If you aren’t familiar with today's popular kids shows, there is one that you probably should be aware of: Xiaolin Showdown. Amongst children of just about all ages, this cartoon is probably the most popular at the moment. Ok, I’ll be truthful. It’s not entertaining to children only; I find myself watching this show when I get a chance as well. While that is not the gist of the story here, it is indeed a great cartoon, and it would make an even better video game. Apparently, Konami thinks so as well and they are in the process of developing a video game based on the popular cartoon as we speak, and is supposed to match the cartoon’s art style and scripting.
An important thing to note about Xiaolin Showdown is that it’s made right here in America and can arguably be called a “Western-style” anime. The cartoon’s basis surrounds an orphaned monk-in-training named Omi, a street-smart Brazilian named Riamundo Pedrosa, a high-tech focused Kimiko Tohomiko from Japan, and a cowboy named Clay Bailey from Texas. Each of these monks-to-be has been hand chosen by the Xiaolin Temple’s (named after the real life Shaolin Temple) head master, Master Fung, to find and protect the sacred Shen Gong Wu artifacts. The Shen Gong Wu possesses magical properties and must be protected from the Heylin. The Heylin are an evil clan who are led by the ghost of the evil witch, Wuya and are intent upon using the Shen Gong Wu’s magical properties for their evil designs.
The use of ancient artifacts, the Shen Gong Wu, is combined with martial arts and is portrayed by evoking internal and mystical powers. They are linked to the natural elements and work synergistically with them – and can give the user an unprecedented amount of usable energy. The game is supposed to stay true to this format, as well as the basic story and how the students and enemy will interact with the Shen Gong Wu. But, as of now, there are only 6 playable characters and we have yet to see which ones, good and evil, have made the cut for the PSP. When one or more of the characters (again, good or evil), touch the Shen Gong Wu, a Xiaolin Showdown will occur. Each combatant must wager a Shen Gong Wu already in their possession and the winner keeps the Shen Gong Wu that they wagered. Both the opponent's Shen Gong Wu and the Shen Gong Wu that the Showdown was fought for, are given to the winner.
Each character will feature their own respective style and moves and can be upgraded by collecting and winning more Shen Gong Wu. Each time you wager a Shen Gong Wu in your possession, you can use said artifact in the match to help you win the battle by utilizing it’s special properties, which may be different for each character. As you win and collect more artifacts, you can use the magical properties that it offers, ultimately collecting stronger and stronger Shen Gong Wu. Thus, giving your character stronger and better moves to help in your collection and mastery of the Shen Gong Wu.
As of now, the Playstation 2 and Xbox version will have 4-player cooperative play on a single console. The PSP and DS version will offer the same; only the handhelds will be through your local Wi-Fi hot spot. Look for Xiaolin Showdown to hit store shelves sometime in November. Also, keep checking back to VGCore.com for news, videos, and interviews as they hit the gaming world.
