by ProjectCalamine

Created on: April 07, 2009

Kung Fu Panda is a game based on the movie of the same name. It's about a panda (obviously) who wants to learn kung fu and be the kung fu master (again, obviously.) He is somewhat coincidentally, and incredibly shockingly chosen to be the master. The player plays through the game (which is pretty much the same as the movie) mostly as the panda, named Po (played by Jack Black) but also as other characters (such as Master Crane in a level to avoid a crocodile and even Master Shifu in a level - though I won't say why.)

Throughout the levels the player collects coins, which are used between levels to buy upgrades for Po's moves and health - for example, upgrading Po's move "panda stumble" all the way helps while getting an achievement for doing said move for 60 seconds. - as well as clothing for Po. Between levels, Po narrates the story, explaining what has happened between when the last level ended, and now (being the beginning of the next level) between each level. The game has three difficulties, the hardest being Dragon Warrior.

Kung Fu panda also includes a multiplayer version; which has new levels and characters. It also has different bosses than singleplayer mode does.

Before playing Kung Fu Panda, I had expected it to be childish, or at the very least, aimed toward children. It was expected to be somewhat boring at best, with sub par graphics. While playing it on the medium difficulty (which isn't incredibly hard, nor easy, but there are parts that are really difficult) I realized that it was fun for everyone, and that it's actually quite interesting. The plot is quirky - and who doesn't love Jack Black? - especially with its narration, the controls are smooth, the moves are cute (while still being useful,) and the characters are all very interesting, with somewhat complex back stories.

Playing the game is a fun, humorous, quirky use of your time (which gives gamerscore points out easily,) but is in no way intense, despite the rough moments it has. The game doesn't have much replay value, but is certainly worth playing once. Kung Fu Panda is a family friendly game that most all of the family with enjoy. In a critical sense, it's better than the film, possibly because it's easier to relate while you're playing rather than watching. It's easy to see why this is one of two games packaged with Microsoft's 360 Elite.

Ultimately, the game is good. It's probably the most fun you can have while playing a game with no gore, low violence, and no cursing. It's not necessarily a game I would recommend buying (unless you'd be getting an Elite,) but I would definitely recommend renting (if for nothing other than the achievements.) There are 39 achievements for 1000 points, though they're mostly either beating each level with 100%, or secret (which are beating the levels, but I won't say how.)

They're not quite handed out like candy, but they're not extraordinarily difficult either, just like everything else about the game. Which is what makes it worth renting. Get the 1000 points already!

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