Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that players don't necessarily have to have seen the movie to appreciate the game. Although the game focuses on fighting (thus earning it an E 10+ rating) and emphasizes the idea of fighting as a way to prove yourself, the player is always presented as the "good guy," whether it's saving bunnies and turtles from harassment from gang members, or defending a temple from robbers. When an enemy is vanquished, their bodies disappear in little wisps of smoke.
Families can explore the history of kung fu and its various forms, some of which were vaguely referenced in the game (such as Tiger, Monkey, and Crane). After playing the game, do kids think it might be fun or useful to learn a martial art?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Erin Bell
KUNG FU PANDA is a video game based on the animated movie of the same name where Po the panda, a lowly waiter in his dad's noodle restaurant, dreams of being a kung fu master like his heroes, the Furious Five. When an unlikely series of events finds Po named the next Dragon Warrior, he must hone his kung fu skills to not only prove that he is worthy of the honor, but to defeat the evil Tai Lung, who wants the title for himself.
Given the film's kung fu theme, the game has a decent excuse for featuring combat so prominently in the gameplay. Po is pitted against wave after wave of bad guys from different gangs (like the boars, crocodiles, and so on). The panda has a number of kicks, punches, and special moves at his disposal, and players also occasionally get to step into the shoes of the Furious Five characters to take advantage of special abilities like Master Crane's ability to fly. The game generally tackles fighting with an over-the-top, humorous approach that frequently pokes fun at Po's lazy attitude and less-than-athletic physique. Levels might also contain door switch puzzles, sinking platforms, ledge-climbing, rope-walking, and other challenges. Finally, a multiplayer mode lets up to four friends compete against each other in mini-games like target shooting and four-on-four brawling.
Buyers be warned that although the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii versions of Kung Fu Panda all cost the same ($49.99), the games are not created equal. While the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, both of which were developed by Luxoflux, are perfectly playable and even enjoyable, the Wii version (created by a different developer, Xpec) is vastly inferior. All three games have the same levels and content, but the Wii version seems like a phoned-in effort with painfully awkward controls, poor hit detection, badly mixed audio, and noticeably lower quality graphics.
For other fun animal-themed video games based on movies, try Over the Hedge, Madagascar, or Surf's Up.
Platform Notes
Nintendo DS
The DS version is essentially a decent two-dimensional version of the same type of gameplay as the console versions, but is easy to control and makes effective use of the stylus to execute a range of attacks and special moves. If your only choice is between DS or Wii, opt for this version.
Nintendo Wii
Steer clear of the Wii version if possible. In addition to the issues listed in the body of the review, this version features horrible implementation of the motion-sensitive capabilities of the Wii remote to the extent that special attacks don\'t always work, the camera is hard to control, and button mapping is all over the place.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions are superior to the Wii version in every way, from smoother controls to higher quality graphics and sound. And of course, the Xbox 360 version also comes with achievements.
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ViolenceKung fu-style combat is the staple of the game, but there is no blood or gore. |
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Social BehaviorPo is an aspiring kung fu master who must fight to prove himself and help others. |
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CommercialismGame is a tie-in to the Kung Fu Panda movie. |
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