Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Xiaolin Showdown’s gameplay lies in its fast-paced, wave-based combat that feels right at home alongside titles like Power Stone and Super Smash Bros. You move your chosen monk around colorful arenas, chaining together light and heavy attacks, aerial kicks, and special moves for a satisfying combo flow. Even in single-player mode, your three fellow Xiaolin warriors stay by your side—AI-controlled but tactically competent—ensuring the action never feels empty.

Between each wave of enemy robots, you’ll collect Shen Gong Wu artifacts that grant you unique abilities, from grounding foes with seismic punches to temporarily freezing them in place. Each artifact feels distinct, and the decision of which Wu to bet in the showdown adds an extra layer of strategy. Should you risk your most powerful artifact for the chance to steal one from your opponent? Those choices inject a playful tension into otherwise straightforward skirmishes.

The headline feature is undoubtedly the showdowns themselves: 1-on-1 or free-for-all mini-games in which you wager one of your Shen Gong Wu. Winning lets you claim an artifact from the loser, and losing sends your prize into an opponent’s hands. It’s a clever way to break up the regular combat loops and encourages you to learn each showdown style—whether it’s timed punches, chase sequences, or puzzle-style challenges—keeping the gameplay fresh throughout the story campaign.

Multiplayer adds even more longevity. Up to four players can duke it out locally, choosing from the initial quartet of Xiaolin monks or the two unlockable villains, Jack Spicer and Chase Young. Though there’s no online matchmaking, couch co-op captures the nostalgic party-game spirit, making it easy for veterans of the animated series to relive iconic rivalries with friends.

Graphics

Xiaolin Showdown’s visuals do an admirable job of translating the cartoon’s vibrant art style into 3D arenas and character models. The environments—from ancient temples to high-tech labs—are richly colored, filled with dynamic lighting that highlights the mystical aura of the Shen Gong Wu. Special effects for each artifact’s power feel impactful without overwhelming the screen, striking a satisfying balance between spectacle and clarity.

The character designs remain faithful to the show: Kimiko’s pink gi and clay’s hefty frame feel instantly recognizable, and the unlockable villains boast menacing expressions that capture their on-screen personalities. Animations are fluid, whether you’re performing a mid-air double kick or unleashing a signature Wu attack. Despite occasional clipping when multiple fighters converge in tight spaces, the overall presentation holds up well on modern displays.

A notable highlight is the dynamic arena hazards that occasionally reshape the battlefield—collapsing platforms or energy barriers that emerge based on the map. These shifts not only look impressive but also force you to adapt your tactics on the fly. While the game doesn’t push the limits of next-gen hardware, it delivers a crisp, colorful package that honors the original series without feeling dated.

Between levels, short cutscenes and character portraits help bridge the narrative, maintaining the cartoon’s aesthetic with cel-shaded outlines and expressive facial work. Though they’re brief, these interstitial moments give each stage a sense of progression and remind you that you’re part of the larger Xiaolin universe.

Story

Xiaolin Showdown follows a straightforward yet engaging narrative that will delight fans of the animated series. As Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo, or Clay, you embark on a globe-trotting mission to recover stolen Shen Gong Wu from waves of Jack Spicer’s robotic army. The story introduces Mala Mala Jong as a shadowy mastermind, building toward a climactic confrontation that feels earned after mastering each set of challenges.

The pacing is well calibrated: short combat segments transition seamlessly into artifact hunts, then into character banter or showdown previews. Although the dialogue is serviceable rather than cinematic, it retains the humor and camaraderie that defined the show. Moments of rivalry between Raimundo and Chase Young, or Clay’s good-natured ribbing of Omi’s discipline, add charm to what might otherwise feel like a repetitive grind.

The inclusion of unlockable bosses—Jack Spicer and Chase Young—expands the story arenas beyond the four monks, offering alternative perspectives on key events. These bonus modes don’t radically alter the plot, but they provide fresh environments and challenge spikes that veterans will appreciate. Each stage’s environmental design also plays into the narrative, from ancient crypts hiding Wu artifacts to sprawling tech labs crawling with spider-bots.

While the tale doesn’t break new storytelling ground, it serves its purpose as a lightweight, action-driven adventure. It won’t replace a richly woven RPG plot, but it keeps the momentum high and rewards completionists with secret levels and extra artifact data for replay value.

Overall Experience

Xiaolin Showdown strikes a comfortable balance between accessible party-style fighting and character-focused nostalgia. Its pick-up-and-play mechanics make it suitable for casual sessions, yet the variety of Shen Gong Wu powers and showdown mini-games ensure there’s enough depth to satisfy more competitive players. The inclusion of both the full story mode and standalone showdown battles enhances replayability, catering to different playstyles.

For fans of the animated series, this game offers a faithful, interactive extension of the Xiaolin universe. The character roster, stage designs, and artifact abilities evoke memorable moments from the TV show, while the unlockable villains and secret levels provide incentives to keep pushing through the single-player campaign. Even newcomers will find the blend of combat and strategic power-ups entertaining, though they may miss some of the in-jokes reserved for longtime viewers.

Multiplayer remains the standout feature for gatherings: local four-player matchups capture the same friendly competition that Super Smash Bros. popularized. While the lack of online play is a drawback in today’s connected landscape, the core experience is sufficiently engaging to justify revisiting it at parties or family game nights. The seamless combination of frantic showdowns and artifact-driven combat delivers memorable moments again and again.

In the end, Xiaolin Showdown may not redefine the fighting genre, but it succeeds admirably as a dedicated tie-in that respects its source material. With solid mechanics, colorful graphics, and a lighthearted story, it stands as a worthwhile pick for series aficionados and a fun, easy-to-approach fighter for casual gamers alike.

Retro Replay Score

5.2/10