leave a lot to be interpreted. I'm not entirely sure where Journey to the West ends and Black Myth begins, and vice versa, in the animation. Because the story was essentially told in a backwards way (when you take into account the animations of each chapter's end), there are some things open to interpretation, such as your view of things. I appreciate your feedback. Have a good one.
Not sure about that. Perhaps Erlang wasn't apart of that and it was collateral damage that the two didn't know about/anticipate. I would hate to think that Erlang was wise to that happening.
In the original story of journey to the west. Erlang was able to save most of the monkeys on mount huaguo after wukong was trapped by Budha. And later on they grew close.
"No doubt taking the cue from God of War" uhseahuseahuseahuaes LOL, dude you think a story based on mf Journey to the West is taking cues from God of War? LOL This is like saying classical composers are taking cues from P. Diddy.
haha, Diddy is such a horrible human. No my bro, I feel you misinterpret what I'm saying. I mean that Game Science has taken influence from Sony Santa Monica how they each choose to highlight the flaws and more "messed up" things about the pantheons of their respective gods (Game science focusing on Chinese culture gods and Sony Santa Monica focusing on Norse culture gods). Have a good one.
Heh, for what it's worth that's one thing Chinese culture is good for in this day and age. There are a lot of really great teachings and values in Chinese culture if not for their governing body's suppression keeping their own people in being truly be open and creative.
It's just a title. This is why Buddha said, "You are granted the 'title' victorious fighting Buddha." Wanting to live a normal life on his mountain shows he hasn't reached Buddhahood.
@@TeleologicalConsistencynot really! Theoretically, there are many phrases of enlightenment and buddhahood is achieved when you reach certain levels of enlightenment. Also, attaining enlightenment also means alright with being with oneself, despite the situation. Wanting to live among fellow monkeys in peace and revoking buddhahood is not the same thing. :)
The game studio took creative liberty to tell a different story, a work of fiction that didn't adhere to the rules of the original novel, and certainly not to the rules of the real world. But for argument's sake even if we take into account that Buddahood is a state of enlightenment and cannot be taken away, the narrative could take the position where the heavenly court could create their own narrative to strip WuKong of his achievements or titles just as an excuse to inflict punishment upon him. Erlang's words shouldn't necessarily be used to define the rules of the world, as the politics and motivations of the heavenly court is immense.
The story was written by some guy who didn't get hired into government job because Tang ran out of positions or something. His work passive aggressively disses the government at the time.
As a Chinese who understands some English, this is oversimplified into a literally child interpretation of Journal to the West. Tons of details are missing, the plot explanation is inaccurate or even misunderstood, and the complexity of the novel and game context hasn't yet been addressed. But overall, I appreciate the effort for making video on this topic, it's understandable and acceptable because the language barrier is simply too huge for foreigners to translate that novel written in ancient Chinese literal style into English
As a Chinese who lived in both China and Canada, this video serves as a quick and concise summary of event given its runtime and is a great onramp to learning more about the original novel. l
I hear ya. I know that when reading Journey to the West, I'm missing out on things from the English translation. I think this happens in all storytelling / media, for example when squid game was a big thing, there was a lot of subtleties and cultural context from Korean culture that was missed when things were translated in the English dub or even English subtitles. Appreciate your comment. Have a good one.
@lanzer22 Appreciate your comment. Glad we are able to experience more of Chinese culture over here in America due to this great game. Have a good one.
Just beat this game last night along with the true ending and oh man, what a journey this game was. Such an amazing game.
Agreed. So glad Game Science did their thing here. Really appreciating the game and Chinese culture overall.
Halfway through 3rd playthrough and finally reached 342. Got him right for whenever the dlc drops lol
SUCH AN AMAZING GAME AND STORY. Blew my mind when I put it all together
They called this as Black Myth, because this is a darker interpretation of the motive and driving force of each characters for why they did what they did in the original Journey to the West story.
Yes agreed. Pretty messed up what Heaven's court does and keeps perpetuating.
The fact that the jade emperor has an affair with the moon goddess in this retelling shows the flaws of the gods here.
Gods are not always righteous! :)
The guy in the game who was with the moon goodness is not the jade emperor
@@GeckoMoriia it's supposed to be or the son, there's a few translation about it.
Even in the original novel there are numerous social commentary of how the heavenly court run parallel to our governing bodies on how our rulers are just as flawed as we are, and the judgements on us are often laid with prejudices.
@@GeckoMoriia it’s also NOT the moon goddess from what I heard lmao
Saying Erlang would’ve held a grudge about his mom is an understatement. There used to be 10 sun gods, but they saw Erlang trying to help his mother escape, so they fried her on the spot. This is where Erlang invents the anime rage moment and kills 9 OUT OF 10 SUN GODS, only sparing the 10th because the moon goddess begged to spare him.
Oh wow. Didn't realize that. Appreciate the nugget of information you're dropping here.
Those sun gods are jade emperor’s sons. They burned erlang’s mother to death right in front of him, erlang went rampage and wrecked the heaven.
@@适竞郭 I’ve heard 2 stories about what happened to the sun gods; one where the moon goddess shot down 9 of them because they all began to rise at the same time, then the other story with Erlang. Was one of them made up for Journey to the West, or are they somehow both true?
@ it’s the same nine suns, jade emperor revived them after they got killed by the moon goddess’s husband a long time ago.
Wukong's staff has more reach than my social media posts.
Great video but guanyin isn’t the one who helps erlang catch wukong in his first rampage. It’s Lao tsu who ensnares wukong in his diamond snare while wukong is fighting erlang Shen
Is Lao Tsu the same as Lao Jun? Or someone different?
Very good video! Thanks for making this.
I do disagree with your assessment of one important element; Erlang's motivations for making the pact with Sun Wukong.
I think Erlang's motivation has less to do with sympathy and more to do with his obsession with rivalry and prowess in battle. While the game never once references the treatment of Erlangs mother, he tells us explicitely and no fewer than 3 times that no body else is able to push him to his own limits on par with Wukong, that since they battled to a stalemate hundreds of years ago, he's obsessively thought about it every single day and that Wukong is a monkey of worth.
My interpretation of why this information is shared with us is because doing battle with Wukong, unrestrained and at his peak is Erlang's obsession. I don't think Erlang views Wukong as an ally but as a rival that he respects, despite their differences in allegiance and that his secret pact with Wukong is not motivated by sympathy or aultrism but by the desire to enable Wukong to break free and transcend limits so that the next time they do battle, he's no longer held back. He wants an equal and by conspiring with Wukong to enable his liberation, the destined one becomes that very thing
You seem to forget that Erlang and Wukong called each other brother in the English dub. In the Chinese dub they use xiōngdì, which is normally used by sworn brothers or good friends. But, Erlang wanting the good fight is something I would agree on as in the Journey to the West 2 (1998) after both Erlang and Wukong no longer saw each other as enemies Erlang said that one day they will have to settle who is on top.
could he be the inspiration for Vegeta? hmm... 🤔
Very well stated point. I can definitely see how the respect comes through their rivalry on the battlefield. There have also been a couple other TY videos stating what @greatoneek stated below, in that they are sworn brothers too.
Three anti-bones in the celestial world: Erlang God rebelled secretly, the Monkey King rebelled openly, and Nezha could rebel anytime and anywhere.
That was so cool seeing Nezha in the chapter 5 animation. They could really make some cool DLC or sequel content by exploring more of the celestial world. Got me very excited.
Great video. Though I gotta mention that the destined one is the MIND. 1 of the 6. But he doesn't have the memories. That's why when you defeat erlang and get the memories the mind relic is complete. The elder monkey mentions our character was the mind all along. (On the boat ride to the shell) It is stated throughout the game that our character isn't the 1st monkey to seek the relics. The mind will always seek the other 5 in time.
Wow, I didn't catch that about the Destined One. Currently getting my NG+ on so I'll look for that. Appreciate your comment.
@@unlistednaytibang+ is so awesome. It was a joy dragging the Tiger Vanguard through the mud after him embarrassing me like that on the first playthrough lol
Real asf@@SwagEverlasting
Yeah NG+ is fruits of 1st playthrough labor
Lore of Sun Wukong & Erlang's Quest for Freedom: Their Secret Plan Revealed momentum 100
Yes, I noticed a few more videos on this topic now coming out. These two are the secret bros of Black Myth Wukong... haha.
This is a great tale. Thank you. And it gives me the motivation to fight Erlang, which I until now nearly gave up.
You hit this it took me 30ish tries but so worth it. The fan was a light savior. If you don’t do a hi qi regen I tried to save it and 70% of my mana to the 3rd stage the later the better.
What helped me was trying to not use abilities the first phase to get used to dodging him.
Keep going bro, I had to fight him a crap ton of times also. Like the other comment said, the fan is a real life saver for this fight. I’d also recommend having potions that’s increase critical hit chance and the armor that increases crit also, getting critical hits helped me recharge my Qi a lot quicker. I was able to use the fan 3-4 times during the fight. Also, don’t want to spoil it for you but it is a multi-phase boss fight so be prepared for that.
@@k1ssmyfast a tip to add is there’s a potion that give like crit hit, damage boost and something else from one
Thanks for the advice guys, I will try it again.
Also, I strongly recomend the Plantain Fan to deal with his shield, then the Azure Dust transformation to break it again on his next fase. And use Reassuring Medicine near the end of battle, just to be safe
This is so great to understand what actually was going on all along 😮😮
Appreciate your comment and feedback. Hopefully we get some DLC on Erlang to learn more about their plan.
Thank you! You explained a lot of things that most lore videos leave out
Appreciate your feedback. Glad to read your comment. Have a good one
Hoping for the next Black Myth to be Black Myth: Erlang
There's already a plot hook right there, Erlang essentially betrayed the Jade Emperor by plotting behind his back to give Wu Kong his true freedom
Oh dang. I think you just cracked it and started off the naming convention of this new IP / franchise. Heck yea... great name. Nice comment. have a good one.
It´s rumored to be Nezha after the Wukong DLC
@@yagopacheco2855 oh hell yeah, the Lotus Prince
Four days late, but here I am. Thank you for a great vid. Others have pointed out some mistakes, such as guanyin not being involved in ensnaring Wukong in his first fight against Erlang Shen, and that he was trapped in the mountain for 500 years. I am also less certain of just how much Erlang Shen knows about Wukong's plan, but nevertheless he was secretly in on this. GS took liberties in order to make this game's story, such as even the concept of being a Buddha as something given and taken away. Regardless, I like what GS did, both narratively and in gameplay.
Just getting caught up on comments. I read only the first 20ish chapters of Journey to the West, then had to just read up on the rest of the story cause I couldn't read the last 80 before Black Myth dropped...haha. I guess I misread Wukong and Erlang's first battle. Appreciate the feedback and your comment. Have a good one.
The one video who can finally give ke enlightenment of the whole storyline. Thank you
Heck yea. Appreciate your comment here. Have a good one.
I love these mythologies/stories because it really just shows how human the gods can be
Agreed. I think the most fascinating ones are the tragic stories, such as Erlang, and then Freya's story from God of War Ragnarok.
Wonderful video. Beautiful plot twist. I love this game and the story so much.
Right on. Totally agree. The game was and continues to be great. The story keeps going the more and more you look at it.
@@unlistednaytiba Yessur!
The reasons of Wukong give up Buddhahood,you can check story on journal of Great Sage's Shell.A conversation between Wukong and Bajie.
Totally agree :) reading the descriptions in the character portraits reveals a lot. Have a good one.
I appreciate this breakdown. Now I understand the plot way better as I haven't read Journey to the West (though I think I might after having played Black Myth.) The game was fantastic and even though I normally don't bother with New Game+, I enjoy Wukong so much that I actually want a bit more of a challenge and also to get all the stuff I missed in the first run and grab that Platinum since I'm close to it anyway, so I'm gonna give it at least 1 extra Cycle.
Appreciate your comment. And yes, I agree. I've only ever done NG+ for Returnal, Stellar Blade and now this. Enjoy NG+ for Black Myth and good luck getting the PLAT!
Wow thanks bro
This is the best explanation I have got so far
Whoa, appreciate your comment. Have a good one.
Oh my gosh,it's just so epic,wow,so this is the really Chinese culture.A Revolution Against Feudal Power
Yes, I agree. Great to experience more Chinese culture over here in America due to Game Science and what they gave us.
This explains the different behavior in the broken shell when he absorbed the relics.
It was sun wukong mind and all. He had his mind but he couldn't reveal it.
That's why he laughed at the end. And he even encouraged us during the fight.
Like he was saying come-on do better.
Sure he acted this way without the secret ending.
Which had it been asked I would have set it so this doesn't happen unless you initiate the secret ending but.
Oh man, don't even get me started about the Shell's taunts... haha. It took me like 2 hours on each phase to beat the shell and I was getting so frustrated when he would taunt me. Appreciate your comment. Have a good one.
Damnnn..its sooo deep 😮. Thanks bro for the comprehensive explanations 🙏
Appreciate your comment and feedback. Glad you dropped it here.
When Wu Kong was younger, he aimed for and did his best to achieve eternal life. But as he journeyed through life, he realized that freedom was more important.
Yes exactly. In the prologue when fighting Erlang, he even makes a comment about immortality and how those who pursue it have destroyed the lives of so many others - he does not want immortality, just freedom.
The old monkey we see in the game is actually the transformed form of Guanyin.
This is what I had theorized. Do you know if this was confirmed in the story anywhere? I missed it if it was.
@unlistednaytiba Black Myth: Wukong doesn't just use the original Journey to the West as its foundation, but it also incorporates elements from movies and TV series into the storyline. For example, the relationship between Wukong and the White Bone Demon, as well as White Tiger Ridge, are Easter eggs referencing Stephen Chow's A Chinese Odyssey (1995). In that film, Wukong falls in love with the White Bone Demon, but Guanyin wants him to let go of this love in order to fulfill his mission to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures, leading to unrequited love. In the game, however, this is flipped-Wukong has a free will and chooses not to wear Guanyin’s headband. The reason why Buddha recreates Wukong’s body is likely because he wants Wukong to choose his own path.
The old monkey, if you pay attention to what he says, often teaches the importance of letting go. It's clear that Guanyin is secretly helping when she transforms into the Daoist carrying a basket, asking the Keeper of the Black Wind Mountain to teach Wukong a spell. This figure is 100% Guanyin because there's a legend about her carrying a basket. So, besides secretly helping, Guanyin is also likely the final test for the protagonist in this game.
This is why Wukong will not fight Buddha in a DLC we will fight the Jade Emperor for terrible things he has done to do Wukong’s kind.
Yes I'm thinking this would make for a great DLC and sequel.
There are some statements that are wrong. Buddha didn’t capture him in his hand. The whole UNIVERSE is in his hands which means everything is in his hands to begin with. Sun Wukong was also imprisoned under the mountain for 500 years. Not 600
Appreciate your comment. I'm getting back into Chinese culture, all thanks to this game and the interactions through comments such as yours so I'm digging the feedback. I was an art studio major in college and took one Chinese art history class - learned a little about things that are covered in Black Myth, and now brushing up on Chinese culture again here. Have a good one.
Finally I found the one who really understands the story. ❤
Dang your comment is really motivating and heartfelt. Appreciate you leaving it. Yes, all summed up in Wukong saying repeatedly how he's going to RIP IT OFF AND BREAK FREE. Have a good one.
It’s true that the game portrays the eastern heaven (Jade Emperor) and western heaven (Buddha) as not purely altruistic. However, the eastern heaven is just as cruel in the novel. The game didn’t really portray them any worse than they were in the source material.
I think this could be explored more in sequels with the Destined one now being aware of the Elder Monkey. In the Elder Monkey's portrait information, it is stated he is thought to be many things/people, but the first is stated that he is Guanyin. That would be awesome to see this revealed in DLC or a sequel, then see the ramifications of this in a new quest by the Destined One.
I'm Chinese, you explained it very well bro.
Appreciate your comment. Happy for the feedback. Have a good one.
90% of people in internet who say "im chinese" - R not chinese
What a great video
Much appreciated. Have a good one.
@@unlistednaytiba you too brother, amazing work keep it up
Great breakdown I started reading the book recently and beat the game yesterday with the true ending
Appreciate your comment. Beating the game feels like such an accomplishment right? Enjoy the book. I only got through chapter 20. But I plan to revisit it soon.
I still think that destined ones are wukongs clones being reborn and reborn since we have sentences saying that the elder monk is always listening to different stories.. zhu baije talks about "another mute" since he met other destined ones.. we can presume this refers to multiple playthroughs to be completely reborn. as if the elder monk says that the destined one is wukong mind.. and was a empty mind it explains why he's also mute.. a urge to be whole again.. , unless you regain your memories with erlang. thus.. we can assume.. also based on how the destined one dies and reborns as fur/hair transformations near shrines.. that the destined ones are just that. maybe even the elder monkey is, because he seemingly is wukong's Buddhahood in the mortal form. and the fact that we see the destined one as a old one.. well he turned into another "old monkey" for the next playthrough... and another "more complete hair of wukong" embarks on a new journey.. this time a clone of the old monkey itself. if everyone died at the mountain, that's the only explanation.. that the ones there are a plethora of wukongs clones.. or clones of clones.. Yes, we don't mention time travelling on the game and stuff would play out again as if they never happened before, but they did didn't they.. the entire game design has things repeating without ignoring they happened before.. bosses are waiting for you after you die.. comment on you reappearing, many things are like that on the game.
I don't buy this "monkey of true merit" explanation due to all of this... but a "clone of true merit"... because who would want to become someone else and lose his own identity?
It's him, through and trough.. imho.
Great points. I read through your comment and thought a bit. I think we could get answers from the Keeper of Black Wind Mountain and Bodhisattva Lingji, as they are the ones that teach the Destined One his spell moves. If you are correct and it is tied to the idea of him being Wukong's clones, then Lingji would hold knowledge of this because wasn't he the one that taught the Destined One the pluck of many in chapter 2?
I think the elder monkey’s motive is beyond securing control over Sun Wukong. On the boat he talks with Bajie about the relic of the mind and it’s significance. I believe he only carries out his duty and accepts that whether or not Wukong would be free is up to the destined one. If the destined one came to battle the shell without the mind relic, he succumbed to the bound of the band. If he won against Erlang, he rightfully achieves his freedom as Sun Wukong.
Nah, he's clearly in opposition side of Wukong. The way he told Bajie and Destined One about Wukong's past, you can really see how he never agree with Wukong. Also there's no reason for him to trap Destined One whether he's worthy or not by putting the band directly on his head like that. He pretty much was faking it as the 6th relic.
Well, in the portrait information, it states some people believe the Old Monkey is Guanyin. It does say people thing he is other things/people, but Guanyin is who is stated first. That's who I'm going with. Loved reading your comment - have a good one.
Dang this is deep!!!!
Appreciate the comment you left. Have a good one.
Thank you for this video. It answers almost all of my questions. The only thing i don't understand is chapter 4 with the spider sisters and how you need to rmove the 4 seals and get a snippet of the boss fight with the hand face guy. I dont get that.
Yea there is a lot more to unpack. There are some good theories about this on reddit.
You didnt mention that Erlang led his brothers to guide the Destined One to the secret locations as well
by brothers, do you mean actual brothers? Or are you talking about Maitreya Buddha (Baby Buddha)?
@@unlistednaytiba Whiteclad Noble, The Swine guy, the Arms on back guy, the Bull who fights golden cart guy are all Erlangs brothers.
great
Appreciate your comment. Have a good one.
西遊記的“黑天庭”和希臘“宙斯的情慾天堂”有的比
Definite parallels between almost every culture's pantheon of gods, huh?
I think they'll be joining forces in the DLC
Something like this would be cool and also possible since Baije accompanied The Destined One during some gameplay and bossfights. Would be great to be able to experience something similar with Erlang.
How does he die??? Isn't he imortal, how can he bleed out like that. The headband only causes him pain it doesnt negate his imortalaity. So what did erlang do to cancel wukongs imortality?
“没有人能够杀死孙悟空，能杀死他的只有他自己”
但是现在的孙悟空因为有紧箍咒的限制，不得自由，所以他杀死自己，以身体的腐朽，再入轮回，等到天命人集齐六根，他将再得自由
No one can kill Sun Wukong, only he can by himself
But now ,Sun Wukong cannot be free due to the restrictions of the Tightening Curse, so he killed himself and, with the decay of his body, returned to reincarnation. When the Heavenly Mandate gathers all six roots, he will be free again
Wukong killed himself, it was a part of the plan
here is what I think, immortal might not be invincible, he can still die but I think his soul reincarnated, I'm sure the chosen one is just him in new life
I believe Erlang Shen said it best, only he can kill himself.
Why does no one read this? I want to comment! You speak very carefully.
I do :) I appreciate your comment. Have a good one.
I don’t fully agree with your explanation of events. When you listen to what Erlang says both in the intro, the secret boss fight, the cutscene afterwards, and the secret ending scene, you’ll notice that Erlang WASN’T in the know of everything Wukong was plotting and instead, inserted himself into the plan secretly yet remaining conflicted about everything, possibly ONLY participating and helping in Wukongs plan because he hoped that the Destined One would come find him and help him find the answers he’s looking for.
Go make your own video than , stop being negative and let him have his own interpretation of it
@@snapfrostzz9946 how Is not agreeing with someone being negative?
I'm currently doing NG+ and there are definitely some dialogue and scenes to support your idea here and the general idea that there were other motivating factors and subplots pushing other ideas forward. I think the chapter 6 ending animation leave a lot to be interpreted. I'm not entirely sure where Journey to the West ends and Black Myth begins, and vice versa, in the animation. Because the story was essentially told in a backwards way (when you take into account the animations of each chapter's end), there are some things open to interpretation, such as your view of things. I appreciate your feedback. Have a good one.
He played the part of the villian well, was the murder of Wukongs kin and monkey brothers part of the agreed plan too?
Not sure about that. Perhaps Erlang wasn't apart of that and it was collateral damage that the two didn't know about/anticipate. I would hate to think that Erlang was wise to that happening.
In the original story of journey to the west. Erlang was able to save most of the monkeys on mount huaguo after wukong was trapped by Budha. And later on they grew close.
作为中国人，你真的懂剧情！
I appreciate your comment. Really happy for this game, Game Science, and Chinese culture overall.
W ERLANG
Yeah he a cool bro.
"No doubt taking the cue from God of War" uhseahuseahuseahuaes LOL, dude you think a story based on mf Journey to the West is taking cues from God of War? LOL This is like saying classical composers are taking cues from P. Diddy.
haha, Diddy is such a horrible human. No my bro, I feel you misinterpret what I'm saying. I mean that Game Science has taken influence from Sony Santa Monica how they each choose to highlight the flaws and more "messed up" things about the pantheons of their respective gods (Game science focusing on Chinese culture gods and Sony Santa Monica focusing on Norse culture gods). Have a good one.
beautiful writing and beautiful explanation. i'm so glad they rejected woke ideas!
Heh, for what it's worth that's one thing Chinese culture is good for in this day and age. There are a lot of really great teachings and values in Chinese culture if not for their governing body's suppression keeping their own people in being truly be open and creative.
Appreciate your comment and feedback. Have a good one.
The fact that this version of Buddhahood can be revoked shows that this version of the journey was a sham.
It's just a title. This is why Buddha said, "You are granted the 'title' victorious fighting Buddha." Wanting to live a normal life on his mountain shows he hasn't reached Buddhahood.
@@TeleologicalConsistency Literally living simply is also a way of Buddhahood. Which is why this Buddha is a sham.
@@TeleologicalConsistencynot really! Theoretically, there are many phrases of enlightenment and buddhahood is achieved when you reach certain levels of enlightenment. Also, attaining enlightenment also means alright with being with oneself, despite the situation. Wanting to live among fellow monkeys in peace and revoking buddhahood is not the same thing. :)
The game studio took creative liberty to tell a different story, a work of fiction that didn't adhere to the rules of the original novel, and certainly not to the rules of the real world. But for argument's sake even if we take into account that Buddahood is a state of enlightenment and cannot be taken away, the narrative could take the position where the heavenly court could create their own narrative to strip WuKong of his achievements or titles just as an excuse to inflict punishment upon him. Erlang's words shouldn't necessarily be used to define the rules of the world, as the politics and motivations of the heavenly court is immense.
The story was written by some guy who didn't get hired into government job because Tang ran out of positions or something. His work passive aggressively disses the government at the time.
As a Chinese who understands some English, this is oversimplified into a literally child interpretation of Journal to the West. Tons of details are missing, the plot explanation is inaccurate or even misunderstood, and the complexity of the novel and game context hasn't yet been addressed. But overall, I appreciate the effort for making video on this topic, it's understandable and acceptable because the language barrier is simply too huge for foreigners to translate that novel written in ancient Chinese literal style into English
As a Chinese who lived in both China and Canada, this video serves as a quick and concise summary of event given its runtime and is a great onramp to learning more about the original novel. l
I hear ya. I know that when reading Journey to the West, I'm missing out on things from the English translation. I think this happens in all storytelling / media, for example when squid game was a big thing, there was a lot of subtleties and cultural context from Korean culture that was missed when things were translated in the English dub or even English subtitles. Appreciate your comment. Have a good one.
@lanzer22 Appreciate your comment. Glad we are able to experience more of Chinese culture over here in America due to this great game. Have a good one.
Wukong's staff has more reach than my social media posts.
Way more bro. haha.