The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle is a retro-style tactical RPG set in ancient China. It doesn't take itself too seriously; in fact, it leans into the humor and, in some ways, it reminds me of movies like Drunken Kung Fu Master. I played this game at PAX West, and although my time with the game was too short, it left me wanting more.
The first thing that stood out to me is the pixelated graphics - I’m a huge fan of old-school RPGs, and The World of Kungfu certainly taps into the nostalgia. But it’s not just the graphics; the over-the-top martial arts attacks are also reminiscent of old-school RPGs.
This leads me to my second point of what I love about this game: the game offers various "styles" of kung fu that you can assign to your characters. As you explore, you will encounter different tomes that will teach you a new martial arts style. Some styles might be better suited depending on your characters' abilities. The names are another aspect that adds humor to the game, as some of the style names are silly, but they contribute to the game's charm.
As mentioned, the game is a tactical RPG - and although the game has plenty of silly moments, the battles hold a serious tone. I decided to venture farther through this tunnel than I probably should have, and I encountered a serpent that overpowered me. You can turn on auto-battle, but that diminishes the fun. Success in battle relies on recruiting new characters and leveling them up.
I wish I had more time with The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle at PAX. The game is currently in early access on Steam but doesn't support English. While playing the game at PAX West, I noticed some rough translations with the dialogue that the dev team said they are working through. They have slated its release for next year.
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