The theme is
familiar, and yet those campy kung-fu movies draw viewers back time and again to
witness the action.
Give
Artificial Mind & Movement credit, though, for they captured the essence of the
movies – from the retread storyline to the musical score – and transforming it
to a platformer on the PlayStation Network. Revenge of the Wounded Dragons is
not unique, by any stretch. The story line involves a family trained in kung-fu
who is bullied. The elderly patron of the family is shot, the sister is
kidnapped. That leaves the brothers out to rescue their sibling and avenge the
death of the father. And that is all you need to know about the story.
From that
point on it is a series of levels built in side-scrolling fashion. The
protagonist can pick up items – tossing barrels or bottles or knives, clubbing
with baseball bats or shooting with handguns (though each item has limited uses)
– or can find potions to replenish health. There are even collectibles
throughout the levels to add a bit more to the adventure.
The game
keeps a running score between the levels for leaderboard tracking. The game is
actually broken down into four chapters (six levels per chapter) that are themed
through the use of the environment (the village, forest, red district and
monastery). There are four mini-games and there is also the ability for
two-player action and some player-versus-player game play.
Each of the
levels features a boss battle.
One of the
nicer elements is the comic-style storyboard that reveals the basics of the
story arc. It is nice to look at and adds to the overall style of the game.
Generally speaking, the visual elements are handled very well. The animations
are not innovative but still nice and the overall design sports a lush quality
that pops the game off the screen.
When it
comes to the gameplay mechanics, though, Revenge is very typical of old-style
beat ‘em-up arcade titles. There are the standard jump mechanics, as well as
ducking using the thumbstick. Skills can be combo’d and if an opponent is dazed,
finishing moves are available. And the story mode is available for either a
single player or as a cooperative venture.
For those
with long arcade memories, think back to 1987 and the game Double Dragon and you
will know precisely what you are in for with this PSN downloadable title. The
game, though, comes in at a price of $10, but replayability is a bit sketchy.
Sure, there are scores to beat and achievements to garner (12 in all), but there
is not enough variation with the base game to make a replay that compelling.
Revenge of
the Wounded Dragon is a throw-back game – a tribute to arcade games of old, and
as such it can be fun. It is not compelling enough to spend hours upon hours in,
but for smaller doses, it does provide solid entertainment.
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Gameplay: 6.5
Easy controls to
learn, but not much that is original or innovative.
Graphics: 7.0
The title looks
really good for a platform arcade tribute. The animation is smooth and the
environments are rich in color with nice variations between the chapters.
Sound: 6.5
Cheesy, but
considering the flavor of the game, the musical score and accompanying sounds
are very apropos.
Difficulty: Easy
Concept: 6.0
Yes, it’s been
done countless times before, and while done well here, it is not innovative in
the least.
Multiplayer: 7.0
Cooperative play
is available and while the single-player game is fine, there is more value
gleaned from tag-teaming kung-fu-wannabe minions with a buddy. Ever see a
ping-pong game with a henchman as the ball? You can in this title.
Overall: 6.5
A solid PSN title
with good entertainment value. Don’t expect to be captivated for hours, though.
Revenge of the Wounded Dragon is one of those titles that is fun unless too much
time is spent playing it and then it becomes more tedious and repetitious than
enjoyable. Taken in small doses, the game is entertaining.
