I was skeptical sitting in the movie theatre before the lights dimmed for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.  Watching a foreign film with subtitles mixed with unrealistic martial art action didn’t seem like the ideal activity for a Friday night.  But as the movie went on, I realized that there was more to kung-fu movies than Jackie Chan and the Karate kid.  The movie was innovative, inspirational, and totally fun.  Unfortunately, I found none of these qualities present in this Ubi Soft title based on the movie.

But let’s talk story.  You step into the shoes of Li Mu Bai, legendary warrior wielding the great sword Green Destiny who has now laid down his sword; Yu Shu Lien, one of the greatest swordswoman of her day with a secret passion for Mu Bai; and Jen, a young girl breaking free of the aristocratic world that has trapped her into marrying a man she does not love.  Li Mu Bai has been after the notorious murderer, Jade Fox, for years to avenge the death of his master.  However, Jen’s caretaker is secretly Jade Fox and she teaches Jen the ways of the Wudan to become a great swordswoman.  This mess continues as Mu Bai realizes the truth and works hard to make Jen his student.  But of course, Jen and Jade Fox won’t allow this.  There are also some romances between Yu and Mu Bai and Jen and her lover.  Oh yes…there is also some battle scenes much similar to dancing with knives.

Now, back to the game.  If some of you are wondering what took so long, about 3 years since the release of the movie, so am I.  But even if this game came out along with the movie, it would be just as disappointing.  You won’t see much of the story, there are a few cut scenes from the movie, but most of the non-action info is given to you in scrolling words.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon tries to make the fighting as artistic as the movies yet ended up turning into a failed hack ‘n slash.   One thing I had a big problem with is the control.  Though each character offers a few special moves and special blocking system, most of the time you’re just smashing buttons.  One thing that some of you may like is running up and down walls, lengthy jumps, and other CTHD magical moves.  But pretty soon, even that gets old.  Tied with meaningless tasks,  and following colored torches to figure out where you are supposed to go, added to the mediocrity.

The graphics were also mediocre, offering a problematic camera system and basic models that are nothing to remember.  The sound offers slight improvement, but like I have said for every game, if the sound is better than the game play, something is seriously wrong.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon may be worth renting, but if you are looking for a top-notch video game to meet the high standard of martial arts that the movie brought, you’re out of luck.

Gameplay: 5
Unfortunately, CTHD didn't match up to my expectations at all.  I was expecting to play art in a console, it just didn't work out.

Graphics: 5.5
Simple but unimpressive.

Sound: 6.5
Similar music that you had to be immersed in while watching the movie.  The sound FX may be limited, but true to the action.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 7.0
The idea was excellent.  If it would have been developed in time for the release of the movie, it would carry enough hype to bring in a good fortune.  But even after 3 years, the premise is still cool.

Overall: 5.5
If they dropped CTHD down to 20 bucks, I'd say go for it.  In any other case, it's a mediocre title with few bells and whistles.