Master the art of butt-kicking with these great Steam games
Over 50 years ago, the world caught the 'martial arts bug' when a series of films and television shows captivated audiences with displays of awesome stylish combat, and screeching Kiai-type war cries.
Historical documents date various forms of martial arts back centuries ago, but it wasn't until an influx of fighting and Kung Fu-style movies in the 60s and 70s before the mainstream audience became 'hooked' (boxing pun for you there). There are dozens and dozens of recorded martial arts, more than you can probably master in your entire life, which has given movie/TV producers - and video game developers - lots of creative options to play with.
With a number of big AAA fighting games like Mortal Kombat, TEKKEN and Street Fighter leading the way, some of the indie titles get overlooked. So, we've put together a list of kick-ass indie martial arts games on Steam PC that you should check out - happy kicking/punching!
Shaolin vs Wutang
Described as a 'love letter to classic 70's and 80's Kung Fu cinema', Shaolin vs Wutang was developed by Jae Lee - a huge follower of martial arts whose knowledge and passion for Kung Fu films helped create this 1v1 fighting game.
The game features 30 inspired characters, each with their own unique fighting style, as well as a licensed Kung Fu soundtrack featuring music from classic films of the 60s and 70s.
One Finger Death Punch
It's one heck of an intense brawler, One Finger Death Punch features one of the most deadly stick figure characters with a unique 1v1 response combat system. Players face wave after wave of enemies – defeating them by using complex fight choreographies and well-timed hits to survive.
With over 250 stages, 13 modes and three difficulty levels, the game has a mixture of five classic Kung Fu styles as well as additional weapons. One Finger Death Punch is designed to stop players from pressing buttons like crazy - if you button mash, you die - every press matters.
Shuyan Saga
The artistic Shuyan Saga is a graphic novel series where action scenes come alive through 3D combat gameplay. Set in an ancient Chinese martial arts fantasy universe, players take on the role of protagonist Princess Shuyan, who longs to become a true disciple of Kung Fu to stop the evil Guer horde from destroying the Five Kingdoms.
The game features over 1,400 beautifully illustrated panels from one of the top Asian comic artists, Daxiong, and over 300 combat animations - referenced from motion captured Kung Fu techniques of Shifu Longfei Yang, Master of the Shanxi Praying Mantis Style.
Kiai Resonance
In Kiai Resonance, players can perfect their skills as a samurai warrior in 1v1 battles. Created in beautiful ukiyo-e-esque graphics that attempt to restore the simple aesthetics of traditional Japanese prints, the game sees players strategically attack each other with a one-hit kill.
Catching your opponent off guard will lead you to victory, but your attacks will also leave you open for counters. Kiai Resonance features local, online and AI versus 1v1 modes, as well as mini games to test your abilities with a katana.
Kung Fu Strike - The Warrior's Rise
Prepare for free-flowing combat mechanics allow jaw-dropping combos. Kung Fu Strike - The Warrior's Rise has 28 stages and features a fluid combat system that turns brawling into an art form.
Players can blend powerful punches, high kicks and perfectly timed blocks to pull off devastating combos, all thanks to a fluid combat system that turns brawling into an art form. You'll be able to unlock items and abilities to further customize your style of play, fight with or against a friend in local co-op, and rank up the online leaderboards to compete with fellow Kung Fu masters.
