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

Over the years, I’ve dived into so many turn-based RPGs that they tend to blur together in my mind. That’s not to say they’re forgettable; the same thing happens with films, dining spots, and even people. Let’s face it, if we’re only using a small fraction of our brains, I can’t spare space for the names of every cousin, niece, and nephew who comes along.

But there’s something about World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle that promises to stand out from the crowd. The engaging gameplay and captivating visuals are bound to linger in my memory much longer than Brett’s kid’s name, whoever that might be.

A refreshing deviation from most tactical/strategy RPGs is how this game allows you to choose your character’s gender and customize their look.

The variety of options is impressive, but even more interesting is the ability to pick your character’s backstory. This choice influences the type of kung fu you practice. It’s akin to selecting a character class in other RPGs, but here it feels like you’re part of something bigger and more honorable.

Facial hair or hats? Meh, who cares! What’s truly exciting is deciding whether you’ll start as a destitute youngster aspiring to master a divine kungfu, a snake breeder from Western Xia with proficiency in a T2 staff art, or an orphaned son of a Jin Nobleman with a T2 special kungfu. The game offers six initial backgrounds, with more unlocking in subsequent playthroughs, making World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle perfect for multiple rounds of play. However, I could’ve used a little extra guidance at the start since terms like T2 staff art were completely foreign to me. Despite this, the game is structured to ensure you truly learn the skills and weaponry you choose.

Once your character is ready, you’re thrust into 1151 AD China, a time when gangs rule the streets, and you’re left to navigate this tumultuous world. Will you ally with one of the many factions or go at it solo, playing politics? Will you remain honorable, or will you bend the law to suit your plans?

Your choices don’t just steer the narrative; they determine who might join your adventure. Spare an enemy, and they could become an ally. But remember, each decision impacts your morality level, which in turn influences how others perceive you. With over a hundred characters to possibly recruit, expect to make these decisions frequently, encouraging you to explore the game through different lenses across multiple playthroughs.

When it comes to turn-based combat, it’s all about customization. Sure, you can unleash kungfu skills, use items, or meditate, but winning relies heavily on team composition. You need to carefully select up to five members for each battle, refine your chosen skills, and intelligently use the traits you’ve accumulated to trigger various bonuses. Early on, I realized that success depended more on team dynamics than on precise tactical maneuvers on the battlefield.

But here’s the catch: the game doesn’t adequately explain these systems. Initially, fighting felt like stumbling in the dark, and even as I neared the end, I never felt my team was fully optimized. It’s a worrying sign when auto-battle feels more effective than manual strategy. Thankfully, if you fall in battle, you can restart just before the encounter, and you can save preferred party setups, sparing you the hassle of starting from scratch each time.

Beyond combat, World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle offers plenty to do. Besides your typical quests and bounty hunts, you can engage with townsfolk, tackle riddles, and even help them with poetry for rewards. It’s a nice mix of combat and culture.

The game presents this package with a retro-inspired visual and audio experience. While in-game graphics might lack detail and vibrant color, the portrait artwork truly stands out. The soundtrack, reminiscent of classic games, is a real treat—have a listen to the trailer, and you’ll see what I mean.

That said, World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle isn’t tailored for everyone. Its distinct approach might be jarring, especially given the lack of clear guidance in gameplay and story progression.

There were definitely moments when I felt stuck, unsure of what to do, only to stumble upon a trigger that pushed the narrative forward. I didn’t fully invest in the main storyline, and yet, I enjoyed wandering through the world, engaging in side quests. Building my team was enjoyable, even if I didn’t always know my ultimate goal.

The game is designed for multiple playthroughs, but I’m curious to see how many players will immediately dive back in after the approximately 50-hour journey. Even if you decide to play just once, World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle is an unforgettable odyssey.