9 Monkeys of Shaolin

A fishing village burns, and one survivor turns grief into a bruising martial-arts pilgrimage across medieval China. 9 Monkeys of Shaolin is a side-scrolling beat ’em up built around the revenge story of Wei Cheng, an ordinary fisherman forced to learn the discipline and violence of Shaolin combat. Its mood lands somewhere between a gritty arcade brawler and a classic 1970s kung-fu film, complete with pirates, monasteries, ruined temples, and enemies who arrive in determined packs. The result is straightforward, satisfying action with a stronger sense of place than the genre usually offers.

Wei fights primarily with a staff, using quick strikes, heavier crowd-clearing blows, throws, and evasive movement to manage enemies approaching from both sides. Combat expands through three complementary disciplines: grounded techniques for reliable control, aerial attacks for mobility and pressure, and mystical seals that unleash supernatural abilities when ordinary punches are not enough. Progression gradually turns Wei from a vulnerable villager into a capable master, unlocking perks, equipment, and a selection of Chinese and Japanese polearms with distinct handling. More than 25 stages keep the journey moving through varied locations, while local co-op lets a second player join the campaign and makes large encounters more manageable—or more chaotic.

What separates it from many retro-inspired brawlers is its willingness to layer character growth and martial-arts flavor over familiar lane-based fighting. The painted visuals, dramatic backdrops, and deliberate use of kung-fu cinema imagery give each level a pleasing period-adventure atmosphere rather than reducing the action to endless anonymous streets. Its controls remain accessible enough for newcomers, but players who enjoy learning combos, timing attacks, and choosing the right tool for crowded fights get more out of the system. Fans of Streets of Rage, Final Fight, and old-school arcade co-op who want a focused solo or couch multiplayer campaign with a Chinese martial-arts identity should find plenty to enjoy here.