Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend

Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend is an action-adventure game developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Vivendi in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance. This martial arts brawler attempts to capture the essence of Bruce Lee's legendary fighting prowess in a portable format, combining beat-em-up combat with light platforming elements.

The game follows Bruce Lee through various scenarios inspired by his films and philosophy, featuring hand-to-hand combat as the primary gameplay mechanic. Players execute different martial arts moves using combinations of the face buttons, with the ability to perform kicks, punches, and signature techniques like the one-inch punch. The control scheme feels responsive for a handheld title, though it lacks the fluidity found in console fighting games like Street Fighter Alpha 3 or Tekken Advance. Combat encounters typically involve facing multiple enemies simultaneously, requiring players to master timing and positioning to avoid being overwhelmed.

Vicarious Visions, known for their solid handheld adaptations, delivers decent sprite work that captures Bruce Lee's iconic yellow tracksuit and distinctive fighting stances. The animations attempt to replicate his lightning-fast movements. Environmental backgrounds draw inspiration from classic kung fu film settings, featuring dojos, temples, and urban locations that provide appropriate atmosphere for the martial arts theme.

The game's structure resembles other licensed brawlers of the era, particularly Jackie Chan Adventures on GBA, but Return of the Legend focuses more heavily on one-on-one and small group encounters rather than large-scale mob fighting. This approach works better for the hardware's capabilities, allowing for more detailed character animations and responsive controls. However, the gameplay can become repetitive, as the move set, while authentic to Bruce Lee's style, feels limited compared to dedicated fighting games like King of Fighters EX series on the same platform.

Audio design attempts to recreate the classic sounds of martial arts films, complete with Bruce Lee's iconic battle cries and impact effects, though the Game Boy Advance's sound limitations prevent the visceral punch of arcade fighters. The musical score draws from traditional Eastern instruments and maintains an appropriate mood throughout the adventure.

For Bruce Lee enthusiasts, Return of the Legend represents a respectful tribute to the legendary martial artist's legacy. While it may not possess the complexity of games like Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow or the technical depth of Super Street Fighter II Turbo Revival, it successfully translates Bruce Lee's fighting philosophy and cinematic presence to the handheld format. The game captures the essence of what made Bruce Lee special - his speed, precision, and distinctive fighting style - making it an essential title for fans of the martial arts icon.