Kung Fu Chaos (Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald ratings: * * * * )

In this side-splitting parody of the Kung Fu films, publishers Microsoft Games Studios and developers Just Add Monsters pay tribute to the martial arts stars of the 70s.

Kung Fu Chaos is a rip-roaring 3D beatÕem up with a wicked sense of humour, exclusive to Xbox. The game begins with action-loving auteur Shoa Ting creating what will be the greatest martial arts movie ever made.

Play starts by choosing from one of eight madcap Hong Kong stars and then unlocking over 25 scenes -- each level is a parody of a film and named appropriately.

There's Legend of the Drunken Bastard, Fry Hard, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Princess and s - o on.

Fighting is simple to pick up. There are one, two and three-hit combos as well as the all-important taunts and there are plenty of ways to play. Completing the Ninja Challenge levels unlocks all the scenes in the game. Battle Game and Championship are set up specifically for multiplayer action with up to four players onscreen at once. Freestyle, Miniseries and Rehearsal round off the various game modes.

There are some wonderfully clever touches -- the grainy, speckled appearance of the game mirrors the tatty look of the Bruce Lee and Sonny Chiba matinee films. The music has been cleverly thought out -- included are Bus Stop's Kung Fu Fighting and the theme from Enter the Dragon.

With its trash talking, action packed brawls and hilarious characters,Kung Fu Chaos is a breath of fresh air.

$129.95

* Email Jon Minifie