Who Is Zhong Kui? Meet the Character Featured in Black Myth's Latest Gameplay Reveal

Chinese video game development and publishing company Game Science has finally unveiled a new trailer for its upcoming title, Black Myth: Wukong. This 15-minute showcase offers a glimpse into the title's gameplay and protagonist. The YouTube video highlights the next-gen gaming mechanics implemented in the title, shedding more light on the story. So what does the Black Myth Zhong Kui gameplay trailer reveal? Here's everything we know so far.

Is the Showcased Character Zhong Kui?

Since the Black Myth Wukong sequel was announced, players initially had just one question: Who is Zhong Kui? The latest Black Myth Zhong Kui gameplay trailer, while it does give us a glimpse of the protagonist, doesn't exactly tell us whether he is Zhong Kui. According to the legend, the King of Ghosts was a scholar, and the character in the video fits that description with his white robes and youthful face. He, however, is later seen performing music alongside a skeleton band. So, does he later become Zhong Kui, the Demon Slayer? For now, we don't know, but it is highly unlikely.

The developers may follow a similar approach as they did in Wukong, where the legendary Monkey King had to be freed by ‘The Destined One’. The character featured in the video may or may not be Zhong Kui, either of which could provide different narratives to the main story. A lot would depend on it, since this Black Myth Wukong sequel has the potential to become one of the best PC games of all time.

Who Is Zhong Kui in Black Myth's Latest Gameplay Reveal?

Zhong Kui is one of the most significant figures in Chinese mythology. The character is one of the more well-known Taoist deities. He was also regarded as the King of Ghosts. Not a hunter but a protector who warded off evil spirits.

Dating back to the Tang Dynasty (7th-8th Century), Zhong Kui was a brilliant scholar. He, however, was denied the title he had earned because of his frightening appearance. Humiliated, he gave up his life at the palace gates. The Emperor responsible for the tragedy eventually started having endless nightmares. In one of the dreams, Zhong Kui appeared as a demon slayer to wipe out all the ghosts haunting him.

Moved by his loyalty, the Emperor granted him the title of “King of Ghosts”. He was also tasked with vanquishing evil spirits in the mortal world to protect the masses. Once the Emperor woke up, he had court painters make posters of Zhong Kui to fight against evil spirits. Eventually, people started putting images of the demon slayer on their doors, in hopes of protecting themselves.

While we wait for Black Myth: Zhong Kui to arrive, consider checking out our coverage of the best soulslike games.