Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior’s Rise Review

Game Reviewed: Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior’s Review

Release Date: September 5th, 2012

Developer: Qooc Soft

Publisher: 7 Sixty, Digital Tribe Games

Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox 360], PlayStation 3

Genre: Action

Rated: T for Teen

Qooc Soft has invaded online platforms this week with Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior’s Rise. 7Sixty, well-known for their upcoming U.S . version of Phantom Breaker, was behind the publishing and have help mold a quite interesting action title,b ut how well is the structure?

It’s hard to hold on to, but Kung Fu Strike does have a story. You play as General Loh on the search for Master Mo seeking revenge, only to later find out there’s more than Loh’s bargained for. Along the way, you are stopped by some very skillful individuals. With them standing in your path there’s only one thing to do, create one.

Kung Fu Strike gameplay is quite fluid. There aren’t any special mechanics used, just a few simplistic ones that consist of strikes, air strikes and deflections. With all the craziness this game has to offer, it’s a kick-ass game that requires some strategic methods and plenty of patience to clear each mission.

The funny part was, I honestly felt that I was laying waste to all 1500 martial artists that flew in my direction at one time, only to receive a consistent D-ranking. Who do you think I am, Bruce Lee? Tony Jaa? Where I am getting at is not only should you win, but win as stated before, strategically to finish with a higher rank.

To ensure you don’t die so fast from the butt kicking that’s yet to come, even if trying to go the easy route, different types of energy will drop as you finish off enemies. At the same time performing attacks and combos you will earn Chi, which will allow you to perform a special move. The game tends to make sure your Chi can perform major damage, while your health is generally increasing on a more miniscule level.

Plenty of special abilities can be added on, between each mission, to increase health or damage. The most helpful ability may be the army that you can call in to assist you.

Graphics are cell shaded and, while not detailed,  balance the gameplay that’s offered. Controls are beyond easy to use, just knowing what to use at the right time becomes the trick. The music blends well into the actions as well as the effects from the punch and kicks to the grunts and moans.

Kung Fu Strike does offer multiplayer, but it only sticks to local. A great game, that probably could’ve had great potential online, left out the capability. It doesn’t sell itself short though as they also allow you to play PvP (player vs. player). However, this is where the complaints will dig deep. The game is pretty challenging as is, and you MUST complete the campaign to simply play one on one local?

Granted, the campaign will aid you with not only learning the ropes, but more importantly with counters. Striking and using Chi won’t always be the effective way to clear missions. It’s Qooc Soft’s smartest move and the  game’s deserved replay value. But to have to beat the campaign to play 1v1, honestly some gamers may cut ties too soon beforehand.

With the lack of online co-op and the locked 1v1, I’d still have to say that this Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior’s Rise is far more interesting than the trailers. Once you play the game and connect with the general concept, you’ll be sucked in for hours.

The Scores

Gameplay: 3.75/5

Visuals: 4.25/5

Audio: 4.25/5

Controls: 4.5/5

Value: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5