Johnny Kung Fu

 3DS
Metascore
44

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 5 out of 7
  1. Destructoid
    Jul 18, 2012
    60
    Johnny Kung Fu certainly has its charms, and the dichotomy between the combat levels and the Game & Watch-inspired throwbacks is quite novel. It's just a shame that all the charm is burned through so quickly. The result is a game of extremes with no happy medium -- it's either too simple and brainless or too tedious and frustrating.
  2. Nintendojo
    Jul 23, 2012
    50
    In the end, I was left with the feeling that Johnny Kung Fu was sold short of its true potential. The basic premise is good, the gameplay (well, half of the gameplay…) is spot on, but sadly, the game is hindered by an unnecessarily brutal spike in difficulty and a repetitive, unrewarding design that makes a game that was once unique and challenging, turn into to a bore of a reaction-time test.
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    Jul 11, 2012
    45
    Johnny Kung Fu's biggest crimes are likely frustrating difficulty and poor pacing.
  5. SpazioGames
    Sep 23, 2012
    40
    If a product wants to bring our memories back to when videogames were just lines and beeps it must offer something to still keep us entertained in 2012. Johnny Kung Fu just doesn't have what it takes. There are a way better options for that price in the e-shop. Don't waste your time with this.
  6. Pocket Gamer UK
    Aug 17, 2012
    40
    Novel and at times rather pretty, yet also banal and ugly, only die-hard fans of LCD games need take on this disappointing downloadable.
  7. Nintendo Life
    Jul 18, 2012
    40
    It's entirely possible that one day UFO Interactive will crack the code of a genuinely interesting game, but with a sense of humor about as basic as its mechanics - which is to say incredibly so - Johnny Kung Fu still has a ways to go.
  8. COGconnected
    Jul 14, 2012
    40
    With a few more level types and a real change in difficulty other than needing better reflexes, Johnny Kung Fu would have been entertaining for more than a weekend; as it stands now, I would let Mr. Wang win this battle.

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best 3DS Game of 2012
52
#52 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 4 out of 9
  1. xxAcesHighxx
    Jan 17, 2014
    7
    Unfairly saddled with dozens of overly harsh reviews in the gaming media, Johnny Kung Fu is a far better game than it's many detractors wouldUnfairly saddled with dozens of overly harsh reviews in the gaming media, Johnny Kung Fu is a far better game than it's many detractors would have you believe. Sure, it isn't perfect, far from it infact, but who ever said that it's trying to be?

    What Johnny Kung Fu most definitely *does* do however, is offer genuinely fun, cartoon-styled scrolling, all wrapped up in a varied, combat-heavy package. Some pretty neat use of the 3DS' signature stereoscopic 3D, which allows for seamless plane (of view) flipping, rounds off what is a fun and refreshing alternative to your standard eShop fare.

    When compared to UFO Interactive's more recent offerings from their mascot's 'Johnny XXX' escapades on Nintendo 3DS, this Kung Fu series entry looks even better, proving itself as the unequivocal best of the bunch in the process. However, in truth, it must be noted that this has more to do with the significant shortcomings of UFO's newer franchise entries, than it does with Kung Fu's prowess!

    Despite what you may have read or heard elsewhere, I personally had a blast with Johnny Kung Fu, and for those looking for their next 3DS download, my advice is this: you could certainly do an awful lot worse. Oh and don't go in expecting technical excellence or innovative gameplay either. Just sayin'.

    7 out of 10 all day long!    … Full Review »
  2. UriahJob
    Aug 19, 2012
    8
    Johnny Kung Fu is an unusual game, but in my opinion it is actually one of the best 3D downloadable games in the Nintendo Online Shop. LikeJohnny Kung Fu is an unusual game, but in my opinion it is actually one of the best 3D downloadable games in the Nintendo Online Shop. Like other reviews mention the game eventually becomes difficult. But it keeps the fun factor together because the difficulty is fair. The game does not cheat, but only requires faster reflexes and more experience. Perhaps some might be annoyed by the first portion of every level which is literally made like a traditional Game & Watch game. You can see the outline of each possible position of the projectile and the main character Johnny. Your job is to figure out the timing and quickly press the buttons.

    Johnny Kung Fu has excellent sound and clever use of 3D. I am giving it lower than perfect score because the developers did not attempt to create a story or plot, but just made it like Donkey Kong, where the girl is abducted and the player attempts to save her.
    Also there are no modes besides the main game mode. It would be fun to add a few game modes to alternate gameplay for someone who might need a break from the main campaign.    … Full Review »
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