The oldest video game series can often branch off into more specific themes and premises over their long lifetimes and extensive catalogues. The River City Saga series, dating all the way back to 1986, certainly fits as an old series with no fear of exploration. It seems fitting that such a classic franchise should adapt an even more classic story. As part of the 40th anniversary, Arc System Works are releasing the latest game in the series, River City Saga: Journey to the West. The release date was recently revealed on the game’s official website among other information about the upcoming title.
The new game will say players take control of the Monkey King himself, Sun Wukong along with his traveling companions, Tang Sanzang, Zhu Bajie, and Shu Wujing. Their ultimate goal is to reach Tianzhu in the west on a quest from the Buddha, one hundred thousand eight hundred miles away. The characters and story follow the original tale of Journey to the West while adding updated designs for the game and more moments of characterization.
River City Saga: Journey to the West offers the team to combine the River City Saga formula with new features meant to enhance the overall experience. Players are encouraged to choose a playstyle that suits them between combo-oriented melee combat or steady ranged damage. Adding to the variability are the roguelike elements, causing each run of the game to grant different items and abilities to the player. The game also offers an array of new bosses with unique patterns and gimmicks that players will need to learn to overcome.
Classic stories remain relevant today usually due to timeless themes and characters, elements that usually make for great games. Fans of the River City Saga series will have a chance to play the new game when it releases on PlayStation, Switch, and Steam on June 4th, 2026.