Hopewell Valley Student Podcasting Network 

Show Name:  Vacation in the Dungeon

You are listening to Vacation in the Dungeon the podcast with your host(s) Charlton Smit and Muhammed Tahir.

In this episode of Vacation in the Dungeon the Podcast we discuss: Videogames and Traveling.

Segment 1: China

Welcome to The first Episode in vacation in the dungeon. We are going to be traveling to China. A place of ancient legends, misty mounds, and culture. From huge peaks like the Huangshan mountains to the unreal temples in the bamboo, China has places that almost feel unreal. And it's not just about the landscapes. It the culture and the stories that have inspired art and even video games. Later we will talk about Black Myth: Wukong, but for now let's talk about real world china.

China’s scenery is incredibly diverse, offering travelers a chance to experience just about every kind of landscape imaginable. In the south, you’ll find the breathtaking karst mountains of Guilin and Yangshuo, where emerald-green peaks rise sharply from the ground and rivers wind between them like ribbons. A simple boat ride along the Li River feels almost magical, as mist rolls off the mountains in the morning and fishermen still use traditional bamboo rafts with lanterns to guide their way. It’s one of those places where you feel transported to another time.

Head west, and the scenery changes completely. In Tibet and the surrounding Himalayan region, snow-capped peaks stretch into the sky, some of the tallest mountains on Earth. Here, travelers can hike trails at the roof of the world, pass through colorful monasteries, and see prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The air is thinner, but the landscapes are unlike anything else raw, powerful, and deeply spiritual.

Further north, the grasslands of Inner Mongolia offer a totally different experience. Vast, open spaces stretch endlessly in all directions, where herders still raise horses and sheep as they have for centuries. Visitors can stay in traditional yurts, ride on horseback, and experience nomadic hospitality under an incredible blanket of stars at night. It’s a reminder that travel isn’t always about big cities. Sometimes the most memorable moments come from the stillness of nature.

Segment 2:  Crossover  

(Charlton) What I really like about Black Myth: Wukong is how it mixes real myths with the game world. When you fight something like the Nine-Tailed Fox, it’s not just some random monster, it's based on the Huli Jing from Chinese folklore. People have been telling stories about it for hundreds of years, through operas, paintings, even carvings at temples. And if you travel around China today, you can still see it in festivals and performances.

(Muhammed) The scenery is the same way. Those foggy mountains you climb in the game. They look just like the Huangshan mountains or the stone pillars in Zhangjiajie. Both are actual places you can hike, and honestly, standing there feels just as crazy  as it does in the game. So playing Black Myth: Wukong almost feels like walking straight into China’s old legends. The stories are old, but the culture keeps them alive, and this game is such a cool way to experience that.

Segment 3:  Black Myth:Wukong

Today we’re diving into Black Myth: Wukong, a game that has completely taken over my brain these past few weeks. And I don’t just mean because it looks beautiful or because the combat is fun—though both of those things are true. What really makes this game stand out is how it brings old Chinese folklore into a modern action game. And the more I play it, the more I realize this isn’t just another flashy RPG—it’s something with real roots, something that feels alive.

So let’s start with one of the big highlights: the enemies. If you’ve seen even a trailer, you’ve probably noticed they’re not your average video game monsters. They’re pulled straight from Chinese mythology. Take the Nine-Tailed Fox. At first glance, it looks like a fantasy boss, something you’d see in any RPG. But then you realize—it’s actually based on the Huli Jing, a fox spirit from centuries of folklore. And knowing that changes the way the fight feels. You’re not just hitting a big health bar—you’re stepping into a story people have been telling for generations. That weight, that history, makes every encounter a little more powerful.

And it’s not just the Nine-Tailed Fox. Almost every major enemy has roots in myth. You’ve got demons, spirits, and creatures that feel otherworldly but grounded at the same time. They’re not random. They all belong in this world. It reminds me of what God of War did with Norse mythology, or what Sekiro did with Japanese folklore—but Black Myth: Wukong has its own flavor, its own rhythm. And honestly, it feels fresh because we don’t usually get this much exposure to Chinese myths in big, mainstream games.

Now let’s talk about the world itself. The environments are stunning, sure, but what I love is how they set the mood. You’ll walk into a misty forest or an abandoned temple, and it just feels like a place where spirits or demons could be lurking. The art design is dripping with atmosphere. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s part of the storytelling. Even the way the game uses light and shadow, or the way music swells before a boss fight—it all ties back to this sense of mystery and legend.

The combat deserves its own spotlight too. It’s not easy—you can’t just button mash your way through. The fights are deliberate. They make you think. Each boss has its own style, its own rhythm, and you have to learn how to adapt. And again, because these bosses are tied to folklore, the battles feel like you’re re-enacting some old story. It’s tough, it’s frustrating sometimes, but when you finally land that last blow? It’s so satisfying.

Music Credits:   List the artist and song name

• Brunch Club by Tyler Wombly

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