9 Monkeys of Shaolin is a side-scrolling beat 'em up that blends action, indie development, RPG progression, and adventure elements. Players take control of Wei Cheng, a Chinese fisherman who masters ancient martial arts after a pirate raid destroys his village. The game draws from classic 1970s kung fu cinema and old-school brawlers, delivering challenging combat across medieval China with a focus on staff-based fighting and environmental variety.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on fast-paced, combo-driven combat against groups of enemies. Wei Cheng starts with basic staff techniques and gradually unlocks advanced moves through an extensive character development system. Three distinct fighting styles allow combat on the ground, in the air, or through mysterious magic seals, and players combine these approaches to handle different threats effectively.
Exploration plays a key role as well. More than 25 levels span Chinese villages, pirate ships, Buddhist monasteries, Japanese mansions, and ancient ruins. Scattered throughout these environments are 10 types of Chinese and Japanese polearms, each offering unique traits that encourage experimentation and adaptation during fights. Perks and items further customize playstyles, rewarding thorough exploration and repeated runs.
Controls remain accessible while supporting depth, with emphasis on timing, positioning, and style switching to overcome increasingly aggressive foes. The progression from novice fisherman to skilled martial artist feels tangible as new abilities integrate into the existing move set.
Game Modes
Single-player campaign forms the main experience, guiding players through the full narrative in a linear yet varied sequence of stages. The same campaign supports cooperative play for two participants, either locally or online, allowing a second player to join and assist against waves of enemies.
Co-op maintains the core combat and progression systems without altering level design or story flow. Both players contribute to clearing hordes and advancing through the campaign together, which adds coordination elements to the otherwise solo-focused brawler structure.
Story and Setting
The narrative follows Wei Cheng's transformation after losing his community to a pirate attack. He draws on latent knowledge of Shaolin martial arts to pursue vengeance across a setting that mixes historical Chinese and Japanese influences with mystical undertones. Enemy groups include multiple wokou clans, each tied to specific chapters and led by distinctive masked figures.
Locations reflect the journey's scope, moving from rural villages to more exotic or fortified areas. This progression reinforces the character's growth while providing visual and mechanical variety through new enemy types and terrain features.
Is It Worth Playing?
9 Monkeys of Shaolin appeals most to fans of classic beat 'em ups who enjoy methodical combat, character upgrades, and co-op sessions. The game delivers a complete single-player campaign with meaningful progression and a range of weapons and styles to master. Co-op adds replay value for those who prefer shared experiences without changing the fundamental loop.
Reception has been generally favorable among critics and players who appreciate its throwback style and atmospheric presentation. Those seeking modern innovations or ongoing content may find it limited, as the title focuses on a self-contained 2020 release without post-launch seasons or expansions. It suits players comfortable with challenging, linear action games that prioritize combat satisfaction over open-world freedom.
