Hands-On Kung Fu Panda: The Game

by Patrick Steen on May 9, 2008

Are movie games on the up? Though Iron Man’s outing on consoles may be a bit of a miss, The Bourne Conspiracy is promising, as is Kung Fu Panda: The Game.

Unlike Bourne, this game is strongly paired with its filmic counterpart. The same voice talent takes centre stage and the characters retain their humour and wit. Jack Black, Po the Panda, quipped as we made our way through one of the game’s chunky 13 levels, playing off the other characters before entering acrobatic fights.

In fact, there’s quite a bit of chat in Kung Fu Panda. Characters are scattered throughout the level to interact with in purchasing, fact finding and RPG type quests. RPG elements continue to add depth to Po’s moveset, since coins collected can be spent on upgrading your Kung Fu talents. Of course, in our demo we were taught new abilities at every turn, from a powerful ground quake (think belly flop with fists), to an extended block in the form of a bubble surrounding Po.

Despite the initial considerable offering of ninja combos, your in-game store is packed full of new techniques and weapons. Using these moves and implements against the game’s many foes was certainly fun, and children will get a kick out of beating the warthogs and other beasties after enjoying the film.

Nonetheless, Po’s talents did begin to get repetitive, even with fast and slow combos. Moreover, a reliance on his Panda slam against continuous spawning enemies arose. We’ve no doubt that increasing skills and the splattering of platforming enterprises (we curled up and rolled round the level collecting coins like a fat black-and-white Sonic) will be cause for variety. And when your health is increased by consuming bowls of steaming noodles plopped out of downed enemies, who’s to complain?

Kung Fu Panda impresses graphically, especially considering it is but a humble movie game. Po’s hairs are pleasingly shaded, cut-scene animations compliment the voice acting, and the game has that Dream Work’s sheen.

The graphics aren’t quite Ratchet and Clank Future quality, but it’s certainly pleasing to the eye, with plenty of cartoon eye-candy, and a considerable attention to detail. For instance, encountering a river presented us with plenty of rippling and splashing effects to enjoy with our hefty friend, something even Ratchet and Clank doesn’t have (the interactive water, or the fat lead.)

Add co-op and competitive multiplayer to this and June 3rd can’t come soon enough. Try out the demo on the Xbox Live Marketplace, or wait until it eventually reaches the Playstation Store.

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