Shaolin vs Wutang

Today I want to talk about Shaolin vs. Wutang, a fighting game developed and published by Jae Lee Productions. It is a title clearly inspired by classic Chinese martial arts movies, and from the very first moment it makes that intention obvious. The game allows you to play as a wide roster of fighters that are unmistakably inspired by iconic figures from martial arts cinema such as Bruce Lee, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan, and many others. While the game never directly names these actors for obvious copyright reasons, the visual resemblance and fighting styles make the references immediately recognizable.

This is a fighting game aimed mainly at a casual audience. You should not expect the mechanical depth or technical precision of franchises like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, or Tekken. That said, it is clear that a lot of care has gone into the presentation. The character models are well done, the animations are surprisingly fluid, and each fighter has a distinct visual identity that reflects their combat style and cinematic inspiration.

The combat system is simple but functional. Each character feels different to control, with unique move sets that help keep the experience varied. In higher difficulties, the game can become quite challenging, especially because some characters are noticeably stronger or more efficient than others. This imbalance means that certain fighters can chain combos more easily, while others feel heavier and slower, which can affect how enjoyable they are to play. Even so, learning how each character works is part of the fun.

There is also a special meter that fills up as you land hits on your opponent. When fully charged, you can unleash a powerful attack that deals extra damage, adding a small layer of strategy to otherwise straightforward fights. I tried most of the available modes, including Arcade, Training, Survival, Versus, and Tournament, and they offer enough variety to keep the game interesting for a while. One of the highlights is visiting so many different locations that are clearly inspired by classic martial arts movie settings, many of which fans of the genre will immediately recognize.

The Arcade mode includes light narrative elements presented at the beginning and end of each character’s story. Each fighter is named after their combat style, and their short backstories reference familiar tropes from kung fu cinema. It is not a deep or complex story, but it fits the game’s tone and reinforces its identity as a tribute to the genre.

Visually, the game may not be cutting-edge, but it is colorful and effective. The environments are well represented, and the characters capture the look and feel of the legendary martial arts stars they are inspired by. The music and sound effects also deserve praise, as they do a great job of setting the mood and making you feel like you are inside a classic kung fu movie fight scene.

As for Steam Deck performance, the experience is excellent. The game runs smoothly, with no noticeable issues related to performance or controls. Considering it was developed by a very small team, the optimization on Valve’s handheld is impressive and makes it a great pick for portable play.

Overall, Shaolin vs. Wutang is not a game for everyone. Players looking for a deep, competitive fighting experience may find it lacking compared to the genre’s biggest names. However, despite its humble scope and limited resources, it perfectly captures the spirit of classic kung fu cinema. It feels like a love letter to those films, and while the experience is relatively short, especially in Arcade mode, higher difficulties and achievement hunting can significantly extend its lifespan. It is a solid recommendation for film fans and for players who enjoy more accessible, less complex fighting games.