Gaming Target - Xbox: Kung Fu Chaos

Written by Gavin Wright on January 23, 2003

First Impressions: If they make me listen to that damn Kung Fu Fighting song one more time I'm gonna jab a pencil into my eardrum.

One of the biggest hurdles Microsoft has faced with the Xbox is its lack of exclusive, established franchises. In terms of third-party exclusives, they've managed to court developers like Tecmo (currently working on Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden sequels for the Xbox) and Sega (who has brought us two of their best with Panzer Dragoon and Jet Set Radio). But Microsoft knows that they can't rely solely on third-party support to sell systems, which is why they've invested a lot into first-party software. Microsoft's internal development efforts generated several franchise-caliber titles in time for the Xbox's launch back in late 2001, including games such as Amped, Halo, and Project Gotham Racing, not to mention the horde of Microsoft-produced games set to come out within the next year. Among these is Kung Fu Chaos, a charming, yet relatively unheard-of party brawler in the vein of Fusion Frenzy or Whacked!. Kung Fu Chaos fills the Xbox's obligatory mascot-themed party game slot in which Sonic or Mario would normally reside, featuring frantic, light-hearted action and a selection of over-the-top minigames.

In KFC, you assume the role of a struggling actor that's been chosen to star in a low-budget, 70's-style Kung Fu flick. But there are other actors in this movie, and they aren't content to sit back and let you steal the show. So naturally, you must duke it out with the other performers, all of whom are vying for the most screentime in the film. You'll have to contend with a full cast of nine wacky characters, fully-interactive movie sets, and a crazed director, in an all-out fight for B-movie supremacy.

KFC offers a broad array of gameplay modes, tailoring well to both the single-player and multiplayer gamer. The Ninja Challenge mode comprises the bulk of KFC's single-player game, leading you through 27 unique challenges that gradually increase in difficulty. Miniseries mode gives players a smaller dose of the same action found in Ninja Challenge, instead leading them through a series of just three levels. There's also a Rehearsal mode, which gives players a chance to hone their skills and read up on some of the various combo moves at their disposal. As far as multiplayer games, there's the standard free-for-all Battle mode, allowing up to four players to have it out in the level of their choice. There's also a four-player Freestyle mode, which is the rough equivalent of a multiplayer practice mode. But even more intriguing is the Championship mode, which takes up to four players through a quest similar to the single-player Ninja Challenge, all the while keeping track of the players' stats to determine a true winner at the end.

The game's combat system is instantly accessible, although there's still quite a bit of depth for expert players to uncover. The A button performs basic attacks, and can be used in combination with the D-Pad or the other face buttons to pull off combo attacks. B is used to execute grab moves or to pick up and throw the various objects scattered throughout the sets. The Y button counters standard attacks and grab moves, though it requires Сexpert timing' to be used effectively (cheesy Kung Fu Fighting reference definitely intended). The right trigger blocks oncoming attacks, and the left trigger is used to taunt your opponents. But unlike most fighting games, taunting has a very real purpose in KFC, as it enables you to unleash a room-clearing super attack that takes out everything in its path. In classic sumo style, you only score points in the game by knocking your opponents out of the ring, so you can imagine how empowering it must be to take out all three of your buddies in one fell swoop.

The movie sets themselves play into the game just as much as the combat system. The director, Shao Ting, isn't too worried about the well-being of his actors, so as you fight you'll witness the sets crumble and fall apart around you. Experienced players will learn to keep an eye out for when and how the backgrounds collapse. This allows them to anticipate potential hazards and set up traps using their surroundings to catch unassuming opponents. A similar concept was seen in Super Smash Bros. Melee, although it looks like Kung Fu Chaos will be taking things even further.