Review: World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle for Nintendo Switch

I’ve played a plethora of turn-based RPGs over the years, and honestly, many of them have blended together in my memory. That’s not to say they’re forgettable; it’s just like how movies, restaurants, or even names of family members can become a blur over time. If we’re really only using a tenth of our brains, I can’t justify expending that precious space recalling the names of kids like… um… Brett’s little one.

However, World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle seems destined to stand apart in my recollections. Its gameplay and visuals are so distinctive that I think they’ll stay with me for quite a while, unlike some of the more forgettable experiences. Sorry, Brett’s child—your name might just slip out of my head.

In a refreshing departure from most tactical or strategy RPGs, this game lets you choose your character’s gender and dive into customizing their appearance right from the get-go.

But here’s where it gets intriguing: you don’t just choose how your character looks; you also pick their origins, which dictates the style of kung fu they’ll wield. It’s reminiscent of choosing a class in a typical RPG, but this feels far more dignified and thoughtful.

Do I care much about body type, hairstyle, or whether they sport a beard or a hat? Not really. What captures my interest is whether I’m a down-and-out young beggar learning divine kung fu, a snake breeder from Western Xia mastering T2 staff art, or the forsaken son of a Jin nobleman with a knack for T2 special kung fu. Initially, there are six origin options, with more unlocked in a new game plus mode, making World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle ripe for repeated playthroughs. A touch more direction at the beginning would have been handy, as terms like “T2 staff art” were initially Greek to me. Thankfully, the game is designed for players to truly master their kung fu of choice, complete with the associated weapons.

Regardless of these choices, you find yourself immersed in 1151 AD Vassal State China. The streets are teeming with gangs, and it’s up to you to navigate your way through them. Will you form alliances with different sects, get entwined in political machinations, or choose the righteous path over one of self-serving infractions?

Your choices shape not only the tale but also who’s willing to join your cause. Show mercy to an adversary, and they might just become a companion. Yet, this decision affects your morality level, influencing how others perceive you. With over 100 potential recruits, your choices bear weight, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore every facet of the game.

The heart of the combat lies in customization. Yes, using your kung fu skills and inventory items is pivotal, but the real strategy involves selecting the right party members (up to five participants), refining their skills through use, and applying acquired traits to unlock various bonuses. Early on, it becomes apparent that victory relies more on assembling a well-rounded team than on meticulously maneuvering the battlefield grid.

Still, the game could communicate this more effectively. For the first dozen hours, I felt like I was flailing in the dark. My team never felt as optimized as I wanted it to be. Auto-battling managed to outpace my careful manual strategizing, shedding light on the lack of clear guidance. Thankfully, you can restart just before a failed battle, and there’s the convenience of saving your favorite team setups for future encounters.

There’s more to The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle than just battling through China. You’ll find yourself engaging in quests, collecting bounties, chatting with locals to solve riddles, and aiding with the creation of couplets for some intriguing rewards. The game strikes a nice balance between combat and cultural exploration.

In terms of presentation, the game offers a blend of retro visuals and audio. While the in-game graphics may appear slightly basic, lacking vibrant colors and fine details, the character portraits are beautifully crafted and complement the models well. I adore the soundtrack—it’s like a love letter to everything I cherish about retro gaming. Just watch the trailer to see (or rather, hear) what I mean.

It’s worth noting, however, that The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle isn’t for everyone. Its distinct gameplay style sets it apart, and this uniqueness might not land well with those seeking a more traditional RPG experience.

There were moments when progression felt stagnant until some unexpected event propelled the story forward. I never fully embraced the main narrative arc, though I enjoyed exploring, tackling side tasks, and enhancing my team’s capabilities, even without a clear ultimate goal.

As I mentioned earlier, the game is set up for multiple playthroughs. Yet, at around 50 hours to complete, I’m unsure how many will return for another round. Nonetheless, whether you play it just once or dive in repeatedly, The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle promises a memorable adventure.