Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus

"John Tobias has started a new dynasty of fighting games..."

As most of you probably know, John Tobias, the co-creator of Mortal Kombat, was a big part of its orignal success. However, once he left the team after MK3 and midway through Mythologies, MK has never been quite the same. Espically in the line of story. It was Tobias that made huge contributions to the story of each game. Now, he has his own fighting game, which is sure to rival the success of Mortal Kombat.

Gameplay 8: There is a lot to cover about the gameplay, because much of it is differen than traditonal fighting games. One of the more noticable features is the round system is done away with. Instead, you have three health bars and you fight until all three are gone. Once one runs out, you see a cut scene of your fighter wobbling around. The thing about this is, once you diminish your opponent's health bar, yours is not revived. You still have the same amount of health that you did when you knocked out the last of your oppenent's health. You are able to knock your oppent into walls, and other things that are present in the level you are fighting in. You are also able to jump off of walls to attack your oppent. It gets harder and harder for every opponent you encounter, but with a bit of practice you are able to master most of the characters. Also, during fights, if you attempt you block, you will recive limb damage. Once you get to a certain point, you will be plauged with a broken arm or leg. This reduces the damage of the broken limb by 50%. Makes you think twice about blocking dosnt it.

Another notable feature of the gameplay are chi attacks. Once your chi bar is full, you are able to attack your oppent with a powerful attack, or heal broken limbs.

Control 7: The control in Tao Feng is somewhat complicated, but also easy to work. You have a lead punch and kick, and a trailing punch and kick. This is because this is a combo oriented game, and that is how you will inflict the most damage. The movment system is like any other fighting game around. Be warned, this game is NOT for button mashers.

Graphics 8: Definatly one of the strongest points of this game. During the cut scenes once one of your health bars is gone, you can see the damamge that has been done. For example, if you are knocked into a glass case, there will be several cuts on your back. The level design is also nicely done.The character animations are done quite nice. Each of the twelve characters have two different costumes.However, the animations can be somewhat lacking at times.

Story 6: This isn't the greatest part of the game, and I suppose if you want a real story fueled fighting game, Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance is your best bet. But still, Tao Feng is not totally without a story. There are two sects batteling for eachother's part of an acient Chinese tablet, which reveals the location of a hidden island where immortality can be obtained. Each of the twelve characters have their own story, so it is worth beating the game with each one of them.

Sound 7: Sound isn't the main part of the game, but it isn't lacking either. The character sounds are ok, and the sound effects aren't any differnt. You know when you have been knocked into glass, or a wall, but it dosn't stand out tremendously. Also, there is no option to listen to custom soundtracks.

Replayability 8: With quest mode, tournoment, and versus, Tao Feng should keep you busy for a while. However, it is always better to have a friend who will play with you, because that is the main purpose of a fighting game. But even if you don't, all of the different modes and characters should keep you busy for a while.

Buy or rent: If you like like fighting games, definatly a buy. If your not sure about whether or not you like fighting games, or if you aren't that big of a Mortal Kombat fan, I'd rent it first.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/21/03, Updated 03/21/03