Rag Doll Kung Fu

Infobox VG| title = Rag Doll Kung Fu


developer = Qi Studios (Mark Healey)
Tarsier Studios AB (PSN)
publisher = Valve Corporation
Sony Computer Entertainment (PSN)
designer = Mark Healey
engine =
released = October 12 2005
genre = Fighting game
modes = Single player, multiplayer
ratings = ESRB: n/a
platforms = Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 (PSN)
media = Download
requirements = 800 MHz P3, 256 MB RAM, GeForce 2 graphics card
input = Mouse, Gamepad

Rag Doll Kung Fu is a fighting/party computer game, created predominantly by artist Mark Healey, whilst working for Lionhead Studios. Rag Doll Kung Fu is available from Valve's Steam content delivery platform. A new version, called will be available for download over the PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 3.

The game features string puppets that allow for complete control over their hands, arms, and the like. Other Lionhead employees, such as David Smith and Alex Evans, have had a hand in things as well. The game is written in C++ and Direct3D though it is only played in two (and a half) dimensions and exclusively with the mouse. RDKF uses multiple mice to implement multiplayer on a single machine, but this feature is limited to Windows XP due to the use of this [http://jstookey.com/arcade/rawmouse/ Raw input] code to implement this idea. An online multiplayer feature has been added to the game as well.

Healey's description of the game (from [http://www.ragdollkungfu.com RagDollKungFu.com] ):

"Imagine having a Kung Fu Fight with string puppets, except you don’t have to worry about getting the strings tangled up, and you don’t have to have a kung fu fight."
"You control the characters on screen with the mouse – there are no pre-scripted animations in the game – it’s all up to you – to walk, you have to literally pick up one foot, then place it in front of the other."
"Sounds tricky maybe, but it doesn’t take long before you're spinning through the air like a Russian gymnast."
"This means you get to create your own style, and can act out whatever you feel like, and of course, if you really feel like it, you can have a fight."
"It’s about Chi power."

The project was first announced during an interview with Healey by [http://www.lionhead.com/news LHTimes] . In the interview, Healey explained that the game was started after he and a few friends made a £50 kung fu movie, and Mark felt a game should go along with it. A trailer is available on the interview site, and is mirrored on many game-related sites around the Internet. Since then, he has put up a site dedicated to RDKF on the Lionhead server, and it can be found [http://www.ragdollkungfu.com here] , and the trailer and other RDKF media are hosted there.

In late 2005 Mark Healey left Lionhead Studios to form Media Molecule.

Rag Doll Kung Fu was nominated in the 2006 Develop awards for "New PC IP" and "Innovation". It has also been nominated in the GameShadow Innovation in Games Awards 2006

Current status

The game has been in a vegetative state for a long time, but is now seeing a small rise in activity due to Mark's posting at the steampowered.com forums. A boxed RDKF has been released, and a map editor is on the way.

ee also

*Steam (content delivery)
*Kung fu
*Ragdoll physics

External links

* [http://www.rdkf.net/ International Ragdoll Kungfu Website] - Information, skins and a forum about Rag Doll Kung Fu in English.
* [http://nova.student.utwente.nl/mirrors/rdkf/ Lourens' Rag Doll Kung Fu stuff] - A mirror of the work in progress, betatester and official movies of RDKF.
* [http://mrninya.rens2sea.com/ mrNinya's Collected RDKF Work] - A collection of skins and videos for RDKF.
* [http://www.ragdollkungfu.com/ Official Site] - Marcos Healy's page about his game.
* [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=54 Rag Doll Kung Fu forums] - A forum for Rag Doll Kung Fu at the Steam users forums.
* [http://www.ireallydontcare.com/rdkf/ Rag Doll Kung Fu - The Fansite]
* [http://apbit.com/rdkf/ Rag Doll Kung Fu HQ] - Fansite with FAQs and skins
* [http://goodfornothing.info/rdkf Rag Doll Kung Fu: A Novice's Guide] - Website created, as the name implies, for novices of RDKF.
* [http://www.3d2toy.com/downloads.php?category=1 3D2Toy's Collection of Skins] - Based on Evangelion, Half-life & Naruto