Let's Play a Game: "Kung Fu" (NES)

On this episode we'll be playing Kung Fu for the NES. This was one of the few games I actually owned as a kid. So I'm sure I played it till it didn't work anymore haha.

"Kung Fu" for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) holds a special place in video game history as both a launch title and a pioneering example of the beat-'em-up genre. Initially developed by Irem as an arcade game under the title "Kung-Fu Master," it was ported to the NES by Nintendo itself, which is notable since this was one of the rare instances where Nintendo ported a game they did not originally develop. In Japan, this game was released for the Famicom, known as "スパルタンX" (Spartan X), on June 21, 1985. This title was based on the Jackie Chan movie "Wheels on Meals," although this connection was not emphasized in its Western release, where it was simply titled "Kung Fu" due to Chan's lack of recognition in America at the time.

The game's storyline revolves around Thomas, a kung-fu master whose girlfriend, Sylvia, is kidnapped by the villainous Mr. X. Thomas must fight his way through five levels of Devil's Temple to rescue her, facing off against various enemies and bosses on each floor. The gameplay is straightforward, with Thomas moving from left to right or vice versa, depending on the level, using punches and kicks to defeat foes. The NES version, despite being a simplified port of the arcade original, captured the essence of the beat-'em-up genre, offering players a challenging and engaging experience with responsive controls and a fitting, albeit repetitive, soundtrack.

"Kung Fu" was one of the sixteen launch titles for the NES in North America, released on October 18, 1985. Its significance lies not just in its gameplay but in its historical context; it was among the first third-party games on the NES, setting a precedent for the system's expansive library. Directed by Shigeru Miyamoto, who was interested in side-scrolling action gameplay, this title laid some groundwork for future games in the genre on the NES.

Despite its simple mechanics, "Kung Fu" has been celebrated for its replay value. After completing the game, it would loop back to the beginning with increased difficulty, encouraging players to achieve higher scores and master the game's patterns. This feature was quite innovative for its time, contributing to the game's charm and longevity.

Over the years, "Kung Fu" has been recognized for its influence on the beat-'em-up genre, even if later games like "Double Dragon" and "Final Fight" would expand on its concepts. It's also been noted in various retrospectives and lists, such as IGN's Top 100 NES Games, where it's described as an enigma – simple yet rewarding, especially for its era.

While not available on modern Nintendo services like the Switch Online or included in NES Classic editions, "Kung Fu" remains a cherished piece of gaming history, remembered fondly by those who experienced the early days of the NES. Its legacy is also seen in the community's nostalgia and in the occasional re-release of the game in various forms, including ROM downloads for emulation, keeping the spirit of Thomas's rescue mission alive for new generations.