Kung-Fu Master (USA)

What is Kung-Fu Master (USA)?

Kung-Fu Master (USA) is a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up originally released for arcades and later ported to the Atari 7800. You play as Thomas, a martial artist fighting through five treacherous floors of the "Devil Temple" to rescue your kidnapped girlfriend Sylvia. This action-packed game blends intense combat with strategic movement as you battle diverse enemies and bosses using punches, kicks, and evasive maneuvers. Its straightforward yet challenging gameplay made it a pioneer in the fighting game genre.

Game Features

• Intense martial arts combat against waves of enemies including knife-throwers, boomerang experts, and charging fighters
• Five distinct floors with unique enemy patterns and environmental hazards like falling barrels
• Epic boss battles at the end of each floor, culminating in a showdown with the evil Mr. X
• Simple yet deep mechanics requiring precise timing for punches, kicks, and dodges
• Progressive difficulty with faster and more aggressive enemies as you ascend floors
• Bonus point system for consecutive hits and defeating multiple enemies rapidly
• Iconic retro visuals with colorful character sprites and smooth animation

How to Play Kung-Fu Master (USA)?

1. Movement: Use arrow keys (or WASD) to move Thomas left and right across the screen. Press UP to climb stairs between floors.
2. Attacks: Press Z for punch (quick close-range attack) and X for kick (slower but wider-reaching attack).
3. Defense: Press DOWN + punch (Z) to crouch and avoid high attacks, or DOWN + kick (X) for a sweeping low kick.
4. Jump: Press SPACEBAR to leap over ground-level hazards and enemy attacks.
5. Advanced tactics: Time attacks to interrupt enemy movements, and use the edges of the screen to limit enemy approach angles.
6. Objective: Clear all enemies on each floor, defeat the floor boss, and climb to the next level. Avoid enemy contact and projectiles to preserve health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I lose all my health?
You lose one life and respawn at the start of the current floor. If all lives are exhausted, the game ends. Collect bonus icons for extra lives.

How do I defeat the final boss, Mr. X?
Attack during his throwing-star recovery animation. Dodge his projectiles by jumping or crouching, then counterattack when he pauses. Patience is key!

Can I recover health during gameplay?
No health recovery exists, but you gain an extra life every 50,000 points. Avoid damage by mastering dodges and attack timing.