So...what do we have here?

U.S. Game Front

Sanzo, Son Goku, and Cho Hakkai

Shu Ryorin, Sa Gojo, and Lady Kikka

"A journey of friendship...a journey fraught with danger....a journey to save the world...a journey west."

"Based on one of the most popular legends of China, Saiyuki takes you on an epic journey from China to India and back. Recruit the Monkey King, Son Goku, and others like them to defeat untold monsters along the way."

Yes, this is but a simple excerpt from the back of the game's case that adequately foreshadows what will take place in Saiyuki: Journey West. For some reason, China and Japan have a big fascination regarding the tale of the Monkey King and more particularly, Son Goku (Wukong to the Chinese, Goku to the Japanese). If it isn't the numerous tales and parodies you can watch through various Asian Drama Networks or crunchyroll, it's Akira Toriyama's vision of the fabled Dragon Ball (much less so in the later series), which is inspired in a small way by the ancient folklore. Sooner or later and almost out of nowhere, Koei decides to actually publish a game which takes the tale close to heart, and releases it in U.S. territories...which certainly took a gamer like myself by surprise.

In this game, you assume the role of either a simple male or female monk, who is sent on a mission of mythical proportions by a mysterious woman know as Lady Kannon. Your monk (known as Sanzo either way) is meant to travel from China to India to purify the land, and Kannon commissions the almighty Monkey King and "Werebeast" Son Goku as your closest bodyguard. Along the way, you will make new friends, acquire a deeper understanding of your characters, and ultimately save the land from utter chaos.

The game is what many may consider a "Run-Of-The-Mill-Final-Fantasy-Tactics-Clone". However, if you sit down and play the game for a period of time greater than 20 minutes, you will see that it brings forth its own style of strategy gaming, like many strategy games before and after. The graphics are done in the same fashion as games like FFT, Vandal Hearts 1 & 2, etc., in an isometric 3D fashion, with three-dimensional landscapes and all. The game isn't a particularly pretty looking game, although I like the opening FMV and there are some neat special effects here and there (such as Werechange) and the game compensates for its presentation somewhat in other areas. The audio tries to stay on par with a more Oriental or Chinese appeal. It is satisfactory, though a little more variety would have helped move the game along.

The best thing about this game is that the gameplay system works, and I like the characters in the game. They each have distinct characteristics and personality, something that is harder to find these days. The game doesn't take itself too seriously and the dialogue, though it isn't the most well written, tries to incorporate humor and other elements. Koei is so used to making serious toned war games, but this game shows you that they have a more light-hearted side. Characters possess different moves under different elements, with the exception being the monk, who will come to possess a variety of elemental Guardians, this game's "Summon" type ability. The game also features Werechanging (which the monk can't do), an ability that lets your mostly demi-human comrades turn into savage rampaging beasts. Werebeasts are so powerful that their mere entry to the fray causes pain to foes around them, and they continue to cause destruction with their own unique abilities until they can fight no longer. You can also do quests and level-grind, so fans of FFT and the like will feel right at home.

The verdict? I gotta love Son Goku, with his "power pole" (Nyoibo), "Nimbus Cloud" (Clou), and the fact that he turns into a "Great Ape" combined with his overconfident yet caring nature. At the same time, he wouldn't be who he is without all the other likeable characters in the game and with the staple playing engine and hours of entertainment, it may have fans of this genre asking for more when they're done. As for me, I think it's an okay game. There are better titles within this genre for sure, but Saiyuki didn't disappoint me.

- Written by Vyse the determined -