Kung Fu (NES) Playthrough
3Playthrough of Kung Fu, Nintendo's 1985 side-scrolling beat-'em-up for the NES.
Kung Fu for the NES is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up that serves as one of the earliest and most influential action games on the system. Released in 1985, it is a port of the arcade game Kung-Fu Master and places players in the role of Thomas, a martial artist on a mission to rescue his girlfriend Sylvia from the clutches of the evil Mr. X. The game’s premise is simple and classic: fight your way through five floors of a pagoda, each packed with enemies and a boss waiting at the end.
Gameplay revolves around fast-paced, straightforward combat using punches and kicks, both in standing and crouching forms. Enemies approach from both sides of the screen, requiring quick reflexes and constant movement. Some foes grab onto Thomas and must be shaken off, while others throw projectiles or use special attacks, adding some variety to the otherwise repetitive flow. Each level culminates in a boss battle that typically requires a bit of timing and pattern recognition to overcome.
Despite its simplicity, Kung Fu is notable for its responsive controls and satisfying action, especially considering the limitations of early NES hardware. The animation is minimal but clear, with colorful backgrounds that, while basic, manage to convey a sense of progression as Thomas climbs higher through the building. The music is catchy and loops throughout the game, creating a sense of urgency as players fight through waves of attackers.
Kung Fu stands out as one of the foundational games in the beat-'em-up genre. While its mechanics are now considered primitive, they were groundbreaking at the time, offering home console players a taste of the arcade experience. The game’s short length and repetitive design are balanced by its tight gameplay and nostalgic charm, making it a memorable title for many early NES fans.