11-Nov-2005 Puppet-on-a-string Kung fu delivers one inch punch to PC gaming If you've been living under a rock, or have one of those social life things we keep hearing about, then you probably have no idea what Rag Doll Kung Fu is, and the screenshots here both confuse and arouse you.
Well, let's break it down into its component parts: you have ragdolls (little puppets on strings) and kung fu (the ancient Chinese martial art now practiced exclusively by 12-year-olds and weird people with too much spare-time). Put them together and you get a wacky beat 'em up in which you control every tiny movement of your character using just your mouse, be it a magnificent flying kick through the air, a powerful swing of your nunchucks or just a simple step forward.
FAST AS LIGHTNING Moving your fighter by grabbing individual limbs and placing them where you want them to be might not seem like the most intuitive control mechanism - indeed, for the first half hour or so you'll be fumbling like a geriatric with a coin purse. However, given time and patience your skills will steadily develop until you can manoeuvre your character with ninja-like dexterity and precision. You'll need all the skill you can muster too, with later levels pitting you against multiple foes, throwing in weapons and special powers, all of which are utilised with just your mouse. Still, as long as you've got a decent one (with lasers and red lights), you should be fine.
Unfortunately, as a game concept it's naturally short-lived. You'll complete the main training in a matter of hours (if not less), before moving on to the hitherto unavailable mini-games - which even then will only keep your attention for a short while. The multiplayer mode adds some long-term appeal, but while it lasts Rag Doll Kung Fu is an enjoyable and unbelievably funny game, featuring hilarious low-budget FMV starring developer Mark Healey and containing dialogue such as, "Get in that tree!" and "Idiots! Bring me his pubes!" If only for that alone, Rag Doll Kung Fu is well worth its humble asking price.
Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath, UK BA1 2BW England and Wales company registration number 2008885
Genuinely funny
