Oriental Legend

Released by IGS in 1997, Oriental Legend is a side-scrolling arcade beat-em-up inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Up to four players simultaneously choose from Sun Wukong, Xuanzang, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and the White Dragon Horse, battling demons across chapter-structured stages on the westward pilgrimage. Combat offers light and heavy attacks, aerial strikes, and dazzling magic specials — including Sun Wukong's staff spin, fiery golden eyes, and the purple gourd — triggered by dual-button inputs. Collecting peaches and ginseng fruit restores health, and dropped coins can be spent in shops to upgrade spells. Bosses include White Bone Demon, Bull Demon King, and Red Boy, making this one of the defining Chinese arcade titles of the decade.