In the grand, chaotic theater of 2024's video game awards, a small, adorable robot rolled away with the biggest prize. Astro Bot won Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and nobody could deny its charm. Yet, over at Dexerto, the team had a different champion in mind: Black Myth: Wukong. Now, in 2026, with the dust settled and the monkey king's legend still echoing, it's worth revisiting why Game Science's action RPG deserved more flowers than it got. 🐒

Combat That Rewards the Bold (and the Slightly Reckless)

Let's talk about the fighting. Black Myth: Wukong doesn't bother with a block button. Why? Because blocking is for cowards, apparently. Instead, players are encouraged to dodge, weave, and counter like caffeinated martial arts masters. The Focus system charges with every landed blow, then lets players unleash a devastating attack that makes even the toughest grunts reconsider their life choices. It's fast, fluid, and aggressively satisfying. The moment-to-moment action is simple to pick up but tough to master—challenging without being so brutally unfair that players want to hurl their controllers down Black Wind Mountain. Souls-like veterans will feel at home, while newcomers might actually see the credits roll. That's a rare balance.

A Boss Rush of Epic Proportions

Over six chapters, players face a staggering 107 bosses. That is not a typo. One hundred and seven. There are shapeshifting pigs, ancient gods, and everything in between. Each fight is a puzzle, forcing players to rethink their build and tactics. The same strategy never works twice. Chapter 2's Fuban and Chapter 4's Buddha's Right Hand are particularly memorable—the latter involves a gross, ceiling-dangling hand that eventually reveals its true form. It's the kind of boss design that makes players yell "What even is that?!" before dying for the tenth time. And when they finally win? The dopamine hit is legendary.

Secrets, Labyrinths, and the Joy of Getting Lost

At first glance, each of the six regions looks fairly linear. But poke around, and they transform into intricate labyrinths stuffed with side quests, rare armor, and entire hidden levels. Even the most thorough player won't see everything in one playthrough. This makes multiple runs incredibly rewarding. Finding a secret area might yield a powerful item that completely changes a player's build, or it might just give them a new way to bully a boss that previously mopped the floor with them. The beauty? Players can ignore all of it if they want to beeline to the final boss. The choice is theirs.

Astro Bot vs. Wukong: Apples and Oranges

None of this is to say Astro Bot isn't a worthy winner. Sony's platformer is a colorful, lovingly crafted journey through PlayStation history, with top-tier level design and an adorable mascot. It's easily the best game of its kind since Super Mario Galaxy. But here's the thing: Astro Bot is like a quick rush of sugar. Black Myth: Wukong is a slow-burning feast that keeps players hooked for dozens of hours. One is a delightful snack; the other is a mythological banquet.

Aspect	Astro Bot	Black Myth: Wukong
Combat	Playful, platform-focused	Fast, aggressive, no block button
Bosses	Creative but fewer	107 unique bosses
Replayability	Collectathon charm	Multiple endings, hidden areas
Lasting Impact	Sweet and short	Epic and long-lasting

Why It Still Matters in 2026

Two years later, the debate hasn't faded. Black Myth: Wukong remains a touchstone for action RPGs, and its influence can be seen in newer titles. Astro Bot got the trophy, but Wukong got the hearts of many players. Dexerto's original pick wasn't just contrarian—it was a recognition that sometimes the biggest prize isn't the one handed out on stage. It's the one that keeps players up until 3 AM, whispering, "Just one more boss."

So here's to the monkey king. May his staff stay sharp, his dodges stay smooth, and his 107 bosses stay eternally satisfying. 🏆🐒