The Four Gods: Difference between revisions

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== Anime and Manga ==
== Anime and Manga ==
* ''[[Fushigi Yuugi]]'', as noted above, is one of the most well-known examples.
* ''[[Fushigi Yuugi]]'', as noted above, is one of the most well-known examples.
* ''[[Abenobashi Mahou Shoutengai (Anime)|Abenobashi Mahou Shoutengai]]'' uses the Four Gods and [[Onmyodo]] mysticism as the foundation for its deceptively slapstick story.
* ''[[Abenobashi Mahou Shoutengai]]'' uses the Four Gods and [[Onmyodo]] mysticism as the foundation for its deceptively slapstick story.
* ''[[Tokyo Majin]]'' averted this, with the Yellow Dragon indeed represents Void/Destruction.
* ''[[Tokyo Majin]]'' averted this, with the Yellow Dragon indeed represents Void/Destruction.
* Author Ken Akamatsu has noted that the Four Gods appear in ''[[Love Hina]]'' in the form of various pets: Genbu is Onsen Tamago, the hot springs turtle; Byakko is Kuro, Kanako's cat; Suzaku is Shippu, the mysterious bird owned by Tsuruko (Motoko's elder sister); and Seiryū is Leon, the chameleon owned by Ema Maeda (a manga-only [[Last-Episode New Character|last-episode character]]).
* Author Ken Akamatsu has noted that the Four Gods appear in ''[[Love Hina]]'' in the form of various pets: Genbu is Onsen Tamago, the hot springs turtle; Byakko is Kuro, Kanako's cat; Suzaku is Shippu, the mysterious bird owned by Tsuruko (Motoko's elder sister); and Seiryū is Leon, the chameleon owned by Ema Maeda (a manga-only [[Last-Episode New Character|last-episode character]]).
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* The [[The Grim Reaper|shinigami]] in ''[[Yami no Matsuei]]'' could summon "shikigami", helpful minor gods. Only two appeared in the anime, based off of Suzaku and Byakko. The manga, however, features the four of them.
* The [[The Grim Reaper|shinigami]] in ''[[Yami no Matsuei]]'' could summon "shikigami", helpful minor gods. Only two appeared in the anime, based off of Suzaku and Byakko. The manga, however, features the four of them.
* The four gods also appear in the anime ''[[Karasu Tengu Kabuto]]''.
* The four gods also appear in the anime ''[[Karasu Tengu Kabuto]]''.
* In the ''[[Cowboy Bebop (Anime)|Cowboy Bebop]]'' episode "Boogie Woogie Feng Shui", the heroes use a clue about the four gods to locate one of the episode's [[Plot Coupon|Plot Coupons]]. (The episode apparently assumes its audience knows what "the four gods" are and doesn't explain further, leaving Western audiences in the lurch.)
* In the ''[[Cowboy Bebop]]'' episode "Boogie Woogie Feng Shui", the heroes use a clue about the four gods to locate one of the episode's [[Plot Coupon|Plot Coupons]]. (The episode apparently assumes its audience knows what "the four gods" are and doesn't explain further, leaving Western audiences in the lurch.)
* ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (Anime)|Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'' includes mecha named after the Four Gods, each belonging to the General roughly corresponding with the God's element: Byakou (Thymilph), Sayrune (Adiane), Gember (Guame), and Shuzack (Cytomander).
* ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'' includes mecha named after the Four Gods, each belonging to the General roughly corresponding with the God's element: Byakou (Thymilph), Sayrune (Adiane), Gember (Guame), and Shuzack (Cytomander).
* The Four Gods appear as antagonists for an arc in ''[[Angel Tales]]''.
* The Four Gods appear as antagonists for an arc in ''[[Angel Tales]]''.
* ''[[Koi Hime]]'' uses the "girls of the four seasons"� bit explicitly. Each girl is a daughter of one of [[The Four Gods]].
* ''[[Koi Hime]]'' uses the "girls of the four seasons"� bit explicitly. Each girl is a daughter of one of [[The Four Gods]].
* The anime version of ''[[Dokyusei]]'' (English title, ''[[End Of Summer]]'') is more subtle. In this case, they pared the list of girls (from the game) down to four. The follow-on OAV set (not released in the US) has the school nurse reminding Wataru that he can't keep all four of them forever.
* The anime version of ''[[Dokyusei]]'' (English title, ''[[End Of Summer]]'') is more subtle. In this case, they pared the list of girls (from the game) down to four. The follow-on OAV set (not released in the US) has the school nurse reminding Wataru that he can't keep all four of them forever.
* One of ''[[Code Geass (Anime)|Code Geass]]''' central characters is named Suzaku; his late father's name was Genbu. The characters were designed by [[CLAMP]], who are known for making references such as this.
* One of ''[[Code Geass]]''' central characters is named Suzaku; his late father's name was Genbu. The characters were designed by [[CLAMP]], who are known for making references such as this.
* Seiryū, Suzaku, Byakko and Genbu are the names of Nekoyashiki's spiritual cat companions in ''[[Rental Magica]]''. They're useful for everything from shields to attacking to creating a gust of wind.
* Seiryū, Suzaku, Byakko and Genbu are the names of Nekoyashiki's spiritual cat companions in ''[[Rental Magica]]''. They're useful for everything from shields to attacking to creating a gust of wind.
* In ''[[Inuyasha]],'' Saint Beast-inspired ninja are one of the many, ''many'' [[Quirky Miniboss Squad|Quirky Miniboss Squads]] the team faces in yet another filler arc.
* In ''[[Inuyasha]],'' Saint Beast-inspired ninja are one of the many, ''many'' [[Quirky Miniboss Squad|Quirky Miniboss Squads]] the team faces in yet another filler arc.
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* In ''[[The Slayers]]'', the good dragon-gods of the world, as opposed to the evil chaos-demon-gods, are based on this pattern: four gods, each representing an element, and the supreme (actually, penultimate) god Ceipheed. The evil demon gods are based on Goetic demonology.
* In ''[[The Slayers]]'', the good dragon-gods of the world, as opposed to the evil chaos-demon-gods, are based on this pattern: four gods, each representing an element, and the supreme (actually, penultimate) god Ceipheed. The evil demon gods are based on Goetic demonology.
* Each of the girls in ''[[Hyakko]]'''s [[Four-Girl Ensemble]] corresponds to one of the four gods. A broader [[Theme Naming]] based on the twelve animals of the Zodiac is present in the rest of the cast.
* Each of the girls in ''[[Hyakko]]'''s [[Four-Girl Ensemble]] corresponds to one of the four gods. A broader [[Theme Naming]] based on the twelve animals of the Zodiac is present in the rest of the cast.
* The B'ts of the four Spirit Knights in ''[[Bt X]]'' correspond to the Four Gods, with the slight variation of the Spirit Knight of the West having a Kirin (Horse) B't instead of a Byakko.
* The B'ts of the four Spirit Knights in ''[[B't X]]'' correspond to the Four Gods, with the slight variation of the Spirit Knight of the West having a Kirin (Horse) B't instead of a Byakko.
* The main characters of ''[[Beyblade]]'' all have bit beasts that are based on the Four Gods. In the Japanese version, they were named after them as well.
* The main characters of ''[[Beyblade]]'' all have bit beasts that are based on the Four Gods. In the Japanese version, they were named after them as well.
** No they weren't. The names are the same.
** No they weren't. The names are the same.
** The Beyblades are named after design (Dranzer, Drigger etc.) While the bit-beasts (aka. sacred spirits) are named Suzaku, Byakko etc.
** The Beyblades are named after design (Dranzer, Drigger etc.) While the bit-beasts (aka. sacred spirits) are named Suzaku, Byakko etc.
* {{spoiler|Hacchi}} has a technique named after them in the latest ''[[Bleach (Manga)|Bleach]]'' spoilers.
* {{spoiler|Hacchi}} has a technique named after them in the latest ''[[Bleach]]'' spoilers.
* In ''[[To Aru Majutsu no Index (Anime)|To Aru Majutsu no Index]]'', the global spell that swapped everyone's appearance was {{spoiler|accidentally set in to motion by Touma's father collecting supposedly mystical figurines that represented [[The Four Gods]] and placing them in each of their associated directions.}}
* In ''[[To Aru Majutsu no Index]]'', the global spell that swapped everyone's appearance was {{spoiler|accidentally set in to motion by Touma's father collecting supposedly mystical figurines that represented [[The Four Gods]] and placing them in each of their associated directions.}}
** And Tsuchimikado gets rid of it by {{spoiler|using accordingly-colored paper figurines placed in certain directions<ref>essentially magical feng shui</ref> to directly invoke the Gods and fire a magical [[Wave Motion Gun]] at the house}}.
** And Tsuchimikado gets rid of it by {{spoiler|using accordingly-colored paper figurines placed in certain directions<ref>essentially magical feng shui</ref> to directly invoke the Gods and fire a magical [[Wave Motion Gun]] at the house}}.
* ''[[Saint Beast]]'' happens to feature...well, yeah.
* ''[[Saint Beast]]'' happens to feature...well, yeah.
* Parodied by the "Devoted Four Goddesses" that make up the Stolen [[First Kiss]] Team in ''[[Fate Kaleid Liner Prisma Ilya]]'', with Suzuka as the Suzaku (represented by a bird), Tatsuko as Seiryū (represented by a sea horse, which in Japanese myth is seen as a baby dragon), and Nanaki as Genbu (represented by, well, a turtle). Kuroe then asked just who the White Tiger Byakko was supposed to be, whereupon Taiga appeared as the fourth member of the group.
* Parodied by the "Devoted Four Goddesses" that make up the Stolen [[First Kiss]] Team in ''[[Fate Kaleid Liner Prisma Ilya]]'', with Suzuka as the Suzaku (represented by a bird), Tatsuko as Seiryū (represented by a sea horse, which in Japanese myth is seen as a baby dragon), and Nanaki as Genbu (represented by, well, a turtle). Kuroe then asked just who the White Tiger Byakko was supposed to be, whereupon Taiga appeared as the fourth member of the group.
* The Four Spirit Kings Yamatohime, Genbu, Byakko and Seiryū in ''[[Kurohime]]''.
* The Four Spirit Kings Yamatohime, Genbu, Byakko and Seiryū in ''[[Kurohime]]''.
* The four royals who appear in ''[[Yes Pretty Cure 5]]'' Gogo are a dragon, a red/pink bird, a tiger and a turtle.
* The four royals who appear in ''[[Yes! Pretty Cure 5]]'' Gogo are a dragon, a red/pink bird, a tiger and a turtle.
* The four swords of the ancient heroes in ''[[Basara]]'' are named after [[The Four Gods]].
* The four swords of the ancient heroes in ''[[Basara]]'' are named after [[The Four Gods]].
* The Mythical Beast Knights of ''[[The Lucifer and Biscuit Hammer]]''.
* The Mythical Beast Knights of ''[[The Lucifer and Biscuit Hammer]]''.
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== Fanfic ==
== Fanfic ==
* The four incredibly destructive water volcanoes in ''[[Embers (Fanfic)|Embers]]'' are modeled off of this concept, but with different names given: Shirotora (the White Tiger), Asiagatatsu (the Blue Dragon), Akitori (the Vermilion Bird), and Kurokame (the Black Turtle). Of these, Shirotora and Asiagatatsu are important in the story- Zuko's mother's home domain of Byakko has retained a measure of autonomy from the Fire Lord by being the only people who can reliably keep the volcano nicely dormant, while the lack of anyone doing something similar about Asiagatatsu (whose last two eruptions killed Avatars and made life difficult worldwide for years afterwards) is a major plot point.
* The four incredibly destructive water volcanoes in ''[[Embers]]'' are modeled off of this concept, but with different names given: Shirotora (the White Tiger), Asiagatatsu (the Blue Dragon), Akitori (the Vermilion Bird), and Kurokame (the Black Turtle). Of these, Shirotora and Asiagatatsu are important in the story- Zuko's mother's home domain of Byakko has retained a measure of autonomy from the Fire Lord by being the only people who can reliably keep the volcano nicely dormant, while the lack of anyone doing something similar about Asiagatatsu (whose last two eruptions killed Avatars and made life difficult worldwide for years afterwards) is a major plot point.




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** Long, master of the Dragon-Fist/Scorch, with the spirit of the "Avalon Dragon", based on Seiryū.
** Long, master of the Dragon-Fist/Scorch, with the spirit of the "Avalon Dragon", based on Seiryū.
** Rio, master of the Gryphon-Fist/Dai Shi, with the spirit of the Griffin, based on Huáng​lóng​.
** Rio, master of the Gryphon-Fist/Dai Shi, with the spirit of the Griffin, based on Huáng​lóng​.
** Speaking of ''[[Power Rangers]]'', one should mention that by a string of coincidences Tommy has had [[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers|a green (Western) dragon, a white tiger]], [[Power Rangers ZEO|a red phoenix]], and[[Power Rangers Dino Thunder|a black, er, sauropod]] (hey, considering some of the depictions of Genbu, it's not that farfetched).
** Speaking of ''[[Power Rangers]]'', one should mention that by a string of coincidences Tommy has had [[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers|a green (Western) dragon, a white tiger]], [[Power Rangers Zeo|a red phoenix]], and[[Power Rangers Dino Thunder|a black, er, sauropod]] (hey, considering some of the depictions of Genbu, it's not that farfetched).
* While the colors are off, four of the Mythical Chi Beasts from ''[[Gosei Sentai Dairanger]]'' are meant to invoke the Four Gods: the Red Dragon, the Pink Hōō, the White Tiger, and Daimugen, their ally.
* While the colors are off, four of the Mythical Chi Beasts from ''[[Gosei Sentai Dairanger]]'' are meant to invoke the Four Gods: the Red Dragon, the Pink Hōō, the White Tiger, and Daimugen, their ally.
* The Mandarin names of the suns in ''[[Firefly (TV)|Firefly]]''. The English names are somewhat less inspired (Red Sun, Blue Sun, White Sun, Georgia and Kalidasa).
* The Mandarin names of the suns in ''[[Firefly]]''. The English names are somewhat less inspired (Red Sun, Blue Sun, White Sun, Georgia and Kalidasa).




== Tabletop Games ==
== Tabletop Games ==
* ''[[Changeling: The Lost (Tabletop Game)|Changeling: The Lost]]'' features the Directional Courts of China among the other Great Courts that changelings swear oaths to in order to avoid the notice of [[The Fair Folk]]. The courts are patterned off of [[The Four Gods]] and supposedly embody associated values (the North Court is made up of ascetics who use suffering to escape memory of their durance at the hands of [[The Fair Folk]], the East Court values material wealth and draws power from envy, the South Court consists of artists and other creatives who value ecstasy, and the West Court is made up of honor-bound warriors).
* ''[[Changeling: The Lost]]'' features the Directional Courts of China among the other Great Courts that changelings swear oaths to in order to avoid the notice of [[The Fair Folk]]. The courts are patterned off of [[The Four Gods]] and supposedly embody associated values (the North Court is made up of ascetics who use suffering to escape memory of their durance at the hands of [[The Fair Folk]], the East Court values material wealth and draws power from envy, the South Court consists of artists and other creatives who value ecstasy, and the West Court is made up of honor-bound warriors).




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== Video Games ==
== Video Games ==
* The ''[[Lunar]]'' series references this. In addition to the Goddess Althena whom gave life to Lunar (and, despite not being a dragon herself, could be seen as The Ōryū as she holds the same power and [[Depending On the Writer|can also be controlled like them depending on the game]]), there are four dragons, each with a color matching one of the four gods and a similar appearance to the appropriate god to boot. The similarities are strongest in ''Dragon Song'': The Red Dragon is covered in feathers and has a hooked muzzle resembling a bird's beak. The White Dragon strongly resembles a large cat with wings and has stripes along its body. The Black Dragon is more or less a giant tortoise with a more dragon-like face and build. The Blue Dragon resembles a giant serpent.
* The ''[[Lunar]]'' series references this. In addition to the Goddess Althena whom gave life to Lunar (and, despite not being a dragon herself, could be seen as The Ōryū as she holds the same power and [[Depending on the Writer|can also be controlled like them depending on the game]]), there are four dragons, each with a color matching one of the four gods and a similar appearance to the appropriate god to boot. The similarities are strongest in ''Dragon Song'': The Red Dragon is covered in feathers and has a hooked muzzle resembling a bird's beak. The White Dragon strongly resembles a large cat with wings and has stripes along its body. The Black Dragon is more or less a giant tortoise with a more dragon-like face and build. The Blue Dragon resembles a giant serpent.
* Video games that are heavily based on this include the ''[[Last Blade]]'' series (which featured four characters that each represent one of the Gods. [[The Hero|Kaede]] = Seiryū, [[Omnicidal Maniac|Kag]][[The Atoner|ami]] = Suzaku, [[Old Master|Okina]] = Genbu, and [[Gentle Giant|Shigen]] = Byakko.
* Video games that are heavily based on this include the ''[[Last Blade]]'' series (which featured four characters that each represent one of the Gods. [[The Hero|Kaede]] = Seiryū, [[Omnicidal Maniac|Kag]][[The Atoner|ami]] = Suzaku, [[Old Master|Okina]] = Genbu, and [[Gentle Giant|Shigen]] = Byakko.
** Don't forget the final boss of ''[[Last Blade]] 2'' {{spoiler|and the master of Kaede, Moriya and Yuki}}, Kōryū (Japanese for Huáng​lóng​, making a rare Japanese appearance).
** Don't forget the final boss of ''[[Last Blade]] 2'' {{spoiler|and the master of Kaede, Moriya and Yuki}}, Kōryū (Japanese for Huáng​lóng​, making a rare Japanese appearance).
* The set of [[Perfect Run Final Boss]] songs in ''[[Beatmania]] IIDX 13 DistorteD,'' collectively called "Cardinal Gate", were themed around the Four Gods; each of the four songs unlockable from the start were written by artists that took their names as pseudonyms. A fifth song, by an invented 5th entity, "Kinjishi", was available after doing well on the first four. 3 of the artists (Suzaku, Genbu, and Seiryū) have released songs after DistorteD.
* The set of [[Perfect Run Final Boss]] songs in ''[[Beatmania]] IIDX 13 DistorteD,'' collectively called "Cardinal Gate", were themed around the Four Gods; each of the four songs unlockable from the start were written by artists that took their names as pseudonyms. A fifth song, by an invented 5th entity, "Kinjishi", was available after doing well on the first four. 3 of the artists (Suzaku, Genbu, and Seiryū) have released songs after DistorteD.
* One level of ''[[Killer 7]]'' requires Smith to [[Solve the Soup Cans|slide four screens together]] to lower a bridge. Each screen represents one of the four gods, and is located at the proper compass point.
* One level of ''[[Killer 7]]'' requires Smith to [[Solve the Soup Cans|slide four screens together]] to lower a bridge. Each screen represents one of the four gods, and is located at the proper compass point.
* In ''[[Final Fantasy XI (Video Game)|Final Fantasy XI]]'', you can summon and fight four incredibly powerful powerful monsters based upon these deities, sharing their names and likenesses (well, ''FFXI'' equivalents -- Seiryū is a differently-colored version of a smallish dragon, and so on). Most players refer to these as "Sky Gods". (Although older players sometimes still refer to them as "Shijin".) There is a center god as well but it's a Kirin rather than a dragon.
* In ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'', you can summon and fight four incredibly powerful powerful monsters based upon these deities, sharing their names and likenesses (well, ''FFXI'' equivalents -- Seiryū is a differently-colored version of a smallish dragon, and so on). Most players refer to these as "Sky Gods". (Although older players sometimes still refer to them as "Shijin".) There is a center god as well but it's a Kirin rather than a dragon.
** Kirin is notably of the Earth element and like the original center dragon god, is the powerful of the five.
** Kirin is notably of the Earth element and like the original center dragon god, is the powerful of the five.
** Ōryū is also in the game as an [[Dishing Out Dirt|earth-based]] [[Our Dragons Are Different|Wyrm]]. His fights are completely unrelated to the gods in [[Floating Continent|Tu'Lia]].
** Ōryū is also in the game as an [[Dishing Out Dirt|earth-based]] [[Our Dragons Are Different|Wyrm]]. His fights are completely unrelated to the gods in [[Floating Continent|Tu'Lia]].
* In ''[[Final Fantasy XII (Video Game)|Final Fantasy XII]]'', there are four creatures in the game's penultimate dungeon who are based on the Gods: a large stone tortoise called Pandemonium, a large blue fish named Slyt, and a white tiger-like biped named Fenrir. Later in the game, a side quest takes the player to the same location to hunt down a Seer who is said to control powerful beasts. After defeating a Phoenix along the way, the Seer himself summons all four of the aforementioned bosses over the course of the battle.
* In ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'', there are four creatures in the game's penultimate dungeon who are based on the Gods: a large stone tortoise called Pandemonium, a large blue fish named Slyt, and a white tiger-like biped named Fenrir. Later in the game, a side quest takes the player to the same location to hunt down a Seer who is said to control powerful beasts. After defeating a Phoenix along the way, the Seer himself summons all four of the aforementioned bosses over the course of the battle.
* There is a "Four Gods' Shield" found in all three ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics (Video Game)|Final Fantasy Tactics]]'' games.
* There is a "Four Gods' Shield" found in all three ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics]]'' games.
* ''[[Final Fantasy Type-0 (Video Game)|Final Fantasy Type-0]]'' has four countries named after the four beasts, and the beasts are prominently featured on the flags and coats of arms of the countries.
* ''[[Final Fantasy Type-0]]'' has four countries named after the four beasts, and the beasts are prominently featured on the flags and coats of arms of the countries.
* The four gods appear as the bosses of each major world in ''[[Makai Toshi Sa Ga]]'' (''Final Fantasy Legend''), each guarding a sphere that allows you to continue climbing the tower, and Kōryū (called "Ko-run" in the English version) is also present as both a random encounter monster type and a form that Monster player characters can turn into. They reappear in [[SaGa 2|its sequel]] as forms that Monster player characters can turn into. In a slight variation, each one also represents one of the [[Elemental Rock-Paper-Scissors|four western elements]], with Genbu as Earth, Seiryū as Water, Byakko as Air, and Suzaku as Fire.
* The four gods appear as the bosses of each major world in ''[[Makai Toshi Sa Ga]]'' (''Final Fantasy Legend''), each guarding a sphere that allows you to continue climbing the tower, and Kōryū (called "Ko-run" in the English version) is also present as both a random encounter monster type and a form that Monster player characters can turn into. They reappear in [[SaGa 2|its sequel]] as forms that Monster player characters can turn into. In a slight variation, each one also represents one of the [[Elemental Rock-Paper-Scissors|four western elements]], with Genbu as Earth, Seiryū as Water, Byakko as Air, and Suzaku as Fire.
** The four elemental schools of magic in ''[[Romancing Sa ga 3]]'' are named after the Four Gods.
** The four elemental schools of magic in ''[[Romancing SaGa 3]]'' are named after the Four Gods.
* Four of Maria's subweapons in the ''[[Castlevania]]'' series are based on these four -- an overhead fire attack with birds, a running lightning cat that hits repeatedly, a flying dragon that hits for ice, and a turtle shell shield. The Item Crashes for these, where applicable, summon the actual Gods, and she also uses their power to revive Richter and grant him invincibility if he's defeated at the start of ''Symphony of the Night''.
* Four of Maria's subweapons in the ''[[Castlevania]]'' series are based on these four -- an overhead fire attack with birds, a running lightning cat that hits repeatedly, a flying dragon that hits for ice, and a turtle shell shield. The Item Crashes for these, where applicable, summon the actual Gods, and she also uses their power to revive Richter and grant him invincibility if he's defeated at the start of ''Symphony of the Night''.
** On top of that, in Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, there are serveral locked doors that grant access to hidden areas, and the four keys are named (and colored) after the four gods. [[Anachronism Stew|Not something you'd expect in a vampire castle in 12th century Europe...]]
** On top of that, in Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, there are serveral locked doors that grant access to hidden areas, and the four keys are named (and colored) after the four gods. [[Anachronism Stew|Not something you'd expect in a vampire castle in 12th century Europe...]]
* In Altus' ''[[Shin Megami Tensei]]: Devil Children'' series (known simply as DemiKids outside of Japan) the Four Gods can be obtained by fusing through the Relic System. You have to get their Soul to resurrect them, otherwise they will simply be zombies (Byakkozom, Suzakzom, Seiryuzom, Gembuzom).
* In Altus' ''[[Shin Megami Tensei]]: Devil Children'' series (known simply as DemiKids outside of Japan) the Four Gods can be obtained by fusing through the Relic System. You have to get their Soul to resurrect them, otherwise they will simply be zombies (Byakkozom, Suzakzom, Seiryuzom, Gembuzom).
* Occasionally a [[Dating Sim]] or anime based off one will have a set of four love interests each aligned with a direction and/or season (directly or by personality). Generally this involves the [[Tenchi Solution]] (they've decided to share, or at least not compete). This situation is inspired by ''[[Tale of Genji (Literature)|Tale of Genji]]''.
* Occasionally a [[Dating Sim]] or anime based off one will have a set of four love interests each aligned with a direction and/or season (directly or by personality). Generally this involves the [[Tenchi Solution]] (they've decided to share, or at least not compete). This situation is inspired by ''[[The Tale of Genji|Tale of Genji]]''.
* The [[MacGuffin|MacGuffins]] in the early part of ''[[Shadow Hearts]]'' are sacred paintings imbued with the powers of the four gods.
* The [[MacGuffin|MacGuffins]] in the early part of ''[[Shadow Hearts]]'' are sacred paintings imbued with the powers of the four gods.
* In ''[[Super Robot Wars]] Alpha'', its sequels, and ''[[Super Robot Wars]] Original Generation 2'', RyuOhKi (Seiryū) and KoOhKi (Byakko) are ancient guardian [[Golem]]-gods which absorb a pair of [[Humongous Mecha]] and gain the ability to [[Combining Mecha|combine]] into [[Glass Cannon|RyuKoOh]] or [[Fragile Speedster|KoRyuOh]] (they can [[Transforming Mecha|switch forms at will]]).
* In ''[[Super Robot Wars]] Alpha'', its sequels, and ''[[Super Robot Wars]] Original Generation 2'', RyuOhKi (Seiryū) and KoOhKi (Byakko) are ancient guardian [[Golem]]-gods which absorb a pair of [[Humongous Mecha]] and gain the ability to [[Combining Mecha|combine]] into [[Glass Cannon|RyuKoOh]] or [[Fragile Speedster|KoRyuOh]] (they can [[Transforming Mecha|switch forms at will]]).
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** Also in ''[[Super Robot Wars]] Advance,'' though not as obvious (and this also carries over to the Original Generation universe). Axel Almer's Soulgain has attacks named after the Four Gods, though when it's translated to US, the reference becomes less obvious (Seiryū Rin -> Dragon Scale, Genbu Gōdan -> Black Warrior, Byakko Kō -> Tiger Bite, Mai Suzaku -> Phoenix Dance). Oh, and it also adds up the Qílín legend (Code: Kirin).
** Also in ''[[Super Robot Wars]] Advance,'' though not as obvious (and this also carries over to the Original Generation universe). Axel Almer's Soulgain has attacks named after the Four Gods, though when it's translated to US, the reference becomes less obvious (Seiryū Rin -> Dragon Scale, Genbu Gōdan -> Black Warrior, Byakko Kō -> Tiger Bite, Mai Suzaku -> Phoenix Dance). Oh, and it also adds up the Qílín legend (Code: Kirin).
** [[Robot Girl|Aschen Brodel]] from ''[[Endless Frontier]]'' has moves call ''Tigress Bite'', ''Genbu Strike'' and ''Dragon Scale''. Her overdrive attack is ''Phantasm Phoenix''.
** [[Robot Girl|Aschen Brodel]] from ''[[Endless Frontier]]'' has moves call ''Tigress Bite'', ''Genbu Strike'' and ''Dragon Scale''. Her overdrive attack is ''Phantasm Phoenix''.
* ''[[Arcana Heart (Video Game)|Arcana Heart]]'' has [[Chinese Girl|Chinese]] [[Robot Girl]] Mei Fang, who has attacks named after the Four Gods, and following Soulgain's trend, she also has an attack based on Kirin called ''Kirin Jacket''.
* ''[[Arcana Heart]]'' has [[Chinese Girl|Chinese]] [[Robot Girl]] Mei Fang, who has attacks named after the Four Gods, and following Soulgain's trend, she also has an attack based on Kirin called ''Kirin Jacket''.
* In ''[[Lost Kingdoms]],'' four of the six most powerful cards in the game are based off of the four gods: The White Tiger, the Blue Dragon, the Phoenix, and the Great Turtle.
* In ''[[Lost Kingdoms]],'' four of the six most powerful cards in the game are based off of the four gods: The White Tiger, the Blue Dragon, the Phoenix, and the Great Turtle.
* The Four Gods appear in the ''[[Shin Megami Tensei]]'' game series, and in ''[[Persona 2 (Video Game)|Persona 2]]'' they have a fusion spell (Celestial Veil/28 Mansions Protection in Japanese) that blocks all [[Elemental Rock-Paper-Scissors|elemental damage]], which is useful for exactly one battle, right after you [[Guide Dang It|technically]] gain the ability to cast it.
* The Four Gods appear in the ''[[Shin Megami Tensei]]'' game series, and in ''[[Persona 2]]'' they have a fusion spell (Celestial Veil/28 Mansions Protection in Japanese) that blocks all [[Elemental Rock-Paper-Scissors|elemental damage]], which is useful for exactly one battle, right after you [[Guide Dang It|technically]] gain the ability to cast it.
** ''[[Persona 3 (Video Game)|Persona 3]]'' and ''[[Persona 4]]'' both have the Four Gods as Personas, along with Kohryu, who can only be obtained by fusing the Four.
** ''[[Persona 3]]'' and ''[[Persona 4]]'' both have the Four Gods as Personas, along with Kohryu, who can only be obtained by fusing the Four.
** ''[[Devil Survivor (Video Game)|Devil Survivor]]'' also features four guardians associated with the cardinal directions, but it's a different set, consisting of the Four Heavenly Kings, instead. Oddly, Seiryū still makes an appearance, albeit as a mundane demon and without the other usual three.
** ''[[Devil Survivor]]'' also features four guardians associated with the cardinal directions, but it's a different set, consisting of the Four Heavenly Kings, instead. Oddly, Seiryū still makes an appearance, albeit as a mundane demon and without the other usual three.
** The Four Gods and Huáng​lóng are also in ''[[Strange Journey]]'', where they have their Chinese names. The Four Heavenly Kings also return.
** The Four Gods and Huáng​lóng are also in ''[[Strange Journey]]'', where they have their Chinese names. The Four Heavenly Kings also return.
** In ''[[Digital Devil Saga]]'', the Four Gods and Huánglóng return. The first four are simple extra bosses who appear after killing Ananta; Huánglóng appears after killing the four others as a brutally vicious [[Bonus Boss]].
** In ''[[Digital Devil Saga]]'', the Four Gods and Huánglóng return. The first four are simple extra bosses who appear after killing Ananta; Huánglóng appears after killing the four others as a brutally vicious [[Bonus Boss]].
* Referenced in the ''[[Wild Arms (Franchise)|Wild Arms]]'' series -- in almost every game of the series, the player characters can summon four different "Guardian" creatures that correspond to the Four Gods, in addition to other "Guardians".
* Referenced in the ''[[Wild Arms]]'' series -- in almost every game of the series, the player characters can summon four different "Guardian" creatures that correspond to the Four Gods, in addition to other "Guardians".
* The Four Gods appear as [[Bonus Boss|Bonus Bosses]] during the post-game segment of ''[[Ganbare Goemon]]: Mononoke Dōchū Tobidase Nabe-Bugyō!'' You're able to [[Gotta Catch Them All|capture them]] after going through the [[Bonus Dungeon|Celestial World]] and [[Boss Rush|defeat them along with the rest of the game's major enemies]]; they have the advantage of performing unique [[Combination Attack|combination attacks]] when paired up with certain main characters.
* The Four Gods appear as [[Bonus Boss|Bonus Bosses]] during the post-game segment of ''[[Ganbare Goemon]]: Mononoke Dōchū Tobidase Nabe-Bugyō!'' You're able to [[Gotta Catch Them All|capture them]] after going through the [[Bonus Dungeon|Celestial World]] and [[Boss Rush|defeat them along with the rest of the game's major enemies]]; they have the advantage of performing unique [[Combination Attack|combination attacks]] when paired up with certain main characters.
* ''[[Mega Man Zero]] 4'' contains the boss "Heat Genblem." Three guesses what it's supposed to be.
* ''[[Mega Man Zero]] 4'' contains the boss "Heat Genblem." Three guesses what it's supposed to be.
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** Genbu: Defensive players who seldom discard the final tile that someone else needs to win.
** Genbu: Defensive players who seldom discard the final tile that someone else needs to win.
*** The game also has a fifth: Kōryū, the Yellow Dragon, based on Huáng​lóng. Kōryū replaces the player's classification when they surpass the Master rank.
*** The game also has a fifth: Kōryū, the Yellow Dragon, based on Huáng​lóng. Kōryū replaces the player's classification when they surpass the Master rank.
* ''[[Harukanaru Toki no Naka De]]'''s local [[Cast Full of Pretty Boys]] consists of eight guardians who are explicitly connected to the Four Gods: two guardians -- for Heaven and Earth -- corresponding to each of the Gods. The Gods themselves originally protected the capital before they were stolen by the villains, and much of the original story revolves around getting them back. On a side note, ''Haruka'' does technically have the "central dragon" as well, in the form of the Dragon-God, whose powers are wielded by the main heroine (although it is actually white rather than yellow).
* ''[[Harukanaru Toki no Naka de]]'''s local [[Cast Full of Pretty Boys]] consists of eight guardians who are explicitly connected to the Four Gods: two guardians -- for Heaven and Earth -- corresponding to each of the Gods. The Gods themselves originally protected the capital before they were stolen by the villains, and much of the original story revolves around getting them back. On a side note, ''Haruka'' does technically have the "central dragon" as well, in the form of the Dragon-God, whose powers are wielded by the main heroine (although it is actually white rather than yellow).
** The Dragon-God also happens to have Yin and Yang sides (Dark Dragon and White Dragon), the former controlled by the [[Dark Magical Girl]]. To further complicate the matter, there's also the Black Kirin, apparently under the [[Big Bad]]'s control.
** The Dragon-God also happens to have Yin and Yang sides (Dark Dragon and White Dragon), the former controlled by the [[Dark Magical Girl]]. To further complicate the matter, there's also the Black Kirin, apparently under the [[Big Bad]]'s control.
* In ''[[Seiken Densetsu]] 3'', Kevin's has a technique (and associated gear) corresponding to one of the Four Gods for each possible final class.
* In ''[[Seiken Densetsu]] 3'', Kevin's has a technique (and associated gear) corresponding to one of the Four Gods for each possible final class.
* ''[[Legend of Dragoon]]'', in keeping with its [[Cliché Storm]] status, has an attack called Summon Four Gods. Surprisingly, it is just a non magical martial arts technique, and not a spell that unleashes the [[Endofthe World As We Know It]]. It looks pretty cool though, and the [[Cool Old Guy|old]] [[Badass Grandpa|guy]] who pulls it off displays fantastic acrobatic skill for his age.
* ''[[Legend of Dragoon]]'', in keeping with its [[Cliché Storm]] status, has an attack called Summon Four Gods. Surprisingly, it is just a non magical martial arts technique, and not a spell that unleashes the [[Endofthe World As We Know It]]. It looks pretty cool though, and the [[Cool Old Guy|old]] [[Badass Grandpa|guy]] who pulls it off displays fantastic acrobatic skill for his age.
* The Lords of the Burning Dawn of ''[[Tenchu]] 2'' are named after the Four Gods.
* The Lords of the Burning Dawn of ''[[Tenchu]] 2'' are named after the Four Gods.
* One of the "secret skills" in the first ''[[Star Ocean 1 (Video Game)|Star Ocean]]'' allowed the unlocking of super techniques which augmented existing techniques with the power of the Four Gods.
* One of the "secret skills" in the first ''[[Star Ocean 1|Star Ocean]]'' allowed the unlocking of super techniques which augmented existing techniques with the power of the Four Gods.
* In ''[[Guild Wars]] Factions'', the mission to become "Closer To The Stars" has the players defeat celestial creatures inspired by the Four Gods (with a kirin in place of a tiger). Interestingly these celestial avatars actually ''look'' like constellations, with visible stars and traced lines making the "skeleton" of the creature.
* In ''[[Guild Wars]] Factions'', the mission to become "Closer To The Stars" has the players defeat celestial creatures inspired by the Four Gods (with a kirin in place of a tiger). Interestingly these celestial avatars actually ''look'' like constellations, with visible stars and traced lines making the "skeleton" of the creature.
* In ''[[Mega Man (Video Game)|Mega Man]] 10'', the [[Dual Boss|Dual]] [[Mini Boss|Minibosses]] of Solar Man's stage are two phoenixes. One of them is named "Suzak".
* In ''[[Mega Man (video game)|Mega Man]] 10'', the [[Dual Boss|Dual]] [[Mini Boss|Minibosses]] of Solar Man's stage are two phoenixes. One of them is named "Suzak".
* ''[[Bloody Roar]]'' played with this a little throughout the series. The tiger came first in Beastorizor ([[Market-Based Title|later renamed Bloody Roar 1]]) through [[Bare-Fisted Monk|Long]] (who is a [[Voluntary Shapeshifting|zoanthrope]] of a tiger), whom later had an evil clone in the form of [[All Girls Want Bad Boys|Shenlong]] ([[Evil Albino|who is an albino tiger]]) with a [[Balance Between Good and Evil|yin-yang theme between the two]] (before [[Draco in Leather Pants|Shenlong eventually grown more compassionate and less evil]]). Next came Primal Fury (Technically Bloody Roar 4 and the same as [[Updated Rerelease|Extreme]]) which had [[White-Haired Pretty Boy|Cronos]], who, [[Everything's Better With Penguins|besides being a penguin]], [[The Phoenix|is also a flame-covered phoenix]]. Then comes [[Four Is Death|Bloody Roar 4]] (which is actually 5) there was [[The Dragon|Ryoho]] who was a water dragon of Gaia that was [[Game Breaker|so]] [[God Modders|powerful]] his dragon form had to be sealed off every so often. Finally, in the [[No Export for You|rediculously rare manga Bloody Roar The Fang]] (which takes place along Primal Fury's time), the trope is played straight with powerful zoanthropes representing the four gods, among the prominent ones being a tortoise zoanthrope with a snake for a tail. Out of them, only Long and Shenlong aren't considered as godly in status.
* ''[[Bloody Roar]]'' played with this a little throughout the series. The tiger came first in Beastorizor ([[Market-Based Title|later renamed Bloody Roar 1]]) through [[Bare-Fisted Monk|Long]] (who is a [[Voluntary Shapeshifting|zoanthrope]] of a tiger), whom later had an evil clone in the form of [[All Girls Want Bad Boys|Shenlong]] ([[Evil Albino|who is an albino tiger]]) with a [[Balance Between Good and Evil|yin-yang theme between the two]] (before [[Draco in Leather Pants|Shenlong eventually grown more compassionate and less evil]]). Next came Primal Fury (Technically Bloody Roar 4 and the same as [[Updated Rerelease|Extreme]]) which had [[White-Haired Pretty Boy|Cronos]], who, [[Everything's Better with Penguins|besides being a penguin]], [[The Phoenix|is also a flame-covered phoenix]]. Then comes [[Four Is Death|Bloody Roar 4]] (which is actually 5) there was [[The Dragon|Ryoho]] who was a water dragon of Gaia that was [[Game Breaker|so]] [[God Modders|powerful]] his dragon form had to be sealed off every so often. Finally, in the [[No Export for You|rediculously rare manga Bloody Roar The Fang]] (which takes place along Primal Fury's time), the trope is played straight with powerful zoanthropes representing the four gods, among the prominent ones being a tortoise zoanthrope with a snake for a tail. Out of them, only Long and Shenlong aren't considered as godly in status.
* ''[[Tokimeki Memorial|Tokimeki Memorial 2]]'' has the local [[Delinquents]] gang, the Four Heaven Kings, using the Four Gods themes, each of them wearing on their coats' back a symbol of the respective god they represent : [[Knight Templar Big Brother|Sou-Banchou]], the leader, is Seiryū ; [[Giant Mook|Kinniku-Banchou]] is Genbu ; [[Hot-Blooded|Hi no Tama-Banchou]] is Suzaku ; and [[The Dragon|Kogarashi-Banchou]] is Byakko. [[Why Do You Keep Changing Jobs?|Baito-Banchou]], on the other hand, being the [[Sixth Ranger]] in the gang {{spoiler|and the only one of the Four Heaven Kings you don't have to win against, [[Hopeless Boss Fight|just survive until she goes for her next part-time job]], as she's [[Nigh Invulnerable]]}}, doesn't have a Four Gods theme.
* ''[[Tokimeki Memorial|Tokimeki Memorial 2]]'' has the local [[Delinquents]] gang, the Four Heaven Kings, using the Four Gods themes, each of them wearing on their coats' back a symbol of the respective god they represent : [[Knight Templar Big Brother|Sou-Banchou]], the leader, is Seiryū ; [[Giant Mook|Kinniku-Banchou]] is Genbu ; [[Hot-Blooded|Hi no Tama-Banchou]] is Suzaku ; and [[The Dragon|Kogarashi-Banchou]] is Byakko. [[Why Do You Keep Changing Jobs?|Baito-Banchou]], on the other hand, being the [[Sixth Ranger]] in the gang {{spoiler|and the only one of the Four Heaven Kings you don't have to win against, [[Hopeless Boss Fight|just survive until she goes for her next part-time job]], as she's [[Nigh Invulnerable]]}}, doesn't have a Four Gods theme.
* In ''[[Digimon World 3]]'', the four cities of Asuka Server are named Seiryū City (East Sector), Suzaku City (South Sector), Byakko City (West Sector) and Genbu City (North Sector). [[Dark World|Amaterasu Server]] names its counterparts of the same cities using their Chinese names - Qing Long, Zhu Que, Bai Hu, Xuan Wu. The actual [[Mons]] based on the Four Gods (see above) don't make an appearance, though, but they do show up in most other ''[[Digimon]]'' games past that point.
* In ''[[Digimon World 3]]'', the four cities of Asuka Server are named Seiryū City (East Sector), Suzaku City (South Sector), Byakko City (West Sector) and Genbu City (North Sector). [[Dark World|Amaterasu Server]] names its counterparts of the same cities using their Chinese names - Qing Long, Zhu Que, Bai Hu, Xuan Wu. The actual [[Mons]] based on the Four Gods (see above) don't make an appearance, though, but they do show up in most other ''[[Digimon]]'' games past that point.
* ''[[The Legend of Zelda Majoras Mask]]'': The four giants of Termina. They don't line up perfectly with the four gods, but there is one of them in each direction:
* ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask]]'': The four giants of Termina. They don't line up perfectly with the four gods, but there is one of them in each direction:
** The giant in the south rests in Woodfall, in the middle of a swamp region.
** The giant in the south rests in Woodfall, in the middle of a swamp region.
** The giant in the north rests in Snowhead, a snowy mountain.
** The giant in the north rests in Snowhead, a snowy mountain.
** The giant in the west rests in the Great Bay, a sandy beach with warm waters.
** The giant in the west rests in the Great Bay, a sandy beach with warm waters.
** The giant in the east rests in the Ikana Canyon, a cursed land where the Ikana civilization once lived.
** The giant in the east rests in the Ikana Canyon, a cursed land where the Ikana civilization once lived.
* ''[[Adventure Quest Worlds (Video Game)|Adventure Quest Worlds]]'' features the Four Creatures of the World for its Chinese New Year seasonal event (Black Tortoise, White Tiger, Red Bird, and Blue Dragon).
* ''[[Adventure Quest Worlds]]'' features the Four Creatures of the World for its Chinese New Year seasonal event (Black Tortoise, White Tiger, Red Bird, and Blue Dragon).
* ''[[Bujingai Swordmaster]]'' has one level set in a temple hidden inside a mountain and dedicated to the four gods. You have to activate the altars of Seiryū, Genbu and Suzaku in order to reach the inner sanctum of Byakko.
* ''[[Bujingai Swordmaster]]'' has one level set in a temple hidden inside a mountain and dedicated to the four gods. You have to activate the altars of Seiryū, Genbu and Suzaku in order to reach the inner sanctum of Byakko.
* The four factions in [[Acclaim (Creator)|Acclaim]]'s ''9Dragons'''s Wu-Tang Clan are named after these.
* The four factions in [[Acclaim]]'s ''9Dragons'''s Wu-Tang Clan are named after these.
* ''[[Sengoku Rance]]'' has the four apostles of Demon Xavier who are named after the four gods: Rengoku/Byakko, Shikibu/Seiryuu, Madou/Genbu, and Gigai/Suzaku.
* ''[[Sengoku Rance]]'' has the four apostles of Demon Xavier who are named after the four gods: Rengoku/Byakko, Shikibu/Seiryuu, Madou/Genbu, and Gigai/Suzaku.
* The bosses of ''Sega Golden Gun'' are historical characters posessing the Four Gods. Zhang Jiao is Genbu and Da Ji is Byakko, but the hosts of the other two gods aren't mentioned by name aside from the untranslated [[Boss Subtitles]].
* The bosses of ''Sega Golden Gun'' are historical characters posessing the Four Gods. Zhang Jiao is Genbu and Da Ji is Byakko, but the hosts of the other two gods aren't mentioned by name aside from the untranslated [[Boss Subtitles]].