The Best Kung Fu Games

Key Takeaways

Video games draw from Hong Kong and Kung fu movies for diverse martial arts styles in combat.
Games like
Shenmue
and
Jet Li’s Rise To Honor
offer immersive Kung fu combat experiences.
Sifu
presents a challenging Roguelike experience with a unique aging system for mastering Kung fu skills.

As a seasoned gamer and martial arts enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself in some truly exceptional games that pay homage to the rich legacy of Eastern cinema, particularly those featuring the art of Kung Fu. Let me tell you, these three titles are absolute jewels for anyone who appreciates both gaming and the magic of martial arts films!

Many combat games have been influenced by Hong Kong and martial arts films, often referred to as Kung Fu movies. These movies serve as a foundation for creating the fantasy of engaging in battles against adversaries, utilizing diverse fighting techniques inspired by various Kung Fu styles. Video games provide an excellent medium for this recreation, whether it’s in one-on-one fighting scenarios or action role-playing games (RPGs).

Just as movies showcase various martial arts styles, these games offer a swift and seamless approach to fighting, often inspired by diverse forms of Kung Fu such as Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kun Do or Jet Li’s Wushu. Here is a list of some top-notch games that effectively incorporate Kung fu moves into their combat systems.

8 Shenmue (Series)

A Sprawling Action Adventure With Multiple Martial Arts Style

Shenmue represents a timeless action-adventure game initially launched on Sega Dreamcast, standing out in its era with features like exploration, interactivity, and social simulation. Fundamentally, though, Shenmue tells the classic tale of revenge through martial arts, as the main character Ryo’s father meets an untimely end at the hands of Lan Di, a skilled Kung fu master, over a relic known as the Dragon Mirror.

In Shenmue 2, Ryo’s thirst for revenge propels him forward, but facing the formidable Lan Di requires more than just his Karate abilities. As he journeys, he meets martial artists who instruct him in various disciplines like Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and others. His arsenal of techniques broadens significantly when he reaches Hong Kong.

7 Judgment & Lost Judgment

Detective Thrillers Set In The Yakuza Universe

In simpler terms, “Judgment” and its successor “Lost Judgment” are spin-offs from the “Yakuza/Like A Dragon” series, taking place within the city of Kamurocho. These games follow the story of Takayuki Yagami, a principled yet tough private investigator, who finds himself entangled in intricate murder mysteries and complex conspiracies that intertwine with the Yakuza and corruption.

In comparison to the Yakuza games, the fight sequences in this game share similarities but feature a unique twist. The protagonist, Yagami, employs a martial arts style reminiscent of Kung Fu, incorporating Crane, Snake, and Tiger stances, while abstaining from weapons such as knives, swords, or firearms. Contrasting the fighting styles in the Yakuza series, which are rooted in Karate, this one is faster, more agile, and acrobatic. Although Yagami mastered these techniques under his father’s tutelage, he coined the term “Kamurocho style” for it, having perfected it on the streets. However, Yagami’s moves bear a striking resemblance to those in Kung Fu, including the flying cross kick, rush attacks inspired by Wing Chun, and more.

6 Absolver

A Complex Fighter That Combines Martial Arts Styles

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Developer: Sloclap
Released: 2017

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “In the world of gaming, I’ve come across Absolver, an action-adventure title that takes combat to a whole new level. This game lets you blend various martial arts styles inspired by Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, creating your unique fighting system. It’s not for the faint of heart as it requires some effort to master, but once you get the hang of it, the gameplay is incredibly satisfying.

As a gamer, I craft my character using predefined roles with battle decks to tailor a fighting style that suits me perfectly. The challenge is reminiscent of a Soulslike game, complete with an eerie universe, but Absolver boasts its unique essence. What sets Absolver apart is the replay value derived from player-versus-player combat. Here, distinct styles mold each encounter, and mastery of skills usually decides the outcome.

5 Jackie Chan Stuntmaster

A Comedy Beat-Em-Up/Platformer Hybrid

Platform: PS1
Developer: Radical Entertainment
Released: 2000

Jackie Chan’s game, primarily categorized as a “Beat ’em Up,” also features platforming levels to highlight the death-defying stunts that the renowned martial artist is famous for in his films. Known for his roles in Hong Kong movies such as “Police Story” and “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow,” as well as Hollywood blockbusters like “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai Noon,” Jackie Chan is a legendary kung fu star.

In this game, just like in the famous animated series “Jackie Chan’s Adventures,” the atmosphere is similar, but it offers thrilling platforming challenges and fight scenes inspired by Jackie’s films. Although the character models might seem a bit primitive compared to today’s standards, the combat sequences and animations still leave an impression. The fighting feels fast and enjoyable, with Jackie Chan personally contributing to both the motion capture and voice acting for the game.

4 Jet Li’s Rise To Honor

Fluid Directional Combat Mo-Capped By Jet Li

Platform: PS2
Developer: Foster City Studio
Released: 2004

The game titled “Jet Li’s Rise to Honor” is a solitary action game where the renowned martial arts expert, Jet Li, takes center stage. His authentic Wushu skills and movements were captured using motion capture technology, also capturing his likeness, offering players an engaging experience similar to being part of one of Li’s Hong Kong Kung Fu movies.

In this game, players don’t press face buttons; instead, they control Jet Li’s moves using the right joystick, allowing them to execute actions in any direction. This intuitive fighting system offers a smooth experience and creates a genuinely three-dimensional atmosphere. Although it was released some time ago, Rise to Honor is an action game set in a cinematic world that becomes increasingly difficult as the story unfolds. Martial arts enthusiasts will appreciate the nods to Jet Li’s Hong Kong and Hollywood films, such as Cradle to the Grave and Once Upon a Time in China.

3 Jade Empire

An RPG Epic From BioWare

The video game titled “Jade Empire” is an action RPG developed by BioWare, renowned for producing “Knights of the Old Republic” and “Mass Effect”. This game employs a combat system based on actions, offering six pre-defined character classes for players to choose from. Notably, the voice talents of Nathan Fillion from “Firefly” and John Cleese from “Monty Python” are featured in this game.

In a fashion common with BioWare role-playing games, you’ll encounter moral decisions for your character that influence how non-player characters respond and shape the game’s narrative. Unlike earlier BioWare titles, the combat in Jade Empire is real-time, mirroring the fast-paced action of martial arts films, which it was inspired by. This game is set in a fantasy world influenced by Chinese mythology, and it offers various fighting styles such as hand-to-hand, weapons, and magic, all based on kung fu.

2 Sifu

A Challenging Roguelike And A Tribute To Martial Arts Cinema

Featuring a swift and seamless martial arts combat style, this game, called “Sifu,” offers a demanding blend of Roguelike and Beat ’em Up genres. Though it’s quite challenging, repeated play enhances the gaming experience, regardless of unlockable skills. Achieving mastery over Sifu’s systems provides players with an unparalleled feeling of accomplishment that few other games can replicate.

In the distinctive gameplay of Sifu, the protagonist experiences a peculiar revival system; each time they perish, they reawaken a few years older, given another opportunity to avenge their father’s demise. This aging process, however, presents a dual challenge: on one hand, it grants the protagonist access to advanced martial arts techniques and increased damage output, but on the other, it also makes them more susceptible as they age. Fortunately, players can utilize earned experience points to secure their preferred skills without losing them permanently upon death. Additionally, there’s a Metroidvania-style level design that allows players to create shortcuts, making it less daunting to reach end-level bosses and bypass the hordes of adversaries obstructing their path.

1 Sleeping Dogs

The Ultimate Open World Kung Fu Experience

The game titled “Sleeping Dogs” serves as an open-world action adventure and a spiritual sequel to the “True Crime” series. Compared to its predecessor, it boasts a more engaging storyline, captivating characters, and an exceptional Kung Fu combat system. The combat mechanism resembles that of the “Batman Arkham” series but is noticeably more violent, featuring gruesome environmental attacks that are both visually appealing and satisfying to execute.

In this game, players take on the character of Wei Shen, a San Francisco police officer who delves deep into the Triads by disguising himself as one of their members. Wei predominantly practices Wing Chun martial arts, but he also has the ability to learn and blend various styles such as Jeet Kun Do. A nod is given to the iconic martial arts movie, “Enter the Dragon,” starring Bruce Lee, with a tournament on a secluded island mirroring the one in the film. Additionally, there are acknowledgements to “Rumble in the Bronx,” “Ong Bak,” “Game of Death,” “Fist of Fury,” and numerous others.

2024-10-27 07:24