The Power Review

Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic Review

Overview
Rag Doll Kung Fu is a 2D fast paced combat game developed by Tarsier Studios. The game features single player challenges and 4 player local multiplayer, sadly there is no online available on this game. The game costs $9.99 and it was released on the PlayStation Store on 04/09/09.

Controls
The controls of this game are really simple, you jump with X, punch with Square and kick with Triangle. You can also make special attacks like a lightning ball or a flying kick, these moves are performed with a superb implementation of the motion controls. In addition you can move your character’s arms ala LittleBigPlanet, to do this you need to hold the R2 or L2 buttons and move the analog sticks.  Not really necessary, but a lot of fun to do.

Graphics
The visual quality in this game is great and it reminds me quite a lot to LittleBigPlanet. The game features a variety of levels that have lasting visual appeal. The ragdoll physics are always good for a chuckle, and this joke never seems to get old.  Considering its a 2d party-fighter in the same vein as the Smash Bros series, the graphics blew all of their competitors out of the water.

Gameplay and Story
In Rag Doll Kung Fu you can play 8 different single player challenges where you need to achieve certain objectives, there are 4 different medals attached to every challenge (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Plastic). The difficulty of these challenges is very well balanced; they aren’t frustrating but they require a certain amount of practice to beat them. On the multiplayer portion of the game we can find 4 different modes (Deathmatch, King of the Hill, Dodgeball and Capture the Fish). The most entertaining multiplayer mode is dodgeball:  on this unique mode you throw a ball in flames to the other 3 characters to try to hit them and earn points. The game also features certain unlockables where you can earn clothing to customize your character. You can also find leaderboards for every challenge, here you can compare your score with your friends and with people around the world.  But after all of this, there still seems to be a key feature missing with the lack of online multiplayer.

The Bottom Line
8.0/10
Rag Doll Kung Fu is an incredibly fun and entertaining game that you will find yourself coming back to again and again both by yourself and with friends.  However, the absence of online multiplayer seems to take away from what could have been an incredible title.  But, there’s still room for a future patch!