Saiyuuki Gaiden
Synopsis
In their former lives, 500 years before Genjyo Sanzo and his crew of misfits began their journey west, they were gods, but being godly didn't make them act any more divine. When Goku flies into a murderous rage after seeing his best friend die, Heaven's had enough and wants him dead! But Konzen Douji, Field Marshal Tenpou, and General Kenren are willing to do anything to protect Goku, even if it means turning all of Heaven against them. (source: Sentai Filmworks)
Audience Consensus
Saiyuki Gaiden is highly praised for its emotional depth, tragic storyline, and well-developed characters, making it a favorite among Saiyuki fans. While the anime adaptation is considered good, the manga version is preferred. Viewers recommend watching episodes 40 and 41 of the original series for context, though the OVA stands alone.
Strengths
- Touching and heartbreaking character relationships.
- Amazing story and well-developed characters.
- Strong emotional impact that lingers after watching.
Weaknesses
- Anime adaptation not as good as the manga.
- Pacing is fast and can be chaotic, especially for those not concentrated.
- Can be confusing to newcomers without prior knowledge of the Saiyuki series.