Xiao Xiao Stick Figure Animations and Games
Xiao Xiao, created by Zhu Zhiqiang, is one of the most popular, internet-based, stick figure animation series. Chinese in origin, this flash cartoon and games series is well known and enjoyed by fans of the sub-genre.
The stick figure characters in Xiao Xiao games engage each other in hand-to-hand battle. More than simple animations, some episodes are interactive and more like games than movies. Starting out, all Xiao Xiao animations were in AVI format. This has since changed. Today, they are in Adobe Flash.
Xiao means small in Chinese. When used twice, it is akin to an American nickname. Xiao Xiao is in every title of every cartoon, followed by some sort of descriptive phrase for that particular episode. The very first Xiao Xiao episode (Xiao # 1) was titled Xiao Xiao Zu Pin, which in English means, A Little Bit of Creative Work.
Xiao Xiao is a martial arts expert. In every animation, his mettle and ability to fight and defend him-self is tested. Somehow, someway, he always ends up in situations that prove to be dangerous and he must step up to the challenge or be defeated.
Xiao Xiao's enemies are all pretty similar in terms of size, though not in ability. He is rarely, seriously challenged. Xiao Xiao's antagonists come in a variety of colors but the majority of the time they are black in hue, just as he is. There are exceptions of course. Xiao Xiao's most notable enemy the Boss is purple. He is also an excellent fighter. His ability to spar is the best of all of Xiao Xiao's enemies. Boss presents the greatest challenge by far.
The popularity of Xiao Xiao has spawned a number of copycat stick figure animations and games. Sometimes they take the form of sequels. Othertimes, spin-offs. Xiao Xiao, however, continues to be one of the most popular and is considered by many, to be amongst the best. Imitations are to be expected considering the fact that the animations are fairly easy to draw. Stick figures are one of the easiest art forms in existence. With software programs designed to draw stick figures in relative abundance, it's not difficult to create stick figure animations and games.
Interactive Xiao Xiao Episodes
Xiao Xiao #4, Xiao Xiao #9 animations are noted for their interactivity. In Xiao Xiao #4, Xiao Xiao takes the role of sheriff. Armed with a six-shooter and cowboy hat, Xiao Xiao is the embodiment of a Western cowboy/sheriff. He takes on Boss, in this interactive shooting game.
Xiao Xiao # 9 is another interactive game. This animation draws from Streets of Rage and Final Fight. It is a fighting game, which tests Xiao Xiao's ability to fight off a series of thugs. The final fight is with Boss.
Xiao Xiao Characters
Xiao Xiao animations feature a number of characters. Amongst them is Xiao Xiao, the series' protagonist. Xiao Xiao is an adept martial arts fighter and top-level assassin. Bad Boss is Xiao Xiao's primary nemesis. He is the second toughest fighter in the series and routinely takes Xiao Xiao to the limit. Gang members make up the other characters featured in the Xiao Xiao series. Xiao Xiao generally beats up these stick figures, which come in a myriad of colors, without much difficulty. Often times, he warms up with them before taking on Boss.
