Many classic myths and legends have remained favorite stories throughout the ages because they help people identify with their most extreme traits, or they explain the unexplainable. Hsi Yu Chi (loosely translated into English as The Journey to Western Paradise) - is one of the most famous Chinese myths. Not only does it provide the roots of Akira Toriyama's Dragonball universe, it also provides the direct setting for one of the last tactical RPGs for the Sony PlayStation - Saiyuki: Journey West. Its release from Koei came and went with little fanfare, and as far as TRPGs go - there is little innovation or difficulty. Nevertheless, the game is a solid title that gives decent respect to a famous story - a credit to the lasting power of myth and legend.How does a scrawny Buddhist monk travel by foot from a remote monastery in China to India through dangerous territory? He has the help of an intrepid cast of friends who join him on a dangerous mission sent from Buddha himself - and so begins the story of Sanzo and his quest to the Thunder Temple. Unlike other interpretations such as the anime series Gensomaden Saiyuki, the game stays relatively close to the original myth and keeps each character's personality predictable. Sanzo is the innocent but determined monk, and his companions make up the basis for a well rounded party - many of which possess the unique ability to change forms. All playable characters but Sanzo possess the ability to "Werechange", and for a time they transform into a powerful beast capable of dealing special attacks. Each character can remain in Were form for a limited amount of time, and can only morph once per battle. The use of Werechanges is important in some battles - although all of the characters come with a well rounded arsenal of spells and weapons. Sanzo possesses the ability to summon Guardians that provide status boosts to the party, and can cast powerful spells. All of these facets and the ability to cancel previous moves make this a very simple game to play as far as TRPG's are concerned. Screenshoots :
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