If there has been one constant in all of the PlayStation 3 network's downloadable games, it's that they all look really, really good. I can't say the same about the Xbox 360 games I have downloaded and reviewed (althought in all fairness, I have reviewed 12,360 games compared to five PS3 titles). And the tradition continues with the very quirky, very "different" fighting title Rag Doll Kung Fu.

In Rag Doll, you play as a honest to goodness plastic puppet-looking character straight out of a 70's kung-fu theater movie. The game is similar to other fighting games where you and a friend pound the snot out of one another in a number of varied locations. Now surprisingly there is no online multiplayer mode, just you and whoever you have suckered into sitting down next to you and duking it out. The controls vary from smooth combinations to downright silly movements with the SIXAXIS controller. Weapons and power-ups drop in as you fight and otherworldly leaps around the fighting area help you in your battle against gravity. In fact, the physics of the game seem to be pretty darn near accurate with the exception of the insanely high leaps you can do when hanging off a tree branch or other object. In all fairness though, I have never met an actual animated puppet so huge leaps may be the norm.

 
"The battle of the giant tree root ended shortly after two in the afternoon after all the combatants melted."

Now again, this game looks phenomenal, even the load-out screen that details each of the characters. Smooth-looking plastic skin, attention to detail and really lively movement. pixel sprites are bright and clear, the environments have a real photographic quality and everything meshes really well. I love the character design with the 70's hair and genuine martial arts clothing. If more games put this much visual panashe into the graphics then we would all be happier.

But for all that wonderful visual style, the game drops the ball when it fails to have the ability to go online and play many of the games that are available, especially when you look at the modes available. In Deathmatch one player brawl against another, nothing new here. Then Capture the Fish comes in and makes you rethink what the devil it is you are playing. In this mode players try and get the fish and place it into a basket located on the map. Other players (up to four) try and stop him/her by any means necessary. Then take the fish and score yourself. Yes, it's goofy and completely fun at the same time.

Next is Dodgeball, which kept making me think of that disappointing Ben Stiller movie and then last is King of the Hill, which is exactly what you think it is.

Sound-wise the game also seems to deliver the goods, the cheesy (on purpose) kung-fun music is completely welcomed although it does tend to repeat more quickly than I would have thought. Still, good sound effects with some actual comic timing to them. Th game has a certain cheesy charm that works better when you are playing with friends in a party game atmosphere.

When you look at this title you will enjoy some of its gameplay when you are playing the single-player mode. Trouble is, the game isn't very good as a single-player game. The multiplayer is where it is at and for the dev team to completely ignore online gameplay is practically criminal.

Gameplay: 6.0
You can make your action hero from the 5th Dynasty do some impressive moves, but the SIXAXIS control scheme tied in with some traditional punch/kick action is kind of unflattering in a game like this. 

Graphics: 8.0
The game continues the tradition of PSN games that have better-than-average graphics.

Sound: 7.5
Funny, completely enjoyable and spot-on all at the same time. A good sounding game.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 6.7
A good idea that wasn't completely fleshed out; more characters, levels and challenges would make this game complete.

Multiplayer: 6.0
It is so sad this game isn't online. It is fun as all get-out with your friends on the couch, it could be so much more.

Overall: 6.8
This should be a must have game for $9.99, as it is, with a missing online capability, it is a possible have, depends on what floats your boat.