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I tend to look things critically because, you know, I�m a critic. But I might be a
little extra critical when it comes to platformers. I�ve been playing them for about 30 years,
so I�m a little picky about them. Platforming physics, in particular. The right weight,
variable jump distance depending on speed and how you push the button...for such a simple
genre, there�s a lot of subtlety that separates good platformers from great ones.
This one�s not quite great, but...it�s pretty freaking good.
It�s Kung Fu Rabbit for the Nintendo Wii U.
So this is another nice little addition to the Wii U�s eShop, which is where a lot
of the system�s best stuff is available. And the great thing about Kung Fu Rabbit is
that...it�s definitely one of those modern platformers, you know? The ones that really
test your platforming skills, with tricky passages and lots of wall jumps. But it�s
never so challenging that it�s frustrating.
That not only because it plays well, but because the levels are never designed to be frustrating.
They�re always fair, the path is always clear and their length is just right.
So they never outstay their welcome.
Another subtle thing about the level design is that...the tricky parts are laid out like
a test, almost. Which is to say...there�s almost always a safe spot where you can check
things out and plan your approach. You�re never rushed by a timer or anything. The game
gives you every chance to figure out how to overcome its challenges.
Without ever watering down those challenges.
Speaking of the levels, there�s only freaking 60 of them. Not to mention 20 bonus stages,
which you unlock in the other 60. And if you finish all 60, you unlock harder versions
of them...with a lot more enemies. Especially for an eShop game, that�s a pretty nice
amount of platforming for your pennies.
So what are the negatives? Well, perhaps most notably...the game has an awesome style, but
the backgrounds and settings start to repeat themselves pretty quickly. The game looks
really nice, but...it�d be nice if there were more sights to see. And, as a downloadable
game, there�s not much to it beyond single-player play.
Kung Fu Rabbit is a really good game that, with a little more stuff, could�ve been
an even better one. There�s a bit of floaty-ness, but...great platforming, in general. And best
of all, it�s a challenging platformer that isn�t a jerk about it.
I think that�s what I like most about Kung Fu Rabbit.
I also like pink.