Kick Master (NES) Playthrough
2Playthrough of Kick Master, Taito's 1992 side-scrolling action-platformer for the NES. The video contains all three loops of the game.
Kick Master for the NES is a side-scrolling action-platformer developed by KID and published by Taito in 1992. The game blends traditional combat mechanics with RPG elements, setting it apart from many of its contemporaries. Players take on the role of Thonolan, a martial artist on a quest to rescue a kidnapped princess and avenge his brother's death. The game follows a medieval fantasy setting filled with monsters, sorcery, and crumbling castles.
Combat is centered around a wide variety of kicking techniques, which is the game’s primary gimmick and its namesake. Thonolan can perform high kicks, sliding kicks, flip kicks, and more, many of which are unlocked as the game progresses. The combat is surprisingly complex for an NES title, with different kicks serving different tactical purposes. Defeating enemies often drops magical items or experience points, which allow the player to level up, increasing health and unlocking new moves. Magic spells are also a significant component, giving the player ranged attacks or defensive abilities that use a regenerating magic meter.
Level design is varied and includes both straightforward platforming and more challenging sections filled with traps, enemy ambushes, and occasional branching paths. The difficulty is fairly high, particularly in later stages, with tight timing and enemy placement requiring patience and memorization. Boss fights are frequent and demand the use of both combat skills and magic, often testing the player's ability to adapt quickly.
Visually, the game is one of the more impressive titles on the NES. Sprites are large and detailed, animation is smooth, and backgrounds are rich with atmosphere, especially in dark forests, ruins, and magical strongholds. The soundtrack features energetic and dramatic compositions that complement the action and fantasy tone effectively.
Kick Master stands out among NES platformers for its blend of melee-focused combat, RPG mechanics, and magic system. While its difficulty curve can be steep, and it’s occasionally hampered by cheap enemy placements or unforgiving jumps, it remains a hidden gem for players who enjoy action games with a layer of depth and challenge beyond the typical run-and-slash formula.