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The game industry was surprised when Chinese developer Game Science put out the first trailer(预告片) on Aug. 20 for Black Myth: Zhong Kui. This is the second game in the Black Myth series after the big hit Black Myth: Wukong. The trailer quickly became popular on social media and was a hot topic for Chinese and international players. Although the game is still in early development, it has already driven players to look into its main character Zhong Kui—a figure(人物) from Chinese folklore(民间传说) known as the “ghost-catching god”.
In Chinese folklore, Zhong Kui is often shown as a strong-looking man. Legend has it that he was a scholar(学者) in the Tang dynasty(618—907). After failing the imperial exam(科举考试) due to his scary looks, he killed himself and was later chosen as “the king of ghosts” in the underworld. Thanks to folklore and traditions, Zhong Kui’s image(形象) as a ghost hunter is well-known in Chinese culture. People often hang his pictures in their homes to keep away evil(邪恶).
While Zhong Kui’s story might not be as popular as that of Wukong, it offers much room for creativity. Social science researcher Wang Xiaoyong told Guangming Net that compared with Wukong’s rebellion(反叛), Zhong Kui is a symbol of order and justice(正义). He has a sad past life and the ability to move between the worlds of the living and the dead. “Such a character makes a game’s story more interesting,” said Wang.
The game is expected to explore areas different from those in Black Myth: Wukong, likely recreating the Tang dynasty’s capital of Chang’an, while also showing some amazing underworld scenes. “We want to free our hands and try new things,” said Game Science’s CEO Feng Ji.
()1. What was the players’ reaction(反应) to the trailer of Black Myth: Zhong Kui?
A. They doubted the story.
B. They began searching the figure.
C. They were tired of seeing a ghost character.
D. They didn’t care about the second game.
()2. According to folklore, why did Zhong Kui kill himself?
A. He was treated unfairly.
B. He wanted to catch ghosts.
C. He was chosen as “the king of ghosts”.
D. He liked the freedom in the underworld.
()3. Why did Game Science choose Zhong Kui as the main character for its new game?
A. He is well-known both in China and abroad.
B. He is totally different in character from Sun Wukong.
C. His story gives developers more space for creativity.
D. He is as popular as Sun Wukong in Chinese culture.
4. 新考法 开放性设问 If there were another new game in the Black Myth series, who would you choose to be the main character? Why him or her?