Review: “World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle” on Nintendo Switch

Over the years, I’ve played a vast array of turn-based RPGs to the point where many have blurred together in my memory. It’s not a slight against them—let’s face it, the same happens with movies, restaurants, and even people. If we’re really only utilizing 10% of our brains, I can’t afford to allocate any of it to remembering the names of all my nephews and nieces.

Thankfully, World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle stands out from the crowd. Its gameplay and stunning visuals have lodged themselves into my memory—and sorry, Brett’s kid, but your name just slipped off the list.

One standout feature of this tactical RPG is the ability to choose your character’s gender and customize their appearance.

Although the customization options are extensive, the real excitement comes from selecting your character’s origins, which dictate the type of kung fu you’ll master. Sure, it’s similar to picking a class in a typical RPG, but incorporating your character’s backstory adds a layer of nobility to the choice.

Body type? Hairstyle? Beard or hat? Those are minor details. What really matters is deciding if you’re a young beggar on the path to divine kung fu mastery, a snake breeder from Western Xia wielding a T2 staff, or an adopted son of a Jin Nobleman with a T2 specialty in kung fu. You initially have six origin options, with more unlocking through New Game+. The game is definitely tailored for multiple playthroughs, although a bit more guidance at the beginning would’ve been beneficial—I mean, how am I supposed to know what T2 staff art entails right away? Nevertheless, the game fully integrates the kung fu style you choose, complete with weapons and skills.

Regardless of your choices, you find yourself in 1151 AD China, beset by rampant gang activity. Your task is to navigate this world: will you build alliances with different sects or play the political game? Will you uphold honor or bend the rules for personal gain?

Every choice has storytelling implications and influences which characters get on board with you. Sparing an adversary might just turn them into a valuable ally, but this alters your morality level, shaping others’ perceptions of you. With over 100 potential recruits, your decisions are constant and significant. This again hints at multiple playthroughs if you want the full experience.

Combat puts a premium on customization. Victory isn’t about which kung fu skill or potion you use—or whether you meditate. It’s about assembling the right team of up to five members, developing your skills (which improve with use), and strategically assigning traits for bonuses. Early on, it became clear that success depended more on having the optimal team rather than grid-strategy finesse.

The downside is the game’s tendency to leave you in the dark. I spent my first dozen hours muddling through battles, and even towards the end, never felt I’d optimized my party to its potential. It’s never good when auto-battle seems more effective than manual. Thankfully, the game lets you retry a fight after losing and save your favorite party makeups for quick access.

World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle extends far beyond battling through ancient China. Alongside combat, there are bounties, quests, conversations with townsfolk involving riddles, and helping compose couplets for rewards—providing a well-rounded balance between combat and cultural immersion.

Visually, the game doesn’t break new ground but delivers a pleasant retro aesthetic. While it lacks the color and detail of some modern games, the portrait artwork excels, and it harmoniously complements the character models. The soundtrack is a delightful nod to the retro gaming era; give the trailer a listen, and you’ll see what I mean.

It’s worth noting that The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle isn’t for everyone. Its unique approach might be jarring, especially with minimal guidance on gameplay and story direction.

There were moments when progress seemed stagnant, only to unexpectedly advance due to an event I randomly triggered. The main storyline wasn’t my primary focus, yet the side adventures kept me entertained. Building up my team was enjoyable, even without a clear endgame strategy.

While the game is designed for replayability with its estimated 50-hour completion time, I’m curious how many will dive right back in immediately after finishing. Still, even if you play through just once, The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle promises a memorable adventure.