Introduction

In the grand cinematic universe of martial arts, where every punch packed in Emotional Damage™ and every kick screamed 'Just let me get a re-do!' comes '9 Monkeys of Shaolin.' This game is like an oolong tea double-shot espresso with a sprinkle of chopped liver. It promises all the kung fu nostalgia you didn't know you needed while sending you on an adventure that's both charming and, well, charm-like in its difficulty. Let's dive in.

Gameplay

'9 Monkeys of Shaolin' is a classic beat 'em up experience, but with a plot that tries to be a genius mix of kung fu flicks and ancient Chinese folklore. You play as Wei Cheng, a fisherman whose favorite bathfrobe is now a kung fu gi, set on a quest for revenge after a particularly bad day (which, spoiler alert, includes losing your grandfather and your village). The game showcases the crispy 3D side-scrolling gameplay that's reminiscent of stumbling through your parent's living room in search of snacks.

Graphics

If you like your pixels with a side of rustic charm and retro flourish, then '9 Monkeys of Shaolin' won't disappoint. It's like stepping into a time machine and finding a classic kung fu movie that's a few decades past its prime but still delightfully watchable. The colors are vibrant enough to merit attention without smacking you across the face with a neon sign that says, 'LOOK AT ME NOW!' It almost makes you want to participate in that 'artsy Instagram moment'... almost.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, '9 Monkeys of Shaolin' delivers a solid gameplay experience sprinkled with martial arts tropes and a storyline that may have you scratching your head in delight or confusion. It's not the ultimate showdown in the gaming universe, but it's an enjoyable throwback to simpler times when getting punched in the face was this fun on our screens. With a decent co-op mode and a storyline that doesn't take itself too seriously, it's an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in some digital martial arts, just as long as you remember to bring your own real-life skills to combat those wily wokou at the end of the day.

See Latest Prices for 9 Monkeys of Shaolin on Xbox One on Amazon