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Publisher Bulkypix
Developer
Released: March 15, 2012
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Genre: Platform Players: 1 Also on: + Universal app
Supported Features: |
Review Scores: (?) 8 - Gameplay 9 - Graphics 8 - Sound 9 - Value FINAL SCORE: |
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Kung Fu Rabbit Kung Fu Rabbit comes hot on the heels of one of my all-time favorite mobile games, JAZZ: Trump’s Journey from developer Bulkypix. Featuring a similar art style and some classic 2D side-scrolling platforming gaming, I knew this was going to be a great game from the moment I laid eyes on the screenshots and I was right. Basically, think Kung Fu Panda then replace the bear with a bunny and you have the core setup for Kung Fu Rabbit. Universal Evil has kidnapped all the students from your temple and it’s up to you to rescue them and set things right by running, jumping, and wall siding through 70 levels to find your missing students. Naturally, there will be plenty of enemies that will need to be put in their place with your fast and furious Kung Fu skills and plenty of delicious carrots you’ll need to collect along the way.
The game eases you in with a few basic levels of jumping around ledges and timed jumps to moving platforms to grab your first batch of carrots. The controls are simple – move left and right with the virtual smartpad or two direction buttons and jump with the action button on the right. Neither set of controls were particularly comfortable as they were set too far into the screen to be easily reached when holding the iPad normally. The smartpad was the worse of the two. I ultimately had to set my iPad down and play with my index and middle fingers – my thumb just couldn’t reach the right arrow. In a day where virtual controls can (and should) follow you to wherever you need them, this was most unfortunate. There are no control issues on the smaller iPhone screen. About half way through the first of the three main worlds things start to get tough, both in platforming and combat. There is a great mix of environmental traversal as well as stealth and fighting and soon enough Kung Fu Rabbit will require you to do them all at the same time. Carrots collected throughout the levels serve as your in-game currency to purchase new abilities as well as unlock new levels ahead of time. Abilities are usually one-time use and they don’t add tremendously to the game, but at least they mix things up a bit. There is also an in-app purchase option to get more carrots assuming you have more money than patience. Kung Fu Rabbit looks great with a unique visual style full of soft but bright colors and an authentic Asian flair. Our hero reminded me a bit of a stylized version of Max from Sam and Max fame. The animation is smooth and the parallax scrolling worlds are gorgeous. There are all sorts of fun and amusing sound effects and some really great music that really fits the theme of the game. The game supports Airplay, so you can pipe this game to your TV in 720 where it looks just as good as any PS3 store game. I enjoyed Kung Fu Rabbit despite the awkward controls – something iCade owners won’t have to worry about. The game is challenging to play and charming to watch and there is loads of content, and with a bit of skill and patience you’ll never have to spend any more money on those in-app carrot purchases. If you love platform games with some fun arcade combat and own an iOS device then make sure to get this universal app today. Screenshots 
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