Rag Doll Kung Fu holds a unique and critical position in the realm of PC gaming.

As the first-ever third-party game released on Steam in 2005, it is often overlooked, largely forgotten amid the plethora of titles that followed. The game emerged at a time when Steam was merely a platform for launching Half-Life 2, yet it introduced an innovative blend of martial arts action featuring puppet-like characters.

Mark Healey, the game’s creator, is not a household name, but his contributions to the gaming industry date back to his tenure at Bullfrog during the iconic Dungeon Keeper saga. After co-founding Lionhead with Peter Molyneux, he worked on beloved titles like Fable and Black & White before embarking on the logic-defying journey of Rag Doll Kung Fu. Healey’s inspiration for the game stemmed from an amateur martial arts film he created with friends, infusing a personal touch into its quirky design.

Even though I never played it myself, I understand it functions similarly to Smash Bros, with its physics-based mechanics and playful take on brawling. The game’s legacy is firmly established, fostering a digital marketplace that has transformed how PC gamers interact with titles today.

Notably, Rag Doll Kung Fu remains available on Steam after 20 years, with a surprisingly low price point of one dollar—a piece of gaming history for those looking to explore its charm. Completing its narrative is the fact that it is currently labeled ‘Unsupported’ on the Steam Deck, presenting modern players with a challenge to experience its nostalgic delight.