Gaming

Series of memories about the game

Recently, Black Myth: Wukong has been getting a lot of attention. So today, I want to introduce everyone to another game that also draws inspiration from Journey to the West, but offers a more classic perspective.

26. Oriental Legend is a side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade game developed by IGS (International Games System), first released in 1997. The game is inspired by the famous Chinese novel Journey to the West, blending traditional mythology with fast-paced action. It became popular in arcades, especially in Asia, due to its unique setting, cooperative multiplayer mode, and engaging combat mechanics.

Story

The story of Oriental Legend closely follows the plot of Journey to the West. Players control one of the legendary characters accompanying the monk Xuanzang (Tripitaka) on his pilgrimage to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures. The journey is fraught with danger, as numerous demons and mythical creatures attempt to stop the group. The main playable characters are:

	1.	Sun Wukong (Monkey King): The mischievous and powerful monkey, armed with his magical staff.
	2.	Zhu Bajie (Pigsy): A pig-like warrior who wields a large rake.
	3.	Sha Wujing (Sandy): A calm and loyal monk with great strength.
	4.	White Dragon Horse: A dragon in the form of a white horse, who helps the team in their mission.
      5.   The 5th female character is called Little Dragon Girl.

Gameplay

Oriental Legend offers classic beat ’em up gameplay, where players advance through levels while fighting waves of enemies using a combination of normal attacks, special moves, and magic abilities. The game allows for cooperative multiplayer gameplay, enabling up to four players to join forces, which is a major draw of the arcade version.

Key features of the gameplay include:

	• Character Abilities: Each character has unique abilities and weapons, making their playstyle distinct. Sun Wukong, for example, has quick, nimble attacks with his staff, while Pigsy has slower but more powerful moves with his rake.
	• Special Moves and Magic: Players can execute powerful special attacks or use magical abilities to deal significant damage to enemies. These abilities often come in handy during tough battles or boss fights.
	• Power-Ups and Items: As players defeat enemies and destroy objects in the environment, they can find various items, including health potions, gold, and power-ups that enhance their combat capabilities.
	• Boss Fights: Each stage culminates in a challenging boss battle against formidable enemies inspired by Chinese mythology. These bosses often require specific strategies and teamwork to defeat.

Graphics and Sound

The game features colorful 2D sprites with detailed backgrounds that reflect Chinese folklore. The art style is inspired by traditional Chinese culture, with vibrant environments and elaborate character designs. The animations are smooth and fluid, which enhances the gameplay experience.

The soundtrack incorporates traditional Chinese music with modern action beats, adding to the immersive atmosphere of the game. The sound effects for combat, magic, and enemies provide a satisfying feel to each attack.

Reception and Legacy

Oriental Legend was widely praised in Asian arcades for its cooperative multiplayer mode, engaging combat system, and its unique blend of Journey to the West mythology with beat ’em up gameplay. The game became particularly beloved for offering players a chance to play as iconic mythological figures in an action-packed setting.

The game’s success led to several updates and sequels, such as Oriental Legend Plus and Oriental Legend 2, which continued to refine its formula. Over the years, it has retained a loyal fan base, especially in Taiwan and China, where it is considered a classic in the arcade genre.

In recent years, video games based on Chinese mythology have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, especially Journey to the West. A notable example is Black Myth: Wukong, a recently released action role-playing game that has garnered significant global attention. Like Oriental Legend, Black Myth: Wukong focuses on the adventures of the Monkey King, but the game brings the mythological elements into a modern gaming setting with advanced graphics and a much deeper storyline. Both games demonstrate the timeless appeal of Chinese folklore in the gaming industry, with Oriental Legend laying the groundwork for titles like Black Myth: Wukong to continue exploring this rich source material in new and exciting ways. 

This highlights how both games are inspired by the same classic story, but each reflects the gaming technology and design foundations of that era.