After a year away from theaters, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is back in full swing with Black Widow just last month and plenty more releases in the weeks ahead. Next up on the MCU release schedule is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, due to be out in theaters on September 3, introducing audiences and the larger MCU to more Asian representation and dazzling martial arts choreography. Sadly, unlike many years ago when movie tie-in video games were common, fans have no option to kick into action as Shang-Chi in video game form.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives already available for gamers that want to live out their martial arts fantasies. Plenty of action games like the Uncharted series and God of War have complex combat systems, but nailing the feel of martial arts is something else entirely. The movement and hits need to have a good flow to them, capturing the fluid yet aggressive styles seen in martial arts like Karate and Taekwondo. From gripping crime narratives, established fighting franchises to off-the-wall comedies, these games have plenty of punch to satisfy fans.
Sleeping Dogs
Initially intended as a new entry in the True Crime series, Sleeping Dogs eventually took inspiration from old Chinese action films and re-formed into something else entirely. Set in an open-world Hong Kong with a deep story and RPG elements, the title was like being in control of one of John Woo's many action epics. The most notable feature in the game was of course its deep and extremely brutal combat system. Players were able to combine a series of dizzying combo attacks to take on legions of enemies, while even being able to interact with the environment for savage takedown attacks.
Jet Li: Rise To Honor
Released on the PS2 back in 2004, Jet Li: Rise to Honor was being pushed as a big cinematic experience for the console. While it didn't quite live up to the hype it built for itself, the title still featured a number of noteworthy elements that make it more than worth a look. For one, the fluid animations are a result of some stunning motion capture work for the time, with attacks being mapped to the second analog stick as opposed to face buttons. The high production values are also a big boost to the overall quality of the game, with top-notch voice work and plenty of memorable set pieces. For fans of Jet Li's library of action films, this is a must-play, especially since it features a number of references to his body of work.
Absolver
While trailers for Sifu have already generated a lot of interest, developer Sloclap's previous effort is no slouch either. Absolver was immediately distinct for its clever and unique approach to representing martial arts in video game form. The combat is handled by a series of "combat deck of cards" which the player collects across their travels in order to customize new moves and abilities. Absolver's multiplayer modes were also a nice touch, allowing players to go head to head, to fist to face, with others around the entire world, adding a good deal of replay value.
Tekken Series
Beginning back on the original PlayStation at the height of the fighting game craze due to games like Mortal Kombat, the Tekken series arrived on the scene with a fresh perspective on the genre. The game's namesake being translated from Chinese to English means "Iron Fist," something which rings true in the hard-hitting, fast-paced nature of each installment. Combat is very tactical, with button mashing not yielding very successful results. Players need to understand how to map out combos and recognize weakness in an opponent's own moves, quite literally like an actual martial arts battle. Each character is representative of a particular martial art as well, with Marshall Law for example specializing in Jeet Kune Do.
Judgment
A spin-off of another martial arts-heavy franchise called Yakuza, Judgment centers around a lawyer turned detective named Takayuki Yagami as he tries to uncover the mystery behind a series of grizzly murders. While gameplay beats centering around investigation and tailing suspects is engaging, the true star of the show here is the flashy and intense martial arts fighting style. Players are able to alternate between two styles which are Crane (good for groups of enemies) and Tiger (better suited for one-on-one combat). The added parkour movement in Yagami's fighting moves ensures that it's always a sight to behold watching him pummel bad guys to the ground.
God Hand
Directed by none other than Shinji Mikami, the man responsible for other excellent action titles like Resident Evil 4 and Vanquish, God Hand is possibly his most bizarre work. The plot follows a martial artist in pursuit of the legendary 'God Hand,' a weapon necessary to fend off a legion of demons attacking Earth. To put it mildly, the game doesn't take itself very seriously, something which is represented in the tone, humor, and even the combat mechanics. Combos and special attacks are ludicrously over the top, dive-kicking enemies off-screen and spanking them on the rear end as a finishing move. For those who may want something a little different from the above options, God Hand may be the perfect experience to track down.