Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: PlayStation
- Developers: Dreamworks Interactive
- Publishers: Activision
T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger: A Kung Fu Epic on PlayStation
Released in 1999 for the PlayStation, T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger is a beat ’em up game that combines intense martial arts action with a captivating storyline and stunning visuals. Players take on the role of T’ai Fu, the last surviving member of the Tiger clan, on a quest for vengeance against the evil Dragon Master.
Gameplay
T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger is a side-scrolling beat ’em up in the vein of classic arcade games like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage. Players control T’ai Fu as he fights his way through hordes of enemies, using a variety of punches, kicks, and special moves.
One of the unique aspects of T’ai Fu is its Kung Fu style system. As T’ai Fu progresses through the game, he learns new Kung Fu styles from the masters of each animal clan he defeats. These styles give T’ai Fu access to new moves and abilities, allowing him to adapt his fighting style to different situations.
For example, the Leopard style focuses on speed and agility, while the Snake style emphasizes reach and flexibility. The Crane style grants T’ai Fu powerful aerial attacks, and the Dragon style gives him access to devastating fireballs.
Story
The story of T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger is set in an oriental landscape populated by clans of animals, such as Leopards, Snakes, and Cranes. T’ai Fu is the last remaining survivor of the Tiger clan, which was wiped out by the evil Dragon Master.
Driven by a thirst for vengeance, T’ai Fu sets out on a journey to defeat the Dragon Master and avenge his fallen clan. Along the way, he learns about his clouded past and the true nature of his destiny.
Development
T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger was developed by Ubisoft Shanghai, a Chinese video game development studio. The game was directed by Jeffrey Katzenberg, who later went on to become the CEO of DreamWorks Animation.
Katzenberg was inspired to create T’ai Fu after watching a performance of the Peking Opera. He was particularly impressed by the martial arts sequences, and he wanted to create a video game that would capture the same level of excitement and spectacle.
Legacy
T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its innovative Kung Fu style system, its engaging story, and its beautiful visuals.
T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger has been cited as an influence on the DreamWorks Animation film series, Kung Fu Panda. The film’s protagonist, Po, is a panda who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master. Po’s journey to fulfill his destiny bears many similarities to T’ai Fu’s own quest for vengeance and redemption.
Conclusion
T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger is a classic beat ’em up game that offers a unique blend of martial arts action, storytelling, and visual spectacle. The game’s innovative Kung Fu style system allows players to experience the thrill of mastering different martial arts styles, and its engaging story keeps players invested from beginning to end.
Whether you’re a fan of beat ’em up games, Kung Fu movies, or simply great storytelling, T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger is a game that deserves a place in your collection.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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