Wing Chun on Wheels- Kung Fu Rider Review

Most veteran gamers will reluctantly admit to being overcome with a case of ‘launch goggles’. This condition causes a otherwise rational person to abandon prudence during the excitement of a hardware launch, likely resulting in the purchase of a dubious title or two. I’ve succumbed to the malady on several occasions, eagerly being duped by the likes of Battle Arena Toshinden, Rengoku: Tower of Purgatory and Red Steel.

In hindsight, inadequate inaugural titles are easy to identify- they typically have eye-catching graphics, a lack of depth, a stubborn adherence to genre, and a woefully abbreviated length. Recent release Kung Fu Rider certainly fits the description; it’s an attractive, pleasantly simplistic, ninety minute thrill ride that will be immediately familiar with fans of SSX or Tony Hawk Downhill Jam (launch titles for the PS2 and Wii, respectively). While the title certainly offers superficial enjoyment for new Playstation Move owners, expect shelves at the local GameStore to be besieged with copies in the coming weeks; Kung Fu Rider‘s content is more in line with a ten dollar downloadable offering rather than a $40 retail disk.

The story’s skeletal storyline concern two protagonist’s evading an endless procession of triad goons. Lacking any customary form of transportation, the duo utilize a assortment of makeshift devices in an effort to slide down each of the game’s meager variety of courses. Although the selection of vehicles is consistently amusing- ranging from vacuum cleaners, office chairs to baby strollers, many of the devices handle similarly. Player swing the Move controller left and right to steer, while a downward snap produces an accelerating push. Regrettably, this motion sporadically trigger’s Rider‘s jump move, which is normally initiated by a skyward Move controller. While the title allows players to adjust the sensitivity of the two commands, an option to map the leap to one of the Move controller’s button would have invaluable.

Several components keep Kung Fu Rider from mimicking the comical rag-doll crashes exhibited by the game’s main characters. Most stages present players with branching paths, encouraging participants to retry levels in hopes of besting their top scores. Gamers may even free-roam the levels, scouting for collectables or particularly prosperous pathways. Admittedly, some of the game’s elective moves are gratifying- from grinds along rails, limbo-like bend which allows entrance to low areas, and the games kung-fu stances which help build the combo meter. Sadly, all is not perfect; cars overtake the player from behind and thin sign posts can bring the downhill dash to a halt. Crash five times, and you’ll be sent forced to retry the level. One amusing element- when you wipe out, the Playstation Eye snaps a picture. It’s unfortunate the game doesn’t cultivate the thrills to produce a really theatrical snapshot; most of the images were of me, mildly bemused.

With a resume which includes the Loco Roco, Patapon, and the Ape Escape series, Kung Fu Rider definitely delivers a healthy serving of delicious Japanese  eccentricity. Yet, strip away that weirdness and players are left with a fleeting, simplistic title with inexplicably shoehorned motion controls. While new Move owners are understandably eager for games that support their pristine peripheral, they might be wise to wait for a price drop on this one.