Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance
- Developers: Vicarious Visions
- Publishers: Universal Interactive Studios, VU Games
Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend (2003): A Martial Arts Masterpiece
Introduction
Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend is an action-adventure game released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. Developed by Vivendi Universal Games and based on the life and legacy of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, the game follows the story of Hai Feng, a young man who seeks to avenge his father’s death by mastering the art of kung fu.
Gameplay
Return of the Legend is a third-person action game that emphasizes fast-paced combat and environmental interaction. Players control Hai Feng as he travels across the globe, visiting iconic locations such as the Great Wall of China and the Coliseum in Rome. Along the way, he encounters a variety of enemies, from street thugs to skilled martial artists.
The game’s combat system is deep and engaging, with a wide range of attacks and combos that can be chained together. Hai Feng can use his fists, feet, and a variety of weapons, including nunchaku and sais. He can also use the environment to his advantage, such as by scaling walls to evade enemies or using objects as weapons.
In addition to the main story mode, Return of the Legend also features a variety of bonus modes and challenges. These include a survival mode, a time attack mode, and a boss rush mode. There is also a comprehensive training mode where players can practice their skills and learn new combos.
Story
The story of Return of the Legend is loosely based on the life of Bruce Lee. Hai Feng is a young man who witnesses the murder of his father by a ruthless gang. Swearing revenge, Hai Feng sets out on a journey to learn the art of kung fu and track down his father’s killers.
Along the way, Hai Feng meets a variety of mentors and allies who help him on his quest. He also learns about the true meaning of martial arts and the importance of using his skills for good.
The story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The voice acting is excellent, and the characters are well-developed and believable.
Graphics and Sound
Return of the Legend is a visually stunning game for its time. The character models are detailed and expressive, and the environments are lush and atmospheric. The game also features some impressive special effects, such as slow-motion sequences and dynamic lighting.
The sound design is also top-notch. The music is a mix of traditional Chinese melodies and modern electronic beats, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.
Reception
Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its engaging combat, stunning visuals, and compelling story. It was also a financial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
The game has been praised by many as one of the best martial arts games ever made. It is a faithful adaptation of Bruce Lee’s legacy, and it offers a fun and challenging experience for players of all skill levels.
Legacy
Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend is still considered one of the best martial arts games ever made. It has been praised for its innovative combat system, stunning visuals, and compelling story. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize martial arts video games.
Return of the Legend has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It has been cited as an inspiration for many other martial arts games, such as the Yakuza series and the Sifu. The game has also been featured in numerous retrospectives and top-ten lists.
Conclusion
Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend is a classic martial arts game that still holds up today. It is a faithful adaptation of Bruce Lee’s legacy, and it offers a fun and challenging experience for players of all skill levels. If you are a fan of martial arts games, or if you are simply looking for a great action-adventure game, then I highly recommend checking out Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
