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

Over the years, I’ve delved into countless turn-based RPGs, and honestly, many have blurred together in my memory. That’s not necessarily a critique—it’s a phenomenon that happens with films, eateries, people, you name it. If it’s true that we only use ten percent of our brains, that fraction can’t solely be reserved for recalling the names of all the nieces and nephews.

World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle, however, is likely to dodge that foggy fate. What this game offers in terms of gameplay and visuals is something that’s bound to stick with me for a while. Apologies, Brett’s little one; your name might slip through the cracks.

Where it diverges from the usual tactical and strategy RPGs is in allowing players to choose their character’s gender and tweak their appearance.

The options are extensive, but that’s not what makes it stand out. The real kicker is choosing your character’s origins, which dictates the style of kung fu you’ll be mastering. Sure, it’s reminiscent of selecting a class in the typical RPG, but here, it carries a sense of dignity.

Body type? Haircut? Beard or hat? All those are trivial compared to choosing whether you’re a young beggar with potential to master divine kung fu, a snake breeder from Western Xia wielding a T2 staff art, or the adopted child of a Jin nobleman with a T2 special kung fu. At the start, there are six origin choices, with more unlocking in a new game+. This certainly sets The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle up for multiple playthroughs. A bit more direction wouldn’t hurt, though, as terms like “T2 staff art” weren’t instantly clear. Thankfully, the game equips you to genuinely master your chosen kung fu skills and weapons.

Regardless of your character setup, you’ll find yourself in vassal state China in 1151 AD, where street gangs rule the roost. It’s your call how to navigate through them. Will you form alliances with various sects or dive into political maneuvers? Do you uphold the law or flout it for personal gain?

Your path not only drives the narrative but also influences which characters decide to join your cause. Choosing mercy on an enemy might lead them to your side, but keep in mind, this affects your morality level, which shapes how others perceive you. With over a hundred potential recruits, your choices are plentiful and impactful. To fully explore everything the game offers, expect to dive in multiple times.

In combat, turn-based strategy emphasizes customization. It’s about more than just using a kung fu skill or item—instead, victory hinges on picking the right team members (up to five) and developing skills (which improve with use). Assign traits that unlock various bonuses to make your party even stronger. I realized early that winning battles was more about optimal team dynamics than meticulous grid navigation.

Unfortunately, the game doesn’t do much hand-holding to explain these mechanics. In my first dozen hours, I often felt I was battling in the dark. Even towards the end, I didn’t feel my party was ideally optimized. It’s not great when an auto-battle option seems more efficient than manual combat. Fortunately, if you lose a fight, you can resume just before it. Plus, you can save favorite team setups for quick access later.

Beyond combat, The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle offers activities like embarking on quests and hunting bounties, engaging with townspeople to solve riddles, and even helping compose couplets for rewards. It strikes a pleasing balance between action and cultural immersion.

The presentation includes enjoyable throwback graphics and audio. While the game visuals might be basic, lacking vibrant color and detail, character portraits are exceptional and match the models well. The soundtrack, a homage to retro gaming, is a standout feature. Give the trailer a listen, and you’ll get it.

That said, The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle doesn’t cater to everyone. Its unique approach might feel off-putting, especially given the minimal guidance on gameplay and story.

There were times the game seemed static, only to forge ahead unexpectedly due to some unnoticed trigger. While I never fully immersed myself in the main storyline, I was entertained enough just exploring and tackling minor quests. Building up my team was enjoyable, even if the ultimate goal was unclear.

With built-in replayability, I’m uncertain how many will dive back in after 50 hours to completion. But even one playthrough of The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle leaves a lasting impression.