From the first game note
The heroes and major playable characters of the 1997 and 2008 arcade game, Oriental Legend.
For tropes regarding their original incarnations, see here.
The Pilgrims
Monk Xuanzang / Tang Sanzang
- Adaptational Badass: The second game have Xuanzang as a playable character, where he can beat up demons with his staff and stun enemies with his magical incantations.
- All Monks Know Kung-Fu: In the 2008 follow-up only.
- Badass Normal: In the 2008 follow-up only.
- Distressed Dude: He's the player's mentor and leader until he was abducted by demons in both games, kickstarting the rescue mission.
- The Load: His only purpose in the game is to be abducted, so your character can kick the asses out of demons to retrieve him. Averted in the follow-up.
- Lotus Position: He makes this pose when he meditates and power-ups himself. In the follow-up.
- The Mentor: He's your guide and teacher.
- Mystical Lotus: Unlike the other playable characters who uses floating clouds, Xuanzang on the other hand uses a levitating lotus platform.
- Warrior Monk: Again, the follow-up only.
Sun Wukong
Sun Wukong, the iconic monkey king, and naturally the leader of the Pilgrims.
- Adaptational Badass: Sun Wukong's weakness against water from the novels have been removed, and if he gets hit by any boss' water-based attack he receives the same amount of damage as other characters. He's also capable of walking underwater as seen in the stage in the Heavenly River.
- Adaptational Wimp: Well, in order to maintain balance of gameplay, Wukong's power levels seems to be toned down so that he's on par with the other playable heroes. His abilities to "leap 108,000 li In a Single Bound" has also been downplayed into a long jump.
- Doppelgänger Attack: In a move exclusive to the 2008 game only, Wukong can summon copies of himself to deal extra damage on his targets. Said copies dissappear after a few seconds though.
- Happy Dance: Complete a level as Wukong and in the victory screen Wukong will perform one of these, including backflipping and clapping his boots while standing on his hands.
- The Hero: Of the entire duology in general.
- Jack of All Stats: In both games, of the available characters Wukong seems to be the most well-balanced in terms of speed, attack strength, and have above-average stats, making him the easiest to use for beginners.
- Maniac Monkeys: A heroic version, but he certainly seem to enjoy fighting, gloating as he punch and kicks his way through demons. He's only this trope in the eyes of demons getting their asses kicked by Wukong.
- Metronomic Man Mashing: Should Wukong managed to execute a grabbing move on a nearby opponent, he will smash them repeatedly on his left and right. It even works on boss enemies larger than him! (unless said boss is literally rooted in a corner, like Silver Horns' father)
- Playing with Fire: His staff can incinerate foes, and one of his special attacks launches a flaming tornado right in front of him roasting demons in his way.
- Power Fist: In the 2008 version if Wukong is fighting unarmed he can expand his fist and foot to deliver an empowered punch or kick into enemies.
- Shaping Your Attacks: One of his powers allow him to create an energy projection of a giant ape and having it punch it's way through every demon on the other side.
- Silly Simian: Befitting the usual, classical depictions of Wukong, most of his onscreen attacks and fighting moves are quite slap-sticky in nature.
- Spin Attack: By placing the Ruyi Jingu Bang on his shoulders, and then spinning himself like a top. It dishes out some serious damage on surrounding enemies, too.
- Tail Slap: In the 2008 version he occasionally uses his tail for whipping enemies, though that one's not very effective. His staff is a much better weapon.
- Telescoping Staff: The Ruyi Jingu Bang from the novels, in the game is capable of extending and hitting demons out of Wukong's reach.
Zhu Bajie
Wukong's bestie that he often shares a Vitriolic Best Buds relationship with.
- Acrofatic: He can move surprisingly fast despite his size.
- Belly Flop Crushing: A skill he displays in both games, and woe betide any unfortunate demons under him when it happens.
- The Big Guy: Among the heroes, he's physically largest in size.
- Gardening-Variety Weapon: Bajie uses a steel rake, just like in the novel. It is surprisingly effective in clawing the flesh off demons.
- Make Me Wanna Shout: One of his special skills is a mighty roar that knocks down a row of enemies right in front of him.
- Mighty Glacier: Not as fast as the other playable characters, but Bajie can deal some pretty huge damage on mooks.
- Pig Man: It's Zhu Bajie we're talking about here.
- Rapid-Fire Fisticuffs: If Bajie is fighting unarmed, he can lash out multiple times with his bare hands while standing, in a move copied from Street Fighter's "Hundred Hand Slap".
- Shockwave Stomp: Bajie can deliver shockwaves by punching the floor.
- Shoryuken: Land enough hits to paralyze an enemy, and Bajie will execute a rising uppercut that knocks them off their feet.
Sha Wujing
A former river-demon turned monk, out to atone for his past. The third disciple of Xuanzang.
- Adaptational Ugliness: He's a kappa in the 2008 version, while the other characters more or less looks the same (or otherwise receives Adaptational Attractiveness).
- Apologetic Attacker: After completing a stage by killing all the demons and bosses, Wujing's victory pose is chanting a Buddhist prayer - to pray for the souls he had slain, unlike the other characters whose poses are in celebration.
- Bare-Fisted Monk: He's dressed like one in the first game, and can fight with his bare hands should he lose his Monk Spade.
- Creepy Souvenir: Both versions of Wujing wears a necklace made of skulls.
- Double Weapon: Uses a two-sided Monk Spade in both games.
- An Ice Person: His primary attack is a powerful icy mist that freezes enemies for a feew seconds, draining their health in the process. Wujing can also unleash a powerful ice blast that throws chunks of hail into mooks directly in front of him.
- Magical Barefooter: Only for the 2008 version. He forgoes shoes unlike the other players.
- Playing With F Ire: He can coat his palms with flames to grab and burn enemies, though he prefers using ice most of the time.
- Stab the Sky: One of Wujing's special attacks have him flinging enemies into the air right above him with his Monk Spade, and then grabbing a dagger and stabbing into the air so his opponents land on the pointed end.
Bai Long-ma
Xuanzang's trusty steed, who in the game gains a humanoid form and joins the rest of his elder siblings in kicking ass.- Ascended Extra: Most adaptations tend to leave Bai Long-ma in the sidelines, or even forget about him altogether. This game actually promotes him to one of the major heroes, but sadly the follow-up would ditch him again.
- Badass Cape: Wears a flowing red cape that makes him look like the General of an ancient Chinese army. He's the only character in the first game that dons a cape.
- Death of a Thousand Cuts: When he activates his powers Long-ma then twirls his spear in circles summoning a powerful hail of several hundred rocks covering most of the screen, pelting mooks repeatedly and causing severe damage.
- Demoted to Extra: He's no longer playable in the second game, and his appearance is pretty much cameos during cutscenes that adds nothing to the plot.
- Ground Punch: By concentrating an aura of energy in his fists, Long-ma can smash the ground and cause wooden logs to shoot out, damaging enemies in the process.
- Primary-Color Champion: Blue armour and a red cape.
- The Runt at the End: Discounting Hsiao Lung-nu who isn't one of Xuanzang's disciples, and was only there to tagalong, Long-ma is the youngest of the quartet. Doesn't stop him from kicking ass, though.
Hsiao Long-nu
The Dragon King's daughter and Long-ma's younger sister, who decide to tags along the Pilgrims and to join their adventure.
- Adaptational Attractiveness: Not that she isn't attractive already in the original, but the 2008 version she's an adorable borderline loli.
- Big Brother Instinct: An inverted example, she's a younger sister who tags along to make sure nothing awful happens to her brother. Note that Long-ma was punished by the gods to ensure Xuanzang's safety, but she isn't.
- Blade Spam: Lacking elemental powers unlike the other four playable heroes, she can instead unleash a devastating fan of blades before her that cuts down demons like no tomorrow.
- Canon Foreigner: She doesn't have a counterpart in the novel, or any earlier film adaptations.
- Cute Bruiser: She's the smallest and most adorable-looking character (especially in the 2008 version) but that doesn't stop her from kicking asses all the way.
- Cute Monster Girl: A super cute dragon-girl in the 2008 version.
- Daddy's Girl: Implied, though not explicitly shown. If she dies in battle, she will let out an audible "I'm sorry, father!" before respawning.
- Flechette Storm: Her "Shadowless Blade" move unleashes a dozen curved blades as projectiles, slicing groups of demons into ribbons.
- Horned Humanoid: In the 2008 version, she gains dragon-like horns on her, probably as a nod to her origin as the Dragon King;s daughter.
- Master Swordswoman: All she needs is her trusty Dragon Sword which she can use to slice and dice at lightning-speed.
- The Smurfette Principle: The sole female playable heroine. Averted in the follow-up, who introduces new female playable characters.
- Sixth Ranger: Literally, after Tang Sanzang and his four disciples (Wukong, Bajie, Wujing and Long-ma) she is the sixth character in the game, one that doesn't exist in the source material.
Introduced in the 2008 version
Erlang Shen
Most adaptations of Journey would depict Erlang Shen as an Inspector Javert out to catch Wukong in his mischief, but this incarnation have him as an ally instead.
- Adaptational Nice Guy: Erlang Shen in the original novel and most depictions is an enemy of Wukong, who despite being on the side of good, repeatedly tries hunting down the Monkey King and attempts to catch Wukong in his acts of mischief. His game counterpart doesn't seem to have any hostilities at Wukong, however, and playing as Erlang and Wukong on two-player mode doesn't affect gameplay in any way.
- Eye Beams: The eye in his forehad can release a thick, powerful blue energy bolt on demons.
- Long-Haired Pretty Boy: His depiction in the game looks almost Bishōnen, a stark contrast on his grim-faced, comandeering presence as a Heavenly General from the original novel and myths.
- Suspiciously Similar Substitute: Appears to be one of these for Long-ma, being the most "human" looking male character, and fighting with a spear-like weapon.
- Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: Implied, he's not on the side as Wukong and is sent by heavens to defeat demons terrorizing the lands. His cooperation with the Pilgrims seems more of a convenience, but nevertheless they can work together to take on bosses.
- Third Eye: In his forehead, just like how he's depicted in the myth.
Princess Iron Fan
The wife of the Bull Demon who wants to find the source of immortality, and tags along with the Pilgrims.
- Blow You Away: Just like in the legends, Princess Iron Fan can create gusts and tornadoes with her fans.
- Cloth Fu: Besides her fans, Iron Fan sometimes uses her robes as an impromptu whip.
- Combat Hand Fan: What's her name again?... unsurprisingly, she can unfold a pair of folding fans to slap enemies silly. It deals as much damage as edged weapons.
- Cool Crown: Shaped like a folding fan, befitting her Princess title.
- Immortality Seeker: In her backstory, Iron Fan is searching for the magic which can restore her youth permanently. She knows Xuanzang is the key, but with the Pilgrims protecting him she couldn't attack him directly, so she decide to follow them from behind.
- Kicking Ass in All Her Finery: She is clad entirely in ornate robes dangling with all sorts of trinkets and jewelry, and can fight amazingly well in her costumes.
- Never Bareheaded: She's never seen without her crown. Even her defeated animation where she falls down have the crown remaining on her cranium.
Chang-er
The Goddess of the Moon finally decides to come down from the heavens on earth and, disgusted at the sight of demons running amok, take matters in her own hands.
- Expy: She's clad in pink, the most feminine member of the playable characters, uses an umbrella as a weapon, and can float around with said 'brella for a few seconds. And while she isn't blonde, she does wear a golden headband that gives off the impression of blonde hair. It seems like her designers have Princess Peach in mind when creating her.
- Girly Bruiser: Do not let her pink robes mislead you, Chang-er is still a dangerous fighter.
- Parasol of Pain: Her preferred weapon is her umbrella.
- Pink Means Feminine: The most feminine of the characters, who's clad entirely in pink.
- Spin Attack: Her trademark move, which have Chang-er spinning in circles around the arena and knocking over enemies.
- Xenafication: Name a second action game where Chang-er the Moon Goddess is depicted as an ass-kicker and demon slayer. Go on.
Zi-yi
A priestess of the gods seeking to purge evil. Like Long-nu from the original, she doesn't have a counterpart in the novel either.
- Badass Normal: Unlike the other playable characters which are either gods or reformed demons, Zi-yi is a human priestess... and she can kick as much as as the other characters.
- Blade Spam: Since Long-nu no longer use her sword in the follow-up game, Zi-yi is granted Long-nu's attack to spam slashes and forward stabs from the original game. Which she then sheathes as soon as she's finished.
- Canon Foreigner: Another character made just for the game.
- Death From A Bove: She can summon flaming skulls to drop from above, which explodes on contact.
- Iaijutsu Practitioner: She keeps her sword sheathed until enemies are within range, then draws her weapon, slashing through her foes in seconds before sheathing them again.
- Magic Knight: A priestess skilled in both magic and fighting.
- Meaningful Name: "Zi-yi" literally translates into "Purple Robes" in Mandarin, and that's the colour of her attire.
- Mystical White Hair: She's a priestess, and her flowing silver-white hair serves to sell her "holy" nature.
- Purple Is Powerful: Her outfits and robes are all purple.
- Warrior Monk: A warrior priestess.
Zhī-zhū
The eldest of the spider sisters who has feelings for Xuanzang. Rather than eating the monk, she pledges herself to protecting him from the demons in the most violent manner possible.
- The Beastmaster: Unlike her sister, some of Zhī-zhū's special attacks involve her summoning a trio of bird demons that will either charge into enemies or drop bombs filled with poisonous gas. She can also call forth a mythical water dragon to unleash a damaging sound wave that will send foes flying across the screen.
- Cain and Abel: As seen in the second game, She's the Abel due to her love and devotion to Xuanzang, while her younger sister, the Spider Queen is the Cain as she tries to forcefully take the pilgrimage monk for herself.
- Canon Foreigner: Just like Zi-Yi and Hsiao Long-nu.
- Cool Crown: Wears a arachnid-like helmet that obscures her eyes and hair.
- Cute Monster Girl: She's an attractive spider demon.
- Divergent Character Evolution: Gameplay and story wise, while Zhī-zhū sort of shares the same animations as the Spider Queen in the second game, her playable counterpart is weaker than her younger sister's boss counterpart as she is given a variety of different special attacks and unique supers to make her stand out. Zhī-zhū's motivation for aiding Xuanzang and the pilgrims on their journey in-game puts her in a more sympathetic light.
- Dark Action Girl: The first one in the 2008 follow-up only.
- Dark Is Not Evil: She may be a demon just like her sister and her people, but she genuinely loves Xuanzang and does everything she can to ensure his safety while they venture to the west.
- Expy: Non-gameplay example, if one person can squint at both Zhī-zhū's character select portrait and story cutscenes, they can easily mistaken her appearance for Rider.
- Femme Fatale: Can act very flirtatious towards enemies and allies alike, but she only has eyes for Xuanzang.
- Flash Step: Some of her attacks have this.
- Kick Chick: Most of Zhī-zhū's animations in-game has her use leg maneuvers a LOT. They're even present in her super move.
- Meaningful Name: Her name "Zhī-zhū" translates to "Spider" in Mandarin Chinese.
- Palette Swap: Has different color palette than the Spider Queen, who has lot of blue and purple colors on her sprites.
- Projectile Webbing: One of her attacks involves her firing a spray of web in mid-air towards enemies, it doubles as a Launcher Move.
- Spider People: Same as her fellow demons and her younger sister, the Spider Queen.
- Stripperiffic: Her red spandex-like outfit has a Navel-Deep Neckline that exposes her entire belly.
- StarCrossedLovers: Implied with Xuanzang, her ending in the IR mode of the second game shows that she was unable to go with him and the pilgrims to heaven, as she was destined to stay with her people on Pansi Mountain. But she tearfully gave her best wishes towards her companions before quietly departing alone.
- Wolverine Claws: Her main weapon of choice.
