Published: Monday, 7th July, 2008 12:00
Kung Fu Panda
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It's a sad fact of life that most computer games based on films are, well a bit rubbish really. They tend to be fast-coded tie-ins aimed at getting some extra cash out of the parents of youngsters who fall in love with a particular character - after all who needs decent gameplay when you've got such an undiscerning market? With this in mind, I opened Kung Fu Panda with some trepidation. And that was even before I realised it starred the vocal talents of Jack Black who, for my money, is one of the most irritating actors working today.
Actually it's probably the most fun movie tie-in I've ever played - which admittedly is like saying 'my favourite dentist', although actually that doesn't give it enough credit. It's charming, funny, eminently playable and will keep little (and big) kids happy for a good few hours.
The premise focuses around Po, a panda with a yearning to be a Kung Fu master. When a tournament in the next village is announced he makes the journey to watch it, but when he gets there too late to get in he makes a firework powered chair (stick with me) and rockets over the wall to get in. He crashlands directly in front of Grand Master (and tortoise) Oogway as he leans out to crown the fighter he believes is the next 'Dragon Warrior', meaning - to the surprise of the bona fide fighters he's just landed in front of - Po has become the chosen one. And so our portly panda has to start learning the way of the Fu, which is where we come in.
A traditional platform game with a fair amount of button mashing in the fighting, you can use your usual light and heavy attacks along with some special attacks - assuming you have enough Chi as collected from your fallen enemies. You can also collect coins which can be spent on upgrading your character's health and Chi bars, as well as buy new combos making it the closest you'll get to an RPG with a panda as your lead. Mainly you play as Po, but occasionally you'll need help from some of his friends to complete levels.
The multiplayer is fun and has lots of unlockables and mini objectives which will keep you amused - and desperate for the 360 achievement points - for ages.
The animation, voice acting and cut scenes are all great and by the end of it if you haven't seen the film you'll be dragging anyone you can find to go with you down to the multiplex to see Kung Fu panda.
Four stars.
* Kung Fu Panda is out now on XBox 360, PS3, PS2, PCDVD, Nintendo DS, Wii
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