Behind The Scenes with Kung Fu Action Game, Sifu

Developer Sloclap gives a detailed look at the game's authentic Ku Fung combat system.

Sloclap, developer and publisher of the upcoming Kung Fu action game Sifu released a behind the scenes video giving a detailed look at how the game approaches real-world Kung Fu combat. Featuring the intensity of classic Kung Fu films, Sifu tells the story of a young Kung Fu student who has spent their life training for a day of reckoning after the murder of their family by a mysterious assassination squad.

"Sifu tells the story of a young Kung Fu student who has spent their life training for a day of reckoning after the murder of their family by a mysterious assassination squad."

Sifu is set to launch next year on February 22 for PlayStation consoles and on the Epic Games Store.

The newly released video takes would-be sifus behind the scenes with Sloclap’s creative director Jordan Layani and the game’s combat choreographer Benjamin Colussi, diving deep into the realism of the combat and culture. Everything from proper fighting form to the feng shui of the Wuguan (ie. Chinese martial arts school) has been considered to create an immersive, action-packed, and true-to-life Kung Fu combat game.

Authentic combat style

The main character’s movements inspired by Benjamin Colussi, and his unique approach to Pak Mei Kung Fu. Emphasizing authenticity, Colussi and Layani worked closely together to draw from the best of two concepts: creativity and expertise. By blending these together, they created the signature fast-paced and action-packed fighting style in Sifu.

"Colussi and Layani worked closely together to draw from the best of two concepts: creativity and expertise. By blending these together, they created the signature fast-paced and action-packed fighting style in Sifu."

Benjamin was tasked with creating more than 200 moves for the main character, including both hand-to-hand combat and the use of various weapons. He worked closely with the Sloclap developers to create visually impressive moves that have an authentic feel.

It’s all in the details

This collaboration also explored important cultural details, such as the proper design of the character’s Wuguan - everything from door placement, decorations, and placement of items in the digital Wuguan was just as important as getting the fighting moves right. Colussi’s experience training in Foshan, located in the Guandong province, brought an expertise that helped create a world that is as immersive as it is exciting.

Sifu’s unique gameplay

Sifu’s unique gameplay sits in the crossroads of two established and popular genres, mashing the intensity and timeless thrill of beat ‘em ups with the gripping design of 3D character action games. Players will uncover an ancient mystery via a series of difficult confrontations that will push your skills to their limit. To overcome the odds that are heavily stacked against you, you’ll need to rely on your mastery of Kung Fu and on a magical pendant that will revive you after death. The cost of magic is dear, however, and you will significantly age every time you come back to life: time is the price you will pay for your revenge.

"The cost of magic is dear, however, and you will significantly age every time you come back to life: time is the price you will pay for your revenge."

Set across various locations in the city, Sifu gives you 24 hours to enact your revenge for the death of your family. From rooftops in the slums of the city, filled with dealers and junkies, to the immaculate rooms of a contemporary art museum and set to a fiery soundtrack, Sifu is one of the 2022’s most anticipated games.