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Review of Monkey King: Hero is Back on PlayStation 4

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Oct 2019
Cover image of Monkey King: Hero is Back on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 17 Oct 2019
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: HexaDrive
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment, THQ Nordic

Introduction

Welcome to the world of "Monkey King: Hero Is Back" where the Monkey King is called back from his ice-cage nap. Yes, apparently, Buddha's ice-cage is the hottest vacation spot in town. So, grab your snacks and let's see how our furry friend handles a bunch of trolls like a pro or just ends up hanging out with the local pig demon instead!

Gameplay

This game isn't shy about throwing you into the action - like a water balloon at a summer camp. You step into the shoes (or rather, the bare monkey feet) of the Monkey King and roll with the kid Liuer and Pigsy (who somehow ended up as a pig demon after his last fight-but hey, everyone has their bad days). Your quest is to fight trolls that seem to have skipped their morning coffee and are all about capturing children because, you know, that's what every villain loves to do. You chop, kick, and swing your way through hordes of trolls like you're auditioning for a new superhero movie. The combat mechanics are lively enough to keep you engaged without the IKEA instruction manual - think flashy combos, dodge moves, and plenty of magical attacks (once the pesky Buddha's seal wears off). There are also side quests, which let you gather various collectibles like a true hoarder. And trust me, finishing those side quests is just as satisfying as finding the last piece of that jigsaw puzzle you swore you'd never do. You've got spells to unlock, a plethora of weapons to discover, and a couple of DLCs floating around that add more pizazz to your journey. Plus, there's a delightful 'Mind Palace' level for when you want to navigate through Wukong's sanity.*mini-shudder* And who can forget the boss fights? They're like going against the family pet - you know you shouldn't but you just can't help yourself. Sure, you might get knocked down a few times, but that's nothing a good cheat code and a dash of determination can't fix!

Graphics

Visually, the game serves you a generous plate of Chinese mythology with a side of modern flair. Think vibrant landscapes that change from lush forests to mysterious caves. It's like Mario took the graphics of Super Mario Odyssey, mixed it with some brilliant hand-painted elements, and slopped it all over the screen. Wukong himself is as expressive as your favorite TikTok star, with animations that genuinely seem to convey his endless charisma (and irreverent charm). The background settings stretch the boundaries of your imagination-whether you're beating the stuffing out of trolls in a forest or high-fiving a pig demon, every scene is downright delightful. It's a feast for the eyes that feels almost as good as binge-watching that new Netflix series you swear you would avoid but then consumed in one single night.

Conclusion

Overall, "Monkey King: Hero Is Back" on the PS4 is a charming romp through an exhilarating world built on the whimsical foundation of Chinese folklore. It may not win every game award under the sunlight, but it surely earns its playful high-fives and grins. Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking for that button-mashing fix, or just want to disconnect from reality for a bit, this game provides a solid adventure that's steeped in culture and humor. Plus, you get to hang out with a badass monkey and a pig-demon; I mean, that sounds like the start of a fantastic Instagram story, right? So, grab your controller, summon your inner monkey, and remember: always eat your bananas before diving into a troll-infested adventure!

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