Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Fighting, Indie
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Digital Tribe
- Publishers: Jae Lee Productions
Kings of Kung Fu: A Nostalgic Trip Down Martial Arts Cinema Lane
Introduction
Prepare to don your gis and tighten your belts, Kung Fu enthusiasts! Kings of Kung Fu (2015) is a retro-inspired beat ’em up that pays homage to the golden age of Kung Fu cinema. Developed by the passionate team at Snoozy Kazoo, this indie gem is a love letter to the classic martial arts flicks of the 1970s and 1980s.
Gameplay: Simple, Addictive, and Accessible
Kings of Kung Fu’s gameplay is a perfect blend of simplicity and depth. Players control one of four unique characters, each with their own distinct fighting style and special abilities. The controls are easy to learn, allowing players of all skill levels to jump in and start dishing out some Kung Fu justice.
The game’s combat is fast-paced and fluid, with a variety of attacks, combos, and special moves at your disposal. Whether you prefer to keep your opponents at bay with long-range strikes or get up close and personal with bone-crushing brawls, Kings of Kung Fu has something to satisfy every Kung Fu craving.
Characters: A Diverse and Charismatic Roster
Kings of Kung Fu features a diverse cast of four playable characters, each with their own unique backstory and fighting style:
- Bruce: The Dragon – A homage to the legendary Bruce Lee, Bruce is a lightning-fast fighter with a mastery of Jeet Kune Do. His signature move is the devastating “Dragon’s Fury.”
- Tiger: The Master – A powerful and agile Shaolin monk, Tiger excels at close-range combat and can unleash a flurry of furious punches and kicks. His special ability, “Tiger’s Roar,” stuns enemies and deals massive damage.
- Crane: The Graceful – A skilled Wing Chun practitioner, Crane is known for her swift and precise attacks. Her “Crane’s Dance” ability allows her to evade enemy attacks with ease and counter with lightning-fast strikes.
- Mantis: The Drunken Master – A master of the drunken fist style, Mantis is unpredictable and chaotic in combat. His special ability, “Drunken Rage,” grants him increased attack speed and damage while intoxicated.
Story: A Classic Tale of Good vs. Evil
Kings of Kung Fu’s story is a classic tale of good versus evil, set in a fictionalized version of 1970s Hong Kong. The evil warlord, Lo Wei, has kidnapped the daughter of a renowned Kung Fu master, and it’s up to our four heroes to rescue her and restore balance to the city.
While the story is fairly straightforward, it’s told with a tongue-in-cheek humor and charm that perfectly captures the spirit of Kung Fu cinema. The game’s dialogue is peppered with cheesy one-liners and over-the-top characters, adding to its nostalgic appeal.
Visuals: Pixel-Perfect Nostalgia
Kings of Kung Fu’s visuals are a love letter to the pixel art of classic arcade games. The game’s environments are vibrant and detailed, with backgrounds that evoke the bustling streets and ancient temples of Hong Kong. The character sprites are equally impressive, capturing the exaggerated movements and iconic poses of Kung Fu movie stars.
The game’s animations are fluid and expressive, bringing the combat to life with stunning clarity. Every punch, kick, and special move is rendered with meticulous detail, making each fight a visual spectacle.
Sound: A Symphony of Kung Fu Cinema
The sound design in Kings of Kung Fu is equally impressive, immersing players in the world of Kung Fu cinema. The game’s soundtrack is a blend of traditional Chinese melodies and modern beats, creating an energetic and authentic atmosphere.
The sound effects are equally well-crafted, with every punch, kick, and bone-breaking impact sounding suitably impactful. The voice acting, while intentionally over-the-top, adds to the game’s charm and humor.
Conclusion
Kings of Kung Fu (2015) is a triumphant celebration of Kung Fu cinema, capturing the essence of the genre with its accessible gameplay, charismatic characters, nostalgic visuals, and immersive sound design. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kung Fu flicks or simply looking for a fun and engaging beat ’em up, Kings of Kung Fu is a must-play experience.
So grab your nunchaku, don your headband, and prepare to unleash your inner Kung Fu master! Kings of Kung Fu awaits, ready to deliver a nostalgic trip down martial arts cinema lane.
Review Score
7.5/10
