These retro games are based on Journey to the west just like Black Myth Wukong
Journey to the West, one of China’s most enduring and beloved literary classics, has inspired countless adaptations across various media, including video games. Black Myth: Wukong is the latest in a long line of games that draw inspiration from the adventures of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, and his companions. If you’re a fan of Black Myth: Wukong or simply fascinated by the epic tale, here are 10 retro games that also tap into the rich lore of Journey to the West.
1. Saiyūki World (1988)
- Platform: NES
- Developer: NMK
Released for the NES, Saiyūki World (known as Whomp ‘Em in the West) is an action-platformer where you play as a character inspired by Sun Wukong. The game’s levels are filled with mythical creatures and challenges that draw heavily from the original Chinese legend, offering an early 8-bit take on the story.
2. SonSon (1984)
- Platform: Arcade
- Developer: Capcom
One of Capcom’s early arcade hits, SonSon is a side-scrolling shooter that loosely adapts the Journey to the West story. The game features a young monkey protagonist who must rescue his friends from captivity, battling through waves of enemies in a world filled with mythological themes.
3. Monkey Magic (1998)
- Platform: PlayStation
- Developer: MBL Research
Based on the popular anime series Monkey Magic, this PlayStation title takes you through a whimsical interpretation of Journey to the West. The game blends platforming with light puzzle-solving, allowing players to experience Sun Wukong’s adventures in a vibrant, animated world.
4. Xi you ji (1994)
- Platform: MSDOS
- Developer: Panda Entertainment
This is a direct adaptation of the Journey to the West story. It’s a side-scrolling action game where players take on the role of Sun Wukong and fight through various levels filled with enemies and obstacles drawn straight from the classic tale. The game’s visuals and narrative closely follow the original story, making it a unique entry in the list of retro games based on the myth.
5. Saiyuki: Journey West (2001)
- Platform: PlayStation
- Developer: Koei
This tactical RPG offers a more direct adaptation of Journey to the West, with players taking on the roles of the story’s main characters, including Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie. The game combines turn-based combat with deep storytelling, bringing the epic saga to life in a strategic format.
6. Gokuraku! Chuka Taisen (1992)
- Platform: TurboGrafx-16
- Developer: Taito
Known in the West as Ninja Spirit, this game features a character named Lee, who is inspired by the Monkey King. Players must navigate through stages filled with mythological enemies, using a variety of weapons to defeat them. The game’s connection to Journey to the West is subtle but present, especially in its Eastern-themed levels.
7. Inindo: Way of the Ninja (1991)
- Platform: SNES
- Developer: Koei
Inindo is a unique RPG where players must avenge the destruction of their village. While not a direct adaptation, it features several references to Journey to the West, particularly in the mythological creatures and mystical elements that pervade the game world.
8. The Legend of Wukong (1996)
- Platform: Sega Genesis
- Developer: Gamtec
Originally released as an unlicensed game in Taiwan, The Legend of Wukong is an RPG that follows the Monkey King through various adventures. The game is notable for its traditional RPG mechanics and its faithful recreation of the story’s characters and themes.
9. Oriental Legend (1997)
- Platform: Arcade
- Developer: IGS
Oriental Legend is a side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade game heavily based on Journey to the West. Players can choose from several characters, including Sun Wukong, and team up to battle through hordes of enemies. The game features vibrant visuals and fast-paced action, making it a popular choice in Asian arcades during the late ’90s.
10. Dragon Power (1986)
- Platform: NES
- Developer: TOSE
While not immediately recognizable as a Journey to the West game in its Western release, Dragon Power is an action-adventure game that was heavily altered from its original Japanese version, Dragon Ball: Shenron no Nazo, which itself was inspired by Journey to the West. The game’s mechanics and story elements still retain traces of the legendary saga.
