《西遊降魔錄》（西遊降魔録 流棒妖技ノ章/China Gate）是由Technos Japan於1988年推出的街機動作遊戲，以中國四大名著之一《西遊記》為背景，結合動作與橫向捲軸玩法，將取經小隊的冒險故事帶入到充滿奇幻色彩的遊戲世界中。雖然靈感源於《西遊記》，但劇情和設定進行很大的改編，呈現出獨特的風格。

故事圍繞唐三藏、西遊取經小隊的冒險展開。天庭遭遇混亂，妖魔群起作亂，並占據大量寶藏與神器，妄圖威脅三界的平衡。作為唐僧的保護者，孫悟空、豬八戒和沙悟淨需要協助唐僧打敗這些妖魔，奪回被盜的天書並恢復天地秩序。

主要的操作由控制器進行8個方向移動，其他按紐有攻擊、跳躍、技能組成。用跳躍就能移動到上層，按下+跳躍技能降到下層。每個場景都有特定的故事背景，妖魔們往往會霸佔一個領地或神秘的寶藏。需要穿越不同地區的迷宮和陷阱，擊敗盤踞在那裡的頭目妖怪，逐漸接近最終的敵人，最終挑戰魔王並恢復三界和平。一開始有3個生命數，當受到傷害會損失Power，當成功擊敗頭目到下個舞台，Power就會重新完整開始。核心玩法是傳統的橫向捲軸動作遊戲，結合格鬥和平台跳躍元素，選擇三名角色中的一位，並操控他們進行戰鬥與冒險。可選角色有:

1.孫悟空：擁有強大的攻擊能力和速度，適合快速解決敵人。從中心向上、下、左、右的四個方向環轉，被擊中的敵人就會產生昏厥。

2.豬八戒：力量較大，攻擊範圍寬廣，但速度稍慢跟防禦力低。

3.沙悟淨：攻擊力較低但擁有平衡的防禦力及速度，適合新手玩家使用。

每個角色的攻擊動作和技能都有所不同，根據個人偏好選擇適合的角色進行遊戲。戰鬥主要以近戰攻擊為主，角色會使用各自的武器，例如孫悟空的金箍棒、豬八戒的九齒釘耙和沙悟淨的月牙鏟。攻擊方式分為普通連擊和特殊大小技能，並且可以通過拾取道具來增強角色的能力，例如提升攻擊力、增加血量或獲得短暫的無敵效果。還有一些遠程攻擊的道具，例如火球、飛鏢等，拿到大金丹就能使用大招數一次。這些道具可以幫助玩家在安全距離內攻擊敵人。當通關的時候，技能數量就會被納入分數，無法帶到下個舞台。

整體設計不僅包含戰鬥，還融入大量平台跳躍和解謎元素。找到隱藏的開關或破解機關才能繼續前進，這些機制讓整體的節奏更加多樣化。支援兩名玩家合作遊玩，這是該作的亮點之一。可以分工合作，共同面對強大的敵人和頭目，並共同探索關卡中的秘密。共有5個場景，每個場景都充滿東方奇幻色彩，從古代的廟宇到鬼氣森森的洞窟，再到雲霧繚繞的天庭，每個場景都擁有獨特的視覺設計和挑戰。沿路都設有各種小怪和強大的頭目妖怪，這些敵人擁有各自的特性和攻擊方式。例如某些敵人會飛行，某些則會遠程攻擊。每位頭目都有獨特的行為模式與弱點，在戰鬥中學習他們的行動規律，並尋找合適的機會進行攻擊。

遊戲中有許多隱藏道具，例如回血的藥草、加強攻擊力的神器等，通過探索和破壞場景中的物件來獲取。此外，某些場景還設有隱藏寶藏，這些寶藏不僅能增加得分，還能帶來強力的能力提升。隨著遊戲進展，關卡的難度逐漸增加，敵人的數量與強度也不斷提升，地形陷阱的設計也更加複雜，例如崩塌的平台、移動的障礙物等。這對操作技巧和反應速度有更高的要求。

當年在發售後獲得玩家的喜愛，尤其是在亞洲市場受到熱烈歡迎。結合中國傳統文化與奇幻元素，其美術風格、角色設計以及音樂被廣泛讚譽，帶來強烈的東方氛圍。多人合作模式被認為是亮點，可以與朋友共同挑戰困難的關卡和頭目。戰鬥系統雖然簡單，但充滿節奏感，並且不同角色的技能設計讓玩法更加多樣化。

然而，遊戲也受到一些批評，主要集中在以下幾個方面：

1.難度偏高：部分玩家認為遊戲的難度曲線過於陡峭，特別是後期的關卡和頭目戰對新手不太友好。

2.操作不夠流暢：由於角色的動作較為僵硬，在進行精細操作時會感到不便，特別是在面對複雜的陷阱時。

3.重複性問題：某些關卡的設計過於雷同，缺乏新意，讓人會感到乏味。

總體而言，這是經典的街機遊戲，以其獨特的東方文化背景和合作玩法留下深刻的印象。儘管存在一些缺點，但它仍然被視為值得體驗的經典之作，尤其是對喜愛傳統街機動作遊戲的玩家來說。

China Gate (西遊降魔錄 流棒妖技ノ章) is a side-scrolling action arcade game developed by Technos Japan in 1988. Based on Journey to the West, one of China's four great classical novels, the game blends action and platforming elements to bring the legendary pilgrimage of the monk Tang Sanzang and his disciples into a fantastical adventure. While inspired by the novel, the game's story and setting have been significantly altered to create a unique experience.

Story and Gameplay

The story follows Tang Sanzang and his disciples as they embark on their journey to retrieve sacred scriptures. The heavens are in turmoil as demons have seized powerful treasures and artifacts, threatening the balance of the three realms. As Tang Sanzang's protectors, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing must battle these demons, reclaim the stolen scriptures, and restore order to the world.

The game features an 8-direction movement system controlled by a joystick, with additional buttons for attacking, jumping, and using skills. Players can jump to higher platforms or descend by pressing the down button along with the jump button.

Each stage is set in a different region, with demons occupying key locations or guarding mystical treasures. Players must navigate mazes, avoid traps, and defeat powerful bosses to progress. The ultimate goal is to reach the final enemy, defeat the Demon King, and restore peace to the three realms.

Players start with three lives, and their power decreases when taking damage. After successfully defeating a stage boss, power is fully restored for the next stage. The core gameplay revolves around traditional side-scrolling action mechanics, incorporating both fighting and platforming elements. Players choose one of three characters, each with distinct abilities:

Sun Wukong – A fast and powerful fighter who excels in quick enemy eliminations. His attacks hit in four directions (up, down, left, right), and enemies struck by his staff can be stunned.

Zhu Bajie – A slower character with high attack power and a wide attack range, but lower defense.

Sha Wujing – A balanced character with moderate attack power, decent speed, and good defense, making him ideal for beginners.

Each character wields their signature weapon: Sun Wukong's Ruyi Jingu Bang (Golden Staff), Zhu Bajie's Nine-Tooth Rake, and Sha Wujing's Crescent Moon Spade. Attacks include standard combos and special skills, which can be enhanced by collecting power-ups such as increased attack power, extra health, or temporary invincibility. There are also ranged attack items like fireballs and throwing daggers. Acquiring a Great Elixir allows the player to unleash a powerful special attack once. However, any unused special skills do not carry over to the next stage and instead contribute to the final score.

Exploration and Challenges

The game is not solely focused on combat; it also incorporates platforming and puzzle-solving elements. Players must locate hidden switches or solve mechanical puzzles to proceed. These mechanics add variety and depth to the gameplay.

A standout feature of China Gate is its two-player cooperative mode. Players can team up, strategize, and work together to defeat powerful enemies and uncover secrets within the levels.

The game consists of five visually distinct stages, each infused with an Eastern fantasy aesthetic. Players traverse ancient temples, eerie caves, and mist-covered celestial palaces, each presenting unique environmental challenges. Along the way, they encounter various enemy demons, each with their own abilities, attack patterns, and weaknesses. Some enemies can fly, while others specialize in ranged attacks. Each stage boss has a distinct combat style, requiring players to study their movements and identify openings for counterattacks.

Hidden items are scattered throughout the game, including healing herbs, attack-boosting artifacts, and secret treasures that increase score and grant powerful abilities. These can be discovered by exploring the environment or destroying certain objects.

As the game progresses, enemy difficulty increases, with more powerful foes appearing in greater numbers. The level design also becomes more complex, introducing hazards like collapsing platforms and moving obstacles, demanding precise control and quick reflexes.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, China Gate was well received, particularly in Asian markets, where its blend of traditional Chinese culture and fantasy elements resonated strongly with players. The game's art style, character designs, and music were widely praised for their authentic Eastern atmosphere. The cooperative mode was considered a highlight, allowing friends to team up and tackle the game's challenges together. The combat system, though simple, was engaging and well-paced, and the variety of character abilities added replay value.

However, the game also received some criticism:

High Difficulty – Some players found the difficulty curve too steep, especially in later levels, making it less accessible for newcomers.

Rigid Controls – Character movements felt somewhat stiff, making precise platforming difficult, particularly in sections with intricate traps.

Repetitive Level Design – Certain stages felt too similar, leading to a lack of variety in gameplay.

Conclusion

Despite its flaws, China Gate remains a classic arcade title that left a lasting impression due to its rich cultural setting and cooperative gameplay. While it may be challenging, fans of traditional arcade action games will find it a rewarding experience. Its fusion of mythology, engaging combat, and multiplayer elements make it a noteworthy entry in the arcade genre, particularly for those who appreciate classic action-platformers with an Eastern fantasy twist.