Kung Fu Master is a classic side-scrolling action game that was released in 1984 for arcades.
This game stands as a pioneering side-scrolling beat ’em up, blending precise platforming with martial arts action as you guide a lone fighter through six floors of a skyscraper to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend from the villainous Mr. Xie.
Controls feel tight and responsive even today—jump, kick, punch, and dodge projectiles across escalating challenges like knife-throwers, clubs, and giant bosses. Difficulty spikes smartly, rewarding pattern mastery without cheap deaths, though short levels (3-5 minutes each) demand quarters for replays.
Simple pixel art pops with expressive sprites and dynamic animations; the iconic “chopping” sound effects and tense bassline amp every encounter. Repetition exists, but tight pacing keeps it addictive.
Developed by Irem and published by Data East, it ported to NES (as Spartan X in Japan, starring Mickey Rourke’s likeness), Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and more. Critically lauded for innovation, it inspired Double Dragon and nods in Stranger Things (Dustin plays it). Sequel Vigilante (1988) followed.
A timeless arcade essential—emulate it for pure ’80s action nostalgia. Perfect for your retro computing tastes alongside C64 classics.
The Remakes
Kung Fu 2 was originally created for the 2008 Retro Remakes Competition (www.retroremakes.com). When it was submitted, the game was not 100% complete. There were only 6 levels finished. Nevertheless, it won first place in its category (games without sequels). It is now finished and can be played by anyone for free!
Kung Fu 2 is a sequel to the NES version of Kung Fu. Kung Fu was originally created by Irem Corporation in 1984.
Kung Fu 2`s goal was to take the NES version, and make a sequel with revamped graphics, refined game-play, new areas to fight in, and new twists in the plot.
