Feel the Fu, baby!
Videogames based on movies don't, it's fair to say, have the best reputation. There's nothing more disappointing than enjoying a film at the flicks, getting the game home and finding it's just a bit of a cash-in, devoid of decent gameplay, and failing to capture the silver screen's sense of fun. It's a problem that often gets worse when applied to games based on animated children's films, with simplified gameplay and an overall lack of challenge leading such titles to trade-in bins all too quickly.
Pleasingly, that's not a criticism you could level at Kung Fu Panda, which combines the family-friendly fun of the film with great looks and excellent action-packed gameplay. The result is a title that's both one of the better movie games in a long while, and easily the best non-LEGO kid's game in recent memory.
Following the film
As you'd expect, the Kung Fu Panda game follows the film, placing you in the starring role of wannabe Kung Fu legend Po the Panda, who dreams day and night of becoming the mythical Dragon Warrior. Funnily enough that's exactly what happens over the course of the film, and the game does a good job of charting this story, as well as interspersing extra non-film levels that tie in with the overall plot.
Combines the family-friendly fun of the film with great looks and excellent action-packed gameplay.
Kung Fu Panda is what we like to call a hack-and-slash type title. Like God of War and Devil May Cry, simple combo-based brawling is the order of the day here, with Po paw-and-clawing with both fast and strong attacks, stringing them together with rapid button presses and joining them up with blocks, dodges, jumps and various Chi-powered special moves. These include a belly smash called Panda Quake and a Sonic spindash style attack called the Panda Stumble.
Unlike God of War however, Kung Fu Panda isn't a violent bloodbath, but instead treads the fine line between colourful kid-aimed visuals and chunky, robust-feeling fighting. There's the occasional platforming section plus a few Quick Time Events in there too, and the odd instance where you'll control a different character provides variety.
Fun for kids
It's not the most original game ever devised of course, and experienced gamers will likely breeze through it without breaking a sweat, but for younger players Kung Fu Panda will certainly provide hours of entertainment across its 13 film-inspired levels.
Once they've finished the main story mode, kids will find a fair few reasons to come back to Kung Fu Panda. Collecting coins throughout the singleplayer story unlocks various multiplayer modes, including a Smash Bros. style four-player fighting mode and some great little minigames, like Kung Fu Panda's takes on Yahtzee and Othello.
A great gaming rendition of a fantastic family film, put together with care, attention to detail and intelligent design.
It's a shame there's no online play option, but they're still fun bonuses that give a reason to hold onto Kung Fu Panda long after first finishing the singleplayer story, while three different difficulty settings are available to those who really want to eke every last bit of playability from the game.
It's also worth noting just how great the game looks and sounds. Kung Fu Panda's next-gen versions are verging on movie-quality themselves, with 'awesome' (as Po would say) voice acting by the likes of Jack Black [A god among men! – Ed] and bright, colourful HD visuals. Kung Fu Panda on the less powerful system versions don't look half bad either, for that matter.
A rare effort
It's rare that a developer puts this much effort into a licensed based game of any sorts, let alone one aimed ostensibly at kids, and Kung Fu Panda is an even more impressive package because of it.
Indeed, Kung Fu Panda comes highly recommended for younger fans. It's a great gaming rendition of a fantastic family film, put together with care, attention to detail and intelligent design that will have players wanting to see all it offers. This is one kid's movie tie-in that shouldn't be stocking up store preowned sections any time soon.
GAME's Verdict
- An enjoyable God-of-War style game for kids that's more than just another lazy movie license.
- Looks and sounds practically as good as the movie!
- Unlockables multiplayer modes and minigames provide longevity.
- Not the longest game in the world, even for younger gamers - made up for somewhat with three difficulties and unlockable bonuses.
- Online play for the multiplayer modes would have been nice.
- Not for experienced gamers - they'll breeze through Kung Fu Panda in no time.
Review by: Mark 'Martial Arts Master' Scott
Version Tested: Xbox 360
Review Published: 03.07.08