Traditional Japanese instrumentation fused with PS2-era synth drama and it works way better than it should. S.Y.K Shinsetsu Saiyuuki is an otome visual novel retelling of Journey to the West, and the character themes alone carry this soundtrack.
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"Sleep Theory" as Gokuu's theme has this restless energy, layered strings over a driving beat that captures the whole rebellious monkey king thing. "Forest of Cold Rain" goes full moody with plucked shamisen and minor key piano trading phrases.
Just gorgeous melancholy. "Winds of Burning Sand" brings in these Middle Eastern-tinged scales over percussion that actually sounds dusty. If you're into otome games or just want some really solid character-driven PS2 composition, this delivers.