The River City games have always been an acquired taste. But, luckily, many have caught on to the ridiculousness it offers. Nothing beats pummeling baddies with your pixelated hero of choice, then going to buy power-ups and food to keep the party going. However, River City Saga: Journey To the West is different in two significant ways.
First off, it’s a roguelike. That means you continue your run until it ends, but you can unlock progress for your character with each new take. This includes over 80 Secret Skills to really deliver a pummeling. Oh, and then there’s the fact it’s actually set in the past, waist deep in China folklore.
The game still has a repetitive nature that’s tough to shake, and the comedy may not be suited for everyone – especially those looking for a more serious brawl. But Journey To the West is good fun anyway, with lots of great beat-em-up techniques, a beautiful art style, and hysterically wild characters to come across. Plus its roguelike approach, though not perfect, does keep things interesting.
If you’ve never gotten into River City style games, Journey To the West likely won’t change your mind. Fans, however, will happily drop $20 to indulge in its glorious alternative history madness.
River City Saga: Journey To the West Has a Story To Tell…Sorta
So the story surrounding the latest River City Saga is…interesting, to say the least. You’re basically going through Chinese folklore with some of your favorite characters from the series. But, as usual to Arc System Works’ approach, it’s done with a great deal of comic flair. The game does have some serious action, but the characters and interactions have a lighthearted tone.
We get that isn’t for everyone, especially those who approach beat-em-ups with a “I gotta save the world!” sort of approach. But I think it fits the lore of River City just right, complete with comical boss encounters and different paths to take – all thanks to the roguelike approach.
That may turn off some of you, especially with its noticeable repetition. However, fans will find a lot to enjoy. The combat works beautifully with each of the characters, and there are some wicked combos to unleash. Plus, with each new run, you get closer to unlocking the Secret Skills (there are 80?!) within the game. So there’s a goal to work towards. Plus the various fighting styles will keep you busy, as there’s something here for everyone.
The game has a lot to offer, including various upgrades (aside from the Secret Skills) and some new characters to come across. Again, the combat can get a little bit on the “I’ve been here before” side. But if you’ve played previous games in this series, you know what you’re in for. Good butt-whoopin’.
I’d like to think the roguelike element works here, though the storytelling could’ve used a little more focus. That said, River City Saga: Journey To the West is an experiment that still succeeds, if only to beat up warlords and hear them whine about it afterwards. Hey, you had it coming, ya cretin.
A Good Lookin’ Brawl Awaits In River City Saga: Journey To the West
Being set in an alternate history timeline, this gave the developers behind Journey To the West leeway in creating a new kind of adventure. And it pays off, mostly.
I love the new backgrounds, which provide a much more vivid artwork approach. It literally looks like you’re fighting through medieval China, even if the stages themselves are somewhat limited in where you can go. (The game follows a map structure similar to other games.) The retro artwork is also enjoyable to watch, though obviously the animation is limited to the older style of approach. No matter, it’s right up there with the best looking River City games.
The soundtrack is also nicely done, with a neat little soundtrack inspired by the world of China, and plenty of sound effects to get you into the combat. There’s hardly any voicework, but that’s okay, as it likely would’ve worn out its welcome.
This Saga’s a Must If You’re a River City Fan
River City Saga: Journey To the West does a good job following the formula we’re used to from the series, while also taking a roguelike approach that works for the most part. That is, if you can accept the repetitive style of combat. It does bum me out that you can’t have friends join the adventure, but there’s more than enough to do here. Plus the game’s comic style is just right, even with its historical content.
This probably won’t sell you to River City if you swore off of it in the past. But if you’re a dedicated lover to the series, add this to your collection and indulge in its silly disruption.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Arc System Works for providing us with a review code! River City Saga: Journey To the West is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Steam!
Need more roguelike goodness? Check out our review of Wizard of Legend 2!
