“The game is set in the Chinese legend of Journey to the West and follows the story of the animated film. Players can take on the role of either the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, or Jiang Liuer, a young boy who looks up to the Monkey King.”

---

[ubasjuice reviews]

A video game adaptation of the 2015 smash hit film (in China) Monkey King: Hero is Back. It’s basically a children’s game with straightforward controls, and a storyline that’s based off of the film. Directed by Tian Xiaopeng, this mythological tale is one of the best loved and most enduring characters in Chinese literature. Armed with a staff and extraordinary abilities, Sun Wukong, aka The Monkey King, comes from the 16th-century classic Journey to the West. In this game, “Monkey King: Hero is Back”, he is called “Dasheng” (the full chinese wording is 齊天大聖) which translates to “The Great Sage, Heaven’s Equal”.

It’s a very simple game but very warm. It makes you fall in love with its characters, the environment, even with the enemies. The movement from one stage to the next is linear. Though you will have options as to which route you’re going to take, but ultimately it will all lead to one exit.

The battle mechanics include the usual light and heavy attack combination. However, this game adds a twist. Comedy is incorporated when you trigger an exchange mid-fight. Some short scenes will pop up. For example, you and the monster punch simultaneously, and both hold your fists wincing in pain. Another instance is a finishing blow where you kick the monster, and it flies directly at the camera, with drool and snot. Also, when you trigger a perfect counter attack, a scene shows you instant killing an opponent Bruce Lee style.

There are also some objects around that you can use, a rock, or my personal favorite a Horse Bench, which Jackie Chan (Wukong’s english voice actor for the film) is known to use in his martial arts films. There are also some craftings involved, ingredients are found in chests and/or looted from monster drops. Craft spots are located together with the save point and the skill shop.

You’re probably wondering where his Golden Cudgel is and when you’re going to get it. In the latter part of the game, there’ll be some bamboo sticks that you can use as weapons, its close enough. The Cudgel itself can be obtained towards the end of the game, where he gets enlightened again after “an event” triggers it. The moment he gets his powers, armors, weapon back, it’s a done deal, the final boss wouldn’t stand a chance and its basically a massacre.

You’re there to just enjoy and witness Wukong’s ascension to its complete glory. End battle and scene was a 10/10 gaming moment for me. If you’re looking for, sort of a live adaptation film of it, I recommend A Chinese Odyssey, starring Stephen Chow as the monkey king.