PSN Review – Rag Doll Kung Fu
One of the most anticipated PSN games from last year’s E3, Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic, has finally hit the PlayStation Store. With all the hype surrounding this game can it possibly deliver, or will it get smacked in the face?
The controls for Rag Doll Kung Fu are pretty basic. Each fighter also has the ability to use powers throughout the match. Your fighter will gain the ability to use powers by either recieving, or dishing out damage. These powers can be used in a couple of ways. You can heal your character by flipping the controller upside down. If you shake the controller, you will conjure up a ball of lightning that can be thrown at your enemy. Also, shaking the controller while punching will allow you to do a super punch. And trust me, all of these tactics must be used in order to succeed in each fight.
There is a small single player section to this game that contains challenges to complete. Each challenge requires that you do a specific task until time runs out or you are defeated. You will score points throughout each round, and the points you earn unlock different articles of clothing to use in creating your own character.
Most of these challenges are pretty basic, such as killing as many enemies as possible within the time limit, while others are fairly difficult, such as hitting an enemy in the air as many times as possible before they hit the ground. Although there are eight challenges to choose from, they’re fairly boring and really pale in comparison to the multiplayer aspect, which is where the game really shines.
There are eight different levels, and the fighting style is very similar to Super Smash Brothers. You and up to three local friends will punch, kick and throw each other in an attempt to earn the most points at the end of each round. You gain points by killing your opponents (don’t worry; you can respawn), and the gameplay can be quite hectic at times. But it’s also a lot of fun.
There are plenty of objects that fall into the fighting area that can help aide you in battle. Glass jars and boxes can not only be thrown at your enemies, but when broken contain life and weapons. Again, another Smash Bros. similarity. There will also be the occasional bow, staff, or nunchuck that will also fall into the battlefield. When picked up, these weapons can be used by moving the right analogue stick, delivering a massive amount of damage.
Besides the traditional deathmatch, there are also three other game modes. Dodgeball is like deathmatch, but there will be a glowing ball that, when thrown at someone, can kill them instantly. But watch out, because if it hits you on the rebound it will kill your character as well. Capture the Fish is similar to capture the flag. A fish will fall out of the sky, and you will have to grab it and get it into a bowl by any means necessary, whether you throw it or carry it there. This is one of the more entertaining matches, and can be a blast when playing with a few friends.
The last game type is King of the Hill, and plays exactly like you would expect it to. A platform will be designated for you to reach, and it is your goal (no, destiny) to be the only one standing there. Once alone on the platform, you will start racking up points, and by using the R1 and L1 with the analogue sticks (similar to [shal]LittleBigPlanet[/shal]) you will wave your arms and gain points twice as fast.
There is also a nice customizable feature where you can create your own character. Most of these objects will have to be won in the single player challenges, but occasionally you can also unlock them in multi-player. The graphics for this game are pretty good. It nails all the textures vary well and really gives you the feeling that your controlling an action figure. The sound also is spot on and although it only really has one song and is quite an addicting one.
The only real downside to this game is the lack of online multi-player. The enemy AI in the game is quite good and can be quite difficult, it still doesn’t compare to being able to taunt your friends online. This one point really puts a huge negative mark against this game for me since online multiplayer is such a necessity. Most people simply won’t have the luxury of constantly having friends over, or having family members participate.
Overall, Rag Doll King Fu is a blast to play when you have some friends around. It is very simple to learn, and can provide hours of fun. It really depends on whether you have enough people to play the game with you. But if you prefer to strictly play online, it’s probably best to avoid this title.
PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
A blast to play with friends and family. Lack of online multiplayer is disappointing, but the strong A.I. makes up for it. |  |
22 Responses to “PSN Review – Rag Doll Kung Fu”
“Worst game on the PSN by far.”
What the hell?
I paid for mine so that may influence my feelings, but this is not a good game. 2/5 in my opinion, and that’s being generous.
I agree with Mitch. I got this during the free week, and was looking forward to it. I would also call 2/5 generous, and it’s only due to trophies. Other than that and the fact that it was free, and it’s getting a 0.5/5 from me.
Anyone care to explain why they feel its the worst game. I got it during the free week and I do find it fun to play with people. Great game……No. Worst game on the PSN……..No. Adam took the time to explain why he liked the game. I think that most of the nay sayers should take the time to explain, not as lengthly as Adam’s review, why they don’t like the game. Was it controls, graphics, gameplay, etc? That’s a lot more informative then just saying the game sucks. Why does it suck?
It was a cool game 7/10 or 8/10 for me. I am not giving it 10/10 because I don’t now how to play it, so I can’t get everything. Oh and I think it’s quite stupid for people to complain about free stuff. Anyway I wouldn’t mind paying 10$ for this
@DRDC1
What’s your mailing address? I’m going to send you a FREE piece of feces in a box. I know, since you find it stupid to complain about free things, that you will enjoy the gift. LOL
@The Hater – Agree 100% dude, this game sucks balls. Whoever writes these reviews needs a good reality check, a 4/5 for a review? Are you on crack?
if that feces is a fun to play with friends smash bros type game, that can be played with up to 4 friends offline, with feces customization and a ton of events to play, then mail it to me too.
BloodHound1512 > Sneeches
its sad u guys dont read the reviews and just look at scores.
o and madgreek, only mail this feces to me if it turns out to be a video game that only costs $10, where you get enough bang for your buck. LOL
Im guessing the whole problem here is that we have a nice review that explains why its giving out a generous score to a nice game, but then a boatload of dudes jump in claiming its crap, and cant explain why they believe so.. LOL
I still havent read a single reason as to why this game can be compared to shit in a box, and said it sucks balls.. LOL!
Pretty fun game, and probably as close to Smash Bros. as we’ll get on the PS3. I really wish they had online multiplayer though; that would’ve been killer.
@ John Draisley
it owuldve been better if they decided not to go with a complete set of Doll type characters, sure its the games main image, but maybe if they wouldve had some characters that were a bit more realistic, it mightve lead to some Playstaion characters DLC. that wouldve been great.
True. I would’ve liked to beat up on Lara Croft for a few rounds. But even with that, I’m sure they could still make characters from other games. I mean it worked for LBP.
@Anthony Sev and the MadGreek
LMFAO! wow that made my morning…
lol
The only bad part about this game is it doesn’t have online multiplayer. Besides that this game is a lot of fun.
this game rocks, anyone who cries about it being terrible is just whining cause they cant figure out the moves, I beat this game too fast and had wished for online mulitplayer (qore claimed it would be online) but I still think it was a bad ass downloadable game. One of my favorites, if you play alone you probably complain about this game, if you played with 3 of your friends you had more fun than you could imagine with this game.
Agree, the game blows.
the game was so-so at best.
It was mildly entertaining so yeah a 3 outta 5 for me.
horrible game with pathetic controls.
@KnaveX
You have humbled me, and made me laugh at the same time, good sir. I grovel at your witty logic. LOL Anyway, I guess my problem with the game is when I compare it to other games that I have from PSN: namely, PJ Eden, PJ Monsters, Super Stardust, HV Bowling and Savage Moon. I prefer all those games to Rag Doll Kung Fu, and part of it may be that I don’t have friends coming over to play it in a party setting. In any event, I don’t think there is a lot of replay value here on single player, nor do I find it to be fun. Therefore, my rating stands. $10.00? 0.5/5 Free? 2/5
for the trophies its worth it.