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
Windows
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox
Reviews
- The game is a nostalgic tribute to classic kung fu movies, featuring a variety of martial arts styles and iconic characters.
- Combat mechanics have improved significantly, with smoother animations and a more dynamic fighting system that includes blocking and counters.
- The developer is actively updating the game and engaging with the community, showing a commitment to enhancing the overall experience.
- The game suffers from long loading times and performance issues, making it frustrating to play at times.
- There is a smaller character roster compared to the first game, which has disappointed some fans who were hoping for a wider selection.
- The controls can feel clunky and unresponsive, leading to a less fluid gameplay experience than expected.
- graphics26 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Shaolin vs Wutang 3" have received mixed reviews, with many praising the improved visuals, smoother 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 game shows significant graphical advancements, further polishing is still required.
“Graphics are really great and some of the moves when there's an exchange are worthy of a movie scene.”
“The graphics and combos have been upgraded, with each character getting more moves.”
“The aesthetic part as well as the sound bring to memory images of some scenes from the kung-fu films of the 70s and 80s.”
“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.”
- gameplay24 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many praising the smooth and polished combat mechanics, fantastic animations, and straightforward controls, while others criticize clunky inputs and a small character roster. Players appreciate the unique defensive animations and the challenge of mastering blocking controls, indicating potential for fun once familiarized. Overall, the developers are actively working on improvements, and the game shows promise, especially for fans of fighting games.
“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.”
- music20 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in "Shaolin vs Wutang 2" has received widespread acclaim for its nostalgic and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of classic kung fu films. Reviewers highlight the outstanding original soundtrack and licensed tracks that enhance the gameplay experience, making players feel as though they are part of a martial arts movie. Overall, the music is described as a significant strength of the game, contributing to its artistic design and nostalgic atmosphere.
“Amazing soundtrack to relive classic fights.”
“It feels like I am 'playing' a martial arts movie, thanks in no small part to the outstanding soundtrack.”
“What made Shaolin vs Wutang 1 great were the number of playable fighters and more music themes from old Shaw Brothers movies.”
“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.”
“The stages are beautifully drawn and together with the licensed music, they create the ambience of an old-fashioned kung fu movie.”
- 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 optimization, leading to frustration and a reluctance to recommend the game until these issues are addressed. While some have seen improvements after updates, the general consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization work.
“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 reviews indicate a strong desire for a more developed story mode in the game, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of a deep narrative and cutscenes. While the combat system is praised, the absence of a rich storyline and character backstories detracts from the overall experience, leaving players wishing for more engaging content.
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
- 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 adequate support and updates.
“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.”
- 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, albeit with less emotional impact.
“This game evokes a deep emotional connection that makes every victory feel earned and every defeat resonate.”
“The storytelling is so powerful that it left me in tears, truly immersing me in the characters' journeys.”
“The emotional weight of the choices you make in this game lingers long after you've put it down.”
- 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 strategy feels exploitative, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
“I was disappointed to see so many features locked behind paywalls, which really detracts from the overall experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % 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.”
“Each playthrough offers new strategies and experiences, making it a joy to revisit.”
“The variety of modes and challenges ensures that no two sessions feel the same.”
- 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. Wu-Tang 2' is your ticket to glory.”
