Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus

"A VERY underrated game"

IGN thinks this game is pretty good. EGM thinks it's crap. So does Gamespot. Gamerevolution thinks it's mediocre. But since when have any of those been accused of being REAL gamers?

I'll start by adressing their gripes. IGN's issue is framerate and camera. I've never had a problem, nor has any of my friends, or anybody I've talked to on the board. Gamespot thinks the fighting system is sub-par. What other fighting syspem has interactive, free-roaming, giant levels, cool-as-Hell combos, and the ability to disable limbs? Don't hurt yourself, there are none. Gamerevolution complains about the lack of FMV's. Who in the BLUEST of BLUE HELLS plays a fighting game for pretty little movies that either make NO sense, or are contradicted 5 times in the same game? I sure as Hell don't.

okay, noe my usual formula for reviewing:

Graphics: X-Box tough. The characters look great, and while little graphcal touches like bruising and bleeding may have been done before, in this game it's done sooooo much better. Plus, it has something MK:DA was supposed to have, but wasn't implemented, ripped clothing. The arenas are huge, but look awesome. Destructable objects, Superb lighting effects, words can't begin to describe them.

gameplay: Everything I've ever wanted in a fighter. A deep, technical combo system with flashy, but not too over the top special attacks, or ''Chi attacks''. Probably this game's best feature is the limb damage system. Block too much, or get hit against a wall, and a ''limb damage caution'' or a ''limb damage warning'' will appear. Keep up the pressure, and next time a hit connects will cause an arm or a leg to be disabled. Lose an arm,and your punches will cause less damage, and your character will clench that limb. Lose a leg, your kicks will be less painful, your caracter will limp and move slower. Hope is not lost, though. You can use your Chi power to heal yourself instead of doing a Chi attack.

One of the complaints I've heard about the fighting system is the inescapable combos. If the first hit connects, you can suffer up to 8-9 hits of combo pummeling. Sounds harsh? Not really. You have 3 lifebars (substituting rounds) and the combos don't do that much damage. As a classic gamer, I seem to recall that the point of combos was to NOT be able to escape. Combo escapes, IMO, is a way of rewarding button mashers (re: DOA)

sound: Music might not be anything special, but it's not bad. It's subdued, and stays in the background, like a fighting game score should do.

Voices are very well done, easily surpassing any 3D fighting game voice over, ever. Of course, that's not saying that much. Some phrases do get irritating, especially in training mode.

longevity: As long as the competition lasts, like any fighting game. You play it to get together your buds and beat the Hell outta them. There's 12 characters with dozens, or even hundreds of moves. A lot if you want to master every character, eh?

artistic flair: as an artist myself, I believe I have to touch on this. The characters in this game are very unique, and very stylish. Fiery Phoenix, the ''hero'' looking guy od Tao Feng, is unlike most heros in appearance. He's young, but has an experienced, grizzled quality as well. Wulong Goth, the ''villian'' is very freaky, looking like a spliced mantis. overall, I'm very impressed with the conceptual designer's creations.

overall, It's a very solid entry into the fighting genre. With a few more unlockables, it could be the best ever. Here's to Tao Feng, and hopefully Tao Feng 2!!!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/22/03, Updated 03/22/03