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As expected, DreamWorks Animation’s latest film, Kung Fu Panda, is getting a videogame adaptation from Activision. We recently had the chance to play through the first few levels of Activision’s Kung Fu Panda, an action-platformer based on Dreamworks Animation’s latest film. The game skews a bit to the younger crowd, but from what we’ve played so far, Kung Fu Panda looks like it’ll be a big hit with both younger platforming game fans and fans of the movie.
In the game, you play as the titular kung fu panda in training, Po. Po wants to be a great fighter and fix the world’s evils, but he needs to make a trip to China before he can fully master his skills. Throughout the game, you’ll be able to train Po and make him the great fighter he wants to be. Combat plays a key role in the game and works well, even if it’s a bit simple. You’ll have access to the standard strong and weak attacks, as well as special movies like Iron Belly and Panda Stumble (the ability to roll into enemies). In a nice twist, you can upgrade the special moves to make them stronger or be able to use them more often.
In addition to playing as Po, you’ll also be able to play as other characters from the movie. They have some unique moves and styles (some are stronger or faster) but control more or less the same. At times, you’ll even join the other characters to take on some bosses, which use timed button presses, a la God of War. It makes for a good looking (if a bit easy) fight. Further, Kung Fu Panda will include a multiplayer mode, with staples like a brawling mode.
Visually, Kung Fu Panda impresses. The team at Luxoflux has done a great job capturing the visual style of the movie, with great character models and animation, as well as good-looking environments. Po, in particular, looks great as he kicks around, or smashes into things. Part of his appeal is that he’s a bit clumsy, something that comes across well in the visuals. The game’s audio is also impressive. Po is voiced by a Jack Black soundalike, although the actor does a remarkable job of sounding like the real deal. The soundtrack looks like it’s pulled right from the movie, and if it’s not, sounds like a natural fit.
Kung Fu Panda is shaping up to be a great licensed platformer. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it looks like it will be a perfect complement to the movie. It’s straightforward enough for kids to get into it, but with enough depth to keep older gamers interested too. Kung Fu Panda be released for Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS and PC on June 3rd. We should have a review published shortly thereafter. The movie will be in theaters on June 6th. -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- May 20, 2008
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