Shaolin vs Wutang 2
- June 14, 2023
- J.Bowman
- 1h median play time
Get on Steam"Shaolin vs Wutang 2" is a casual indie combat game inspired by 70's and 80's Kung Fu cinema, with hand-to-hand and weapon combat, authentic fighting sounds, and a licensed soundtrack. The sequel offers three times the moves of the first game and continues the developer's mission to create a nostalgic tribute to classic martial arts films. With a focus on satisfying gameplay, the game aims to deliver an authentic Kung Fu experience for players.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox
Reviews
- The game is a nostalgic tribute to classic martial arts films, featuring a diverse roster of characters and fighting styles that fans will appreciate.
- Improvements in graphics, animations, and combat mechanics make the gameplay feel smoother and more engaging compared to its predecessor.
- The developer is actively updating the game and responding to community feedback, showing a commitment to enhancing the player experience.
- The game suffers from long loading times and performance issues, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Some players have reported bugs and control issues, including unresponsive inputs and crashes, particularly on certain hardware configurations.
- The character roster is smaller than the first game, leading to disappointment among fans who expected a wider selection of martial arts icons.
- graphics28 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the clean and detailed visuals, improved animations, and nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of classic kung-fu films. However, some users noted that character models still need enhancement to compete with top-tier fighting games, and there are concerns about optimization and performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, while the graphics show significant improvement from previous iterations, there is still room for further refinement.
“Graphics are amazing, very clean and detailed.”
“The graphics and game play are smooth and easy to learn.”
“The art style for this game is beautiful, and I love how the characters closely resemble the legendary martial artists they're meant to represent.”
“The characters need to be graphically better to be on MKX, Tekken 7, Soul Calibur level.”
“As of now, there are no graphics settings, so I can't even tweak to try to get better performance. Not that this game should be that demanding; it seems to be just poorly optimized for SD.”
“For how underwhelming the game is graphically, it should not be running as poorly as it does.”
- gameplay25 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its smooth and polished combat mechanics, impressive animations, and straightforward controls, making it accessible and enjoyable for players. However, some users note issues with clunky inputs, a limited character roster, and blurred visuals on PC, suggesting that further improvements are needed. Overall, while the game shows promise and has seen significant updates, mastering certain mechanics like blocking can enhance the fun and challenge of the experience.
“The game has smoother and polished combat mechanics, the fighting animations look amazing, and the weapon button is the icing on the cake.”
“The mechanics are quite straightforward; I love the simplicity of the inputs and how enemies block in different ways instead of just having one standard block animation.”
“Anyone who values excellent fighting games will find solid gameplay mechanics that are easy to pick up, and this is only early access too, so it's still being worked on!”
“The only problem I have with it is the small roster and the really blurred gameplay I get using the PC.”
“If the fighting gameplay, like getting hit and grappling, would be smooth and flawless, it truly would be a dream come true.”
“The gameplay needs improvement.”
- music22 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been widely praised for its authentic 1970s Hong Kong cinema vibe, effectively immersing players in a nostalgic martial arts experience. Reviewers highlight the outstanding licensed soundtrack and original compositions that enhance the gameplay, making it feel like players are part of a classic kung fu film. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.
“The licensed soundtrack is so spot-on, you'll be forgiven for momentarily believing you've been transported to a 1970s Hong Kong cinema, complete with sticky floors and the smell of cheap Chinese cigarettes.”
“It feels like I am 'playing' a martial arts movie, thanks in no small part to the outstanding soundtrack.”
“Another strong point of this game is the soundtrack, simply astonishing as I play through the stages I felt the warrior spirit conveyed through the OST.”
“Great game but the developer needs to add more fighters and songs selling them as DLC.”
“What made Shaolin vs Wutang 1 great were the number of playable fighters and more music themes from old Shaw Brothers movies.”
“The soundtrack to the first installment was more familiar to me in kung fu flicks.”
- optimization9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with users reporting sluggish performance even on capable hardware like the GTX 3070, and a lack of graphics settings to adjust for better performance. Many players have noted significant input lag and poor overall responsiveness, leading to frustration and a general recommendation against the game until these issues are addressed. While some improvements have been observed in recent updates, the game's optimization remains a major concern for the community.
“I would love to have it optimized for 21:9 aspect ratio screens, but that's the only thing.”
“I have seen tremendous performance improvements since the last update.”
“As of now, there are no graphics settings, so I can't even tweak to try to get better performance. Not that this game should be that demanding; it seems to be just poorly optimized for standard definition.”
“Due to how poorly optimized this game is, and the reluctance from the developer to acknowledge it and work on resolutions, I cannot recommend the game currently.”
“When even the menu inputs are delayed, the issue goes far beyond user system issues; when I can play games that are vastly superior to this in terms of graphics without performance issues, yet the menu inputs lag here, it is an issue with the game.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is criticized for lacking depth and a dedicated story mode, with players expressing a desire for more narrative content and character development. While the diverse backstories of the characters are appreciated, many feel that the absence of a cohesive storyline detracts from the overall experience. Overall, there is a strong call for enhancements in storytelling to match the game's potential.
“Great job! I wish there was more story-rich content in the game based on movies, and I wish you could unlock some more skills!”
“My only gripe is that there is no real story mode (which I'd imagine cutscenes and the like being too costly), and that as many fighters tend to be portraying some of their famous characters, it would be a nice touch if there were different costumes to represent different versions.”
“Imagine, if you will, stepping into the shoes—or, more accurately, the bare, calloused feet—of 20 inspired characters, each with a backstory probably worth a B-movie script.”
“Needs a deep storyline like most fighting games.”
“My only gripe is that there is no real story mode (which I'd imagine cut scenes and the like being too costly) and that as the many fighters tend to be portraying some of their famous characters, it would be a nice touch if there were different costumes to represent different versions.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is notably problematic, with frequent freezes after the first round and various glitches that disrupt gameplay. Users have reported persistent issues with buggy menu buttons, indicating a lack of polish, likely due to limited development resources.
“The game freezes after the first round and can't load the second.”
“There are sadly some glitches here and there that can be a nuisance, but then again, there is only one person working on this.”
“Menu buttons are still very buggy in 2021.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Shaolin vs Wutang 2" is highlighted as a blend of nostalgia and playful violence, offering players a lighthearted experience that allows for virtual combat without real-world consequences.
“In conclusion, if you're looking for a game that combines humor, nostalgia, and the chance to virtually punch things without breaking your real-life furniture, 'Shaolin vs Wutang 2' is your ticket to glory.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while the previous game evoked strong emotions despite its flaws, the current game is recognized as a competent fighting game that delivers a satisfying experience, though it may lack the same emotional impact.
“This game evokes a deep emotional response, making every victory feel earned and every defeat resonate.”
“The storytelling is so powerful that it left me in tears, connecting me to the characters in a way I never expected.”
“The emotional depth of the characters and their journeys truly enhances the overall experience, making it unforgettable.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of the second entry is perceived as a cash grab, with reviewers feeling it lacks substantial improvements or innovations over the first game, raising concerns about its necessity.
“This second entry seemed like a cash grab and had no reason to be made; it doesn't build much off the first game.”
“The monetization tactics are aggressive and detract from the overall experience.”
“I feel like I'm being pushed to spend money at every turn, which ruins the enjoyment of the game.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers strong replayability due to its accessible gameplay and the presence of 16 unique characters, providing players with ample opportunities to explore different strategies and master the game over time.
“The game is easy to get into but will take some time to master, and with 16 characters, there's enough replay value to keep you engaged for quite a while.”
“The game is easy to get into but will take some time to master, and with 16 characters, there's enough replay value to keep you going for quite a while.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to return, as the side quests feel repetitive and uninspired.”
“While the game offers multiple endings, the lack of meaningful choices makes replaying feel more like a chore than an adventure.”
