Saiyuki: Journey West

"Great Game"

Saiyuki: Journey West is a really good, solid game for the Plsaystation. It is unique in its own way, and I would recommend you buy it, especially if you like Final Fantasy Tactics. In Saiyuki, you can transform into a 'Were-form', which is a powered up form of a character. (If you are in a hurry, the Flaws and High-points are at the bottom.)



Story: 10/10
Saiyuki has a very good story, which is one reason that I kept on playing (aside from the other good features.)The main character's name is Sanzo, who is a monk. It starts off with a young boy/girl (you can choose) name Sanzo who has a dream at his/her monastery about the goddess entrusting him or her with a Holy Staff to take from China to India. After starting the journey (for now on, I will say 'he' or 'his' because Sanzo was a man in the legend), Sanzo is accompanied with Son Gokuu, who is where Dragon Ball Z got its main character from. Gokuu was entrapped in a stone because he invaded heaven looking for a good fight. He met his match when he made it to Buddha. He is then freed by Sanzo.

Music: 10/10
The music in Saiuki is great. It is Asian music with a great blend of harmony between the different instruments. You will be treated to a happy tune that is really pleasant and catchy if you choose to play Saiyuki.

Gameplay: 10/10
The gameplay is a well-thought and challenging (at times) element that makes this game what it truly is. Saiyuki is a strategy-RPG game. If you are a fan of Strategy-RPG games, especially Final Fantasy Tactics(as I mentioned above), then you will like this game. Many times, you will be challenged to rescue someone or unleash Hell on someone at the top of a mountain. Like most other Strategy-RPG's, you have a limit to how far you can move. When in doubt, just transform into your Ware-form and whoop up on your enemies. You should always keep many healing items with you, because sometimes, you are forced to fight many battles without a resting break.

High-Points: 10/10 (Like I would give the High Points less)
High points of Saiyuki are mainly the features of the battle system. One of them is the Abililty to transform into a form of a big, powerful monster. That is called a ''Were-Form''. The Were-Forms have their own special moves. Along with Were-Forms, you can also get many characters. They are often people who you wouldn't expect. Saiyuki's music was so good that I've got to put it in here, again.

Flaws: 1/10
Saiyuki has some flaws, as do all games that I can think of, but Saiyuki has hard flaws. For example, you sometimes have to fight several different numbers of battles in a row. You sometimes also have to fend for yourself in unfair fights where you are outnumbered. One battle in particular is a battle with all of the bosses that you have beaten(yikes), but they have boulders coming at you, sometimes which can be used for your advantage you dis-advantage.

Overall, I think that Saiyuki: Journey West is a good game that is very worthy of researching. It is recognized my many people, although I think it is underrated.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/24/03, Updated 01/24/03