I’ve journeyed through countless turn-based RPGs over the years, and I’ll admit, they sometimes blur together in my memory. It’s not that they lack distinction; the same happens with films, eateries, and even acquaintances from time to time. If we truly use just a tenth of our brainpower, I’m certainly not reserving it for remembering every cousin’s offspring.
Yet, “World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle” isn’t destined for that pile. Its gameplay mechanics and vivid visuals promise to linger in my thoughts for a good while. Sorry, uh, Brett’s little one—your name might get bumped from the roster.
In a refreshing twist for a tactical RPG, the game lets you choose your character’s gender and tweak their appearance to your liking.
The character customization choices are extensive, which is great, but that’s not where the unique charm lies. The standout feature is picking your character’s origins, which also dictate your style of kung fu. It’s akin to selecting a class in typical RPGs but feels so much more dignified.
Bodily traits, hairstyles, facial hair, or hats—those are trivial compared to deciding if I evolve from a humble young beggar learning divine kung fu, a snake keeper from Western Xia wielding a T2 staff art, or an abandoned adopted son of a Jin nobleman with a T2 special kung fu. You initially have six options to start with, with more unlocking in a new game plus, setting the stage for multiple playthroughs. A bit more direction early on would be handy; the differences between kung fu styles weren’t immediately clear to me. Still, the game is designed for you to truly master the kung fu you’ve chosen, weapon and all.
Whichever path you choose, you’re thrown into the intrigue of vassal state China in 1151 AD, navigating gang-controlled streets. It’s your decision how to engage with this chaotic world. Will you ally with various sects or dabble in politics? Do you prioritize honor, or are you willing to bend the rules for personal gain?
Your choices don’t just shape the narrative; they also influence which characters want to join your cause. Sparing an enemy may lead them to your side, and this decision ripples into your morality meter, which affects how other possible allies perceive you. With over 100 recruitable characters, you’ll frequently face tough choices. The game practically begs for repeat playthroughs if you aim to experience everything it has to offer.
The essence of the turn-based combat lies in customization. It’s not simply about employing kung fu skills, inventory items, or meditation; it’s about selecting the ideal team (up to five members), developing and honing the right skills (the more you use one, the better you get), and applying the traits you acquire for bonuses. Early on, it becomes clear that forming an effective team trumps the tactical navigation of battlefield grids.
That part, however, lacks clarity. The first dozen hours felt like stumbling in the dark, and even near the end, my team never seemed optimally configured. Relying on auto-battle more than manual control is never a confident stance. Fortunately, the game allows you to resume right before a battle should you lose, and you can save your preferred team lineups to avoid rebuilding each time you decide to switch squads.
“World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle” offers much more than just battling your way across China. Alongside quests and bounties, you can chat with locals to solve puzzles or even assist them in crafting couplets for rewards. This creates a harmonious mix of combat and cultural experiences.
This is all wrapped up in nostalgia-evoking graphics and sound. While the gameplay visuals aren’t as detailed or vibrant as some modern counterparts, the portrait artwork is stellar, enhancing the character modeling. As for the soundtrack, it captures the retro gaming spirit beautifully. Don’t just take my word for it, watch the trailer and savor the soundscapes.
That said, “World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle” isn’t a one-size-fits-all title. Its unconventional approach might not sit well with everyone, particularly given the sparse guidance in both gameplay and narrative arcs.
There were moments where progress seemed stagnant until an unseen event propelled the story forward. I didn’t always fully connect with the main storyline, but there was plenty of fun to be had exploring and tackling smaller missions. Building my team was engaging, even if the ultimate purpose remained elusive.
I mentioned the game’s inclination towards replayability earlier. I’m uncertain about how many are willing to dive back into a new game right away considering the first complete playthrough lasts around 50 hours. Still, even experiencing it once, “World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle” leaves a memorable mark.
