Kung-Fu Master (World)

Step into the world of Kung-Fu Master, an action fighting game released by Irem in 1984. As a student seeking revenge for his master’s death, players navigate a series of scrolling stages facing numerous opponents with distinct attack patterns and weaponry. Using a limited set of punches and kicks, you must defeat each enemy to progress through the dojo and ultimately confront those responsible. A two-player mode allows for head-to-head competition, recreating the challenges together. Originally released in Japan as “Spartan X,” this version was licensed to Data East for distribution outside of Japan. While sharing a core gameplay foundation with its Japanese predecessor, Kung-Fu Master features some differences such as altered text and removed copyright notices. The game's impact on the fighting genre is notable; it arrived during a period that also saw the release of Karate Champ. Bootleg versions were produced by O.K. corp. shortly after its initial release, demonstrating the widespread appeal of this martial arts-themed title. A record score of 1,349,040 points currently stands as the highest recorded achievement in the game. Ports of Kung-Fu Master appeared on various home consoles and computers throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.