Konami's Xiaolin Showdown for the PSP is a melee action title that tosses out interesting gameplay for the cartoon franchise. Consumers will likely tire of the nonsensical combat system and turn on an episode of the television series instead.

Xiaolin Showdown features an Adventure Mode, Showdown Mode, and Multiplayer Mode. Adventure Mode allows players to battle bots in various arenas with CPU allies; Showdown Mode includes competitive games against the CPU; and Multiplayer Mode allows up to four players to play Adventure or Showdown Mode.

In the game, players fight bots or each other in various arenas. Players can attack, combo attack, jump, block, and execute a Shen Gong Wu power attack.

However, the game fails to execute solid action levels due to the lock-on system. It doesn't work well, and causes random bouts of mayhem between allies and enemies. Most times players will punch and kick right past their target. In addition, action is repetitive, with similar locations and enemies in each level.

Showdown Mode is more in tune with the game's combat system for competitive stages. Each player will work against each other to compete in various themed games like King of the Hill and It.

The graphics engine is decent at 30 frames per second. Character are flat shaded instead of cel-shaded to barely resemble their cartoon counterparts. Locations are basic and serve as a square for players to battle. Sound effects include battle cries from original voice actors for authenticity and the music is standard Asian-inspired flutes and drums.

Xiaolin Showdown is a disappointing video game entry for the popular cartoon series. The competitive melee game is better suited in Showdown and Multiplayer Modes, however, the poor lock-on system fails the combat engine for all game modes.