Shaolin vs Wutang
- July 26, 2018
- J.Bowman
- 4h median play time
"Shaolin vs Wutang" is a 1v1 indie fighting game that combines martial arts and hip-hop culture. Players can choose from 16 unique characters, each with their own fighting style and set of moves. The game features a variety of stages, music, and a vinyl record-based health system, providing an immersive experience in the world of martial arts and music.
Reviews
- Captures the essence of classic 70s and 80s kung fu movies with authentic characters and soundtracks.
- Simple and accessible controls that allow for fun gameplay, making it easy for both casual and experienced players to enjoy.
- Developer is responsive to community feedback and continuously updates the game with new content and improvements.
- Some characters feel rigid and animations can be stiff, affecting the overall fluidity of combat.
- Lack of online multiplayer and a story mode limits replayability and depth.
- Input lag and performance issues can detract from the experience, especially on lower-end systems.
- music232 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its authenticity and ability to evoke nostalgia, perfectly capturing the essence of classic 70s and 80s kung fu films. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack as a standout feature, noting its energetic and era-appropriate compositions that enhance the overall gameplay experience. However, some players expressed a desire for more variety and better looping of tracks, as well as concerns about potential licensing issues with the music.
“The music, the fighting styles, the 70's and 80's campiness seeping from literally every pixel in this game... it's all there and all S-tier quality.”
“The soundtrack and levels are honestly a thing of pure beauty and bliss.”
“Best (licensed from movies!) music in any fighting game, past or present - period!”
“On one end I have not seen many kung fu movies, (which I do want to fix) however most of the music aside from maybe 3 tracks are too short and keep looping and are kind of bland and generic. I feel bad because the guy behind the game had to pay fees for the music and it wasn't that appealing.”
“My only issue is music which does not seem to fit. Even if it's licensed music, it does not feel exciting, so I hope the developer adds better music and sound effects!”
“The only other thing that I don't like much is the music.”
- graphics140 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received generally positive feedback, with many praising its unique art style that evokes the feel of classic 70s and 80s kung fu movies. While not on par with AAA titles, the visuals are described as colorful and varied, featuring distinct character designs and beautiful backgrounds. Some users noted performance issues and occasional graphical glitches, but overall, the graphics are considered a significant improvement over previous titles in the genre.
“The art style is just beautiful, incredibly well done, and when looking at the characters (18 in total and more to come) and their specific kung fu styles, I feel like being in one of those kick-♥♥♥ flicks I loved to watch as a kid and now as an adult.”
“The graphics are unexpectedly good and really give the game a fighting feel.”
“The graphics and the background of this game are beautiful.”
“The game stopped working two times when I tried to increase the quality of the graphics the first time I played.”
“Let's be clear, this game is not the greatest game graphically and lacks refinement in input commands.”
“I understand the game is in early access, but so far it is unresponsive; the health bar keeps glitching and the controls are laggy.”
- gameplay110 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Shaolin vs Wutang" is a mixed bag, with many praising its fast-paced combat, solid mechanics, and nostalgic appeal, while others criticize its lack of polish and repetitive nature. Players appreciate the simple yet engaging controls that allow for a balance of offense and defense, though some find the mechanics difficult to master, especially if accustomed to other fighting game styles. Overall, the game offers enjoyable martial arts action, but improvements in mechanics and depth could enhance the experience further.
“Fast, smooth gameplay, good combo system, great blocks, cool that they have weapons.”
“Love the concept, the premise, the design, the music, the gameplay (simplistic, but with enough variety to never feel repetitive and well balanced).”
“The gameplay is great and far outshines any shortcomings this game may have.”
“Good graphics, but bad gameplay.”
“Gameplay however is very bad.”
“Sadly the gameplay gets repetitive soon and I was unable to run the Steam version - got a black screen.”
- story46 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's current story mode is limited, with many players expressing a desire for a more engaging and cinematic experience that includes unique cutscenes for each character. While the arcade mode is available, reviewers are hopeful for future updates that will introduce a comprehensive single-player story mode, enhancing character connections and overall gameplay. Overall, the potential for a richer narrative is recognized, but it remains a significant missing element at this time.
“This guy finished his game and gave us around 30 characters, plus stages, plus a story mode.”
“I feel that a story mode would be a great addition to the game in many ways.”
“Anticipating an epic story mode, more fighters, styles, moves (more variety of moves needed per fighter), and maybe more environmental interaction (which is a hallmark of Jackie Chan movies at least).”
“The story conclusions feel a bit lazy with just an image of your character's previous fight and some text underneath; they could have gone the extra mile to animate a small sequence.”
“The only place where I'm genuinely down about playing this game is the arcade story mode.”
“#1 missing, I think, is a story mode which should build a connection with the characters and their backdrops.”
- optimization16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many users noting significant performance issues and long load times. While some improvements in game balance and performance have been acknowledged, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized, leaving players to question whether the issues stem from the engine or the optimization itself.
“Game balance and performance is a lot better now and doesn't feel as clunky as before.”
“About optimization, all are great.”
“Can use some optimization.”
“Unoptimized performance.”
“However, it seems extremely poorly optimized.”
“So if you can stomach the load times and lacking optimizations, then you're in for a treat.”
- stability16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- -6 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The game exhibits a range of stability issues, including occasional bugs, graphical glitches, and UI problems, particularly in its early access state. While some players find these quirks endearing and reflective of the game's passion for classic martial arts, others report more significant issues like character clipping and erratic AI behavior. Overall, the experience is described as rough around the edges but relatively bug-free for the most part.
“The game has been relatively bug-free, providing a smooth experience overall.”
“The stability of the game is impressive, with minimal issues encountered during gameplay.”
“I appreciate how stable the game feels, allowing me to focus on enjoying the experience.”
“Menu screens can be buggy at times also.”
“Rough around the edges with some visual glitches and unpolished audio with weird voice packs (some characters don't sound like they have their own voice).”
“I noticed graphical glitches very rarely appearing throughout the game (sometimes at random or sometimes when changing the graphics settings). I also noticed character clipping when they were too close to each other, and an imbalanced AI fighting system.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is richly detailed and immersive, evoking the essence of classic 70s and 80s kung fu and Hong Kong action films. Players appreciate the realistic graphics, engaging sound design, and simple controls that enhance the overall experience, making it feel both authentic and enjoyable. The combination of these elements creates a captivating world filled with discovery and nostalgia.
“The sound and graphics drag you deep into the atmospheric world of chop-socky goodness.”
“The music is fun, the game creates a good atmosphere, controls are very simple, and gameplay is good yet simple as well.”
“This all creates the ultimate atmosphere of the old-school kung fu movie from the 70s and 80s!”
“+ Hong Kong action movie atmosphere”
“The stages are sprawling with details and dripping with atmosphere; it's hard to believe Asia was ever this vibrant at any given point in time.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game to be a standout feature, with many laughing uproariously at the martial arts movie themes, particularly when playing as the drunken fist character reminiscent of Jackie Chan. The combination of great graphics, amusing sound effects, and simple yet engaging gameplay contributes to an overall hilariously enjoyable experience.
“The first hour was me laughing like a maniac as the game flooded my senses with martial arts movie themes.”
“The graphics are great, the sound effects and music are hilariously awesome, the gameplay is simple but in a good way.”
“I played as Drunken Fist (Jackie Chan's Drunken Master) and he was just as hilarious as I expected!”
- character development4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a mixed response to character development, with some praising the non-exaggerated character design while others criticize it as lacking depth. Overall, the gameplay is appreciated, but the character design seems to be a point of contention among players.
“I also love the fact that the character design isn't exaggerated.”
“Good gameplay, but bad character design.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's high replayability, noting that its engaging gameplay and extensive customization options contribute significantly to the overall fun and longevity of the experience.
“I have been playing fighting games for 15+ years now, and this game is up there in terms of replayability and the amount of fun that it offers.”
“Gameplay customization adds significant replay value.”
“The variety of gameplay options ensures that I keep coming back for more.”
“The lack of meaningful gameplay customization really hurts the replay value.”
“Without significant gameplay customization options, I find myself losing interest quickly.”
“The game offers little in terms of replayability due to its limited customization features.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players consistently express that this game delivers a unique emotional experience that stands out from others, evoking deep feelings and connections that are unparalleled.
“Emotionally, this game gives me what no other has.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding experience in the game to be highly enjoyable, describing it as one of the most fun they've encountered in recent times.