data/claims/kung-fu-master-history.yamlKung-Fu Master (history and reception)
Game: Kung-Fu Master.
Kung-Fu Master is Irem's coin-op game, copyright 1984. Irem licensed it to Data East for the arcades of the United States, where it was called Kung Fu Master, and Data East's license also covered home versions for the Apple II and Commodore 64. kung-fu-master-history/arcade
PDF p. 8, back coverKung-Fu Master © 1984 Irem Corp. Manufactured under license by Data East USA, Inc.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, review of Kung Fu — the scout read the sentence on the page image, "(The same game was licensed to Data East for U.S. arcades, where it is known as 'Kung Fu Master.')"; the text layer cuts each line at the column's edgegame was licensed to Data East for U.S. arcadesComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, review of Kung Fuknown as "Kung Fu Master." Under their license fromComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, review of Kung Fu — the sentence goes on "for Apple II and Commodore 64 computers"Data East also released home versions of "Kung Fu MasterComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, review of Kung FuApple II and Commodore 64 computersChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Computer Entertainer's December 1985 review of the computer versions had called the game Data East's own coin-op ("the second adaptation from Data East of one of its own coin-op games", kung-fu-master-history/ce-c64-verdict); its April 1986 review sets out the license from Irem, as the Data East manual's copyright line does. No source read gives the arcade game's release date or its designers.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Nintendo published the game for the Famicom in Japan as Spartan X on 21 June 1985, by a retrospective catalog of Famicom games. kung-fu-master-history/release-famicom
PDF p. 123, ファミコンソフト完全目録, 1985 column, no. 045 — the OCR reads the closing bracket as "J"; the scout read 045 1985/06/21 『スパルタンX』 任天堂 on an enlarged crop of the page image0451985/06/21『スパルタンXJ任天堂Our translation045, 1985/06/21, Spartan X, NintendoChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The catalog is an unsigned retrospective mook that names no source for its dates; no period or Nintendo source giving the day has been read.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
The Famicom manual presents Spartan X as a Nintendo Famicom cassette, product code HVC-SX; its back cover carries Irem's 1984 copyright and Nintendo's of 1985. kung-fu-master-history/famicom-makers
PDF p. 2, opening任天堂"ファミリーコンピュータカセット・スパルタンX(HVC-SX)"Our translationNintendo's "Family Computer cassette Spartan X (HVC-SX)"スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 12, back cover — the scout read "© IREM 1984 © Nintendo 1985" on the page image; the text layer reads "6IREM" and "1984" and drops the Nintendo lineIREM 1984Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Chris Scullion's NES Encyclopedia (2019) writes that the game began as a tie-in to the Jackie Chan film Wheels on Meals, and that by the time it reached the West the only connection left was the names of its characters, Thomas and Sylvia. kung-fu-master-history/film-origin
entry "Kung Fu"Kung Fu was initially a movie tie-in based on the Jackie Chan film Wheels on Meals, but by the time the game made it to the west the only remaining connection was the characters' names, Thomas and Sylvia.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The Famicom title, Spartan X, is not explained in any source read; Scullion doesn't say what the film was called in Japan. No Irem or Nintendo statement on the license has been read.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Nintendo released the game for the NES in North America as Kung Fu in October 1985. kung-fu-master-history/release-nes-na
PDF p. 7 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayKung Fu Nintendo October 1985Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The list is Nintendo of America's later compilation of NES release months.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
In February 1986 Computer Entertainer counted Kung Fu among the 15 games that came with the NES in the markets where it was sold, one of the Action Series at $30. kung-fu-master-history/nes-launch
p. 13, Nintendo Updateis accompanied by 15 games in the markets where it is availableComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 11 (February 1986) · p. 13, Nintendo UpdateCLIMBER, KUNG FU, SUPER MARIO BROS., and PINBALL (Action Series at $30)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
The NES game is Nintendo's version of Irem's coin-op, published by Nintendo and developed by Irem; Chris Scullion counts it as one of two NES launch games Irem developed, the other being 10-Yard Fight. kung-fu-master-history/nes-makers
p. 12, review of Kung Fu — the scout read "is Nintendo's version of a Japanese coin-op game licensed from Irem Corp." on the page image; the text layer cuts "version" at the column's edgeof a Japanese coin-op game licensed from Irem Corp.The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Kung Fu"Year 1985 Publisher Nintendo Developer IremThe NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Kung Fu"ONE OF TWO NES launch games developed by Irem (the other being 10-Yard Fight)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No source read credits the Famicom or NES version's staff.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
In the Famicom manual's story, the hero, Thomas, breaks into the mansion of the mysterious organisation X to rescue Sylvia, who is held prisoner on its top floor. Martial-arts masters, among them a staff fighter, a boomerang thrower, and a strongman, block his way, along with snakes, dragons, and fearsome traps. kung-fu-master-history/premise
PDF p. 6 (printed p. 4), story監禁されているシルビアを救いに謎の組織"X"の館へ侵入する主人公のトーマス。Our translationThomas, the hero, who breaks into the mansion of the mysterious organisation "X" to rescue the imprisoned Sylvia.スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 6 (printed p. 4), story — the text layer breaks the list after ブーメラン使 and goes on in the next quote棒術使い・ブーメラン使Our translationstaff fighter, boomerang thro[wer]スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 6 (printed p. 4), story怪力男・蛇・竜(ドラゴン)Our translationstrongman, snakes, dragonスパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 6 (printed p. 4), story — the scout read the sentence on the page image, 次々と現われる武芸の達人や恐しい罠に、何度も行く手を阻まれます ("masters of the martial arts and fearsome traps, appearing one after another, block his way again and again"); the text layer garbles 達人や恐しい罠次々と現われる武芸の達Our translationone after another appear masters of the martial artsスパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 6 (printed p. 4), story何度も行く手を阻まれます。Our translationhis way is blocked again and again.スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 6 (printed p. 4), charactersシルビア(SYLVIA)スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 6 (printed p. 4), charactersその館の最上階に監禁されていますOur translationshe is held prisoner on the top floor of its mansionChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The versions tell it differently. Computer Entertainer's NES review has Thomas save Sylvia from a gang of thugs (kung-fu-master-history/nes-play); Data East's computer manual has the Kung-Fu Master rescue a maiden from a wizard's temple (kung-fu-master-history/c64-apple-play); Zzap!64's review of US Gold's Commodore 64 version calls her Princess Priscilla (kung-fu-master-history/c64-uk-premise), and Computer Entertainer's review of the Atari 2600 version Princess Victoria (kung-fu-master-history/atari-2600).
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
In the Famicom manual, a round climbs from the first floor to the fifth, where Sylvia is held, and rescuing her moves the game on to the next round. Each floor has its own timer, and Thomas must beat the enemies and climb the stairs within the time. Some enemies fall to one hit, some to two, and some only when their energy runs out. Losing all his energy, or running out of time, counts as a miss. kung-fu-master-history/structure
PDF p. 10 (printed p. 8), rules and technique1ラウンドは、1階から5階まであり、5階にシルビアが捕われていますOur translationA round runs from the 1st floor to the 5th; Sylvia is held captive on the 5th floor.スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 10 (printed p. 8), rules and technique5階まで行き無事にシルビアを救い出すと、次のラウンドへ進めますOur translationReach the 5th floor and rescue Sylvia safely, and you go on to the next round.スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 10 (printed p. 8), rules and techniqueタイマーは、各階ごとに設定されていますOur translationA timer is set for each floor.スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 10 (printed p. 8), rules and technique — the line before reads 一定時 ("a set time"); the text layer breaks the sentence there間内に敵を倒し、階段を昇らなくてはなりませんOur translation[within a set] time you must beat the enemies and climb the stairs.スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 10 (printed p. 8), rules and technique — the scout read the sentence's end on the page image, エネルギーがなくならないと倒せない敵がいます ("and enemies that fall only when their energy is gone")一発命中すると倒せる敵、二発命中すると倒せる敵Our translationenemies one hit beats, enemies two hits beatスパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 11 (printed p. 9), miss — the sentence begins on the line before, トーマス(プレイヤー)のエネルギーが減ります ("Thomas's (the player's) energy goes down")ギーがなくなると、ミスになりますOur translation[when the ener]gy runs out, it's a miss.スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 11 (printed p. 9), missタイマーがなくなると(TIME 0000)ミスになりますOur translationWhen the timer runs out (TIME 0000), it's a miss.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Running out of energy or time is a miss, as the manual says, not a lost life.Read in the text layer; the scout checked the round and timer lines on the page image.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
The Famicom manual gives each floor a boss: a staff fighter on the first, a boomerang thrower on the second, a strongman on the third, a sorcerer on the fourth, and on the fifth Mr. X, the organisation's leader. kung-fu-master-history/bosses
PDF p. 7 (printed p. 5), enemies棒術使い(1階のボス)Our translationstaff fighter (boss of the 1st floor)スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 7 (printed p. 5), enemiesブーメラン使い(2階のボス)Our translationboomerang thrower (boss of the 2nd floor)スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 7 (printed p. 5), enemies怪力男(3階のボス)Our translationstrongman (boss of the 3rd floor)スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 7 (printed p. 5), enemies妖術使い(4階のボス)Our translationsorcerer (boss of the 4th floor)スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 8 (printed p. 6), enemies組織のリーダーMr. X (5階のボス)Our translationthe organisation's leader, Mr. X (boss of the 5th floor)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the text layer only, not on the page images. The points the manual gives each boss are garbled there and are left out.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
The Famicom manual sets Game A for beginners and Game B for advanced players. kung-fu-master-history/game-ab
PDF p. 5 (printed p. 3), Select button — read in the text layer only, which drops the B ("GAME は上級者用")GAME Aは初心者用、GAME Bは上級者用に設定されていますOur translationGame A is set for beginners, Game B for advanced players.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
In the Famicom manual, the time left on the timer scores 10 points a unit and Thomas's remaining energy 100, and a player gains a life at 50,000 points. kung-fu-master-history/scoring
PDF p. 11 (printed p. 9), score残りタイムが得点になります。[x10PTS.Our translationThe time left becomes points. [x10 pts.]スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 11 (printed p. 9), scoreトーマスの残りエネルギーが得点になります。【X100PTS.]Our translationThomas's remaining energy becomes points. [x100 pts.]スパルタンX 取扱説明書 (HVC-SX) · PDF p. 11 (printed p. 9), extra scoreスコアが50,000PTS.になると、プレイヤーが1人増えますOur translationWhen the score reaches 50,000 pts., you gain a player.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the text layer only, not on the page image.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Computer Entertainer's NES review describes Thomas saving Sylvia from a gang of thugs who hold her on the fifth floor of their castle. With the controller he moves left or right, jumps, crouches, kicks, and punches, and combines them into moves such as flying kicks. He must clear each floor within a time limit while enemies attack from in front and behind and sap his energy, and beat its boss to go up: the Stick Fighter, Boomerang Fighter, Giant, Black Magician, and Mr. X, the gang's leader. The game can be played alone or by two players alternating. kung-fu-master-history/nes-play
p. 12, Martial Arts Action Quest — the line ends "fro[m a] gang of thugs" at the column's edge, read on the page image by the scoutThomas, who attempts to save the lovely SylviaComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Martial Arts Action Quest — the sentence ends "the gang's castle"gang of thugs. Sylvia is held prisoner on the fifth floor ofComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Martial Arts Action Quest — after "you can make Thomas move"; the sentence ends "and punches"right or left, jump up, crouch down, and throw kicksComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Martial Arts Action Quest — after "Combinations of these moves are also possible"including flying kicks.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Martial Arts Action Quest — after "He must clear all enemies from each floor"; the scout read the line on the page imagewithin a limited time period and avoid having his energyComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Martial Arts Action Questdefeat the "Boss" of the current floor.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Martial Arts Action Questextra-tough opponents: the Stick Fighter, BoomerangComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Martial Arts Action QuestGiant, Black Magician, and Mr. X, the gang leader.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Loaded with Action — the line goes on "alternating; Pause.)"(Solo or 2-plComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Loaded with Actionalternating; Pause.)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No NES manual for Kung Fu has been found on the Internet Archive; the Famicom manual is the Japanese booklet.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Computer Entertainer's April 1986 review gave the NES version three of four diamonds for graphics and three and a half for game play, and recommended it, at a suggested retail price of $29.95. kung-fu-master-history/ce-nes-score
Value
{
"review": "Computer Entertainer",
"of": 4,
"scores": {
"graphics": 3,
"game play": 3.5
}
}p. 12, review of Kung Fu — the ratings follow the title at the head of the review; the OCR reads them as "(% @ 0/® © @ 1/2)", and the scout read "♦♦♦/♦♦♦ 1/2" on the page imageof a Japanese coin-op game licensed from Irem Corp.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Loaded with ActionRecommended. (MSR $29.95)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 2, The Rating System — the key's top mark, EXCELLENT, garbled in the OCR; 3 is GOOD4 SYMBOLS = excettenTComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 2, The Rating System — of the first and second sets of diamonds for entertainment programs=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game playChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The review is unsigned.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Computer Entertainer's review said Nintendo had done a great job on the conversion, which was loaded with action, speed, and challenge, with precise controls and great playability, and that even its graphics were better than those of Data East's Apple II and Commodore 64 versions. kung-fu-master-history/ce-nes-verdict
p. 12, Loaded with ActionNintendo has done a great job on this coin-opComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Loaded with Actionwhich is loaded with action, speed, and challenge.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Loaded with Actionprecise controls and great playability. Even the graphics iComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Loaded with Action — the sentence ends "Apple or Commodore versions from Data East"Nintendo version are better than the visuals on either the AppComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 12, Loaded with ActionCommodore versions from Data East.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Computer Entertainer wrote in April 1986 that Kung Fu had been one of the NES's early best-selling games. Chris Scullion's NES Encyclopedia calls it a success, and writes that its easy controls made it the game retailers often used to show off the NES. kung-fu-master-history/nes-sales
p. 12, Loaded with Action — the sentence begins "It's easy to understand" and ends "games for the NES"why KUNG FU has been one of the early best-selling gameThe NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Kung Fu"Ultimately, Kung Fu was a success: its easy-to-learn controls meant it was often the game retailers used to show off the NESChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No sales figure has been found.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Data East USA's version for the Commodore 64 and Apple II was made under license from Irem and adapted by Berkeley Softworks. kung-fu-master-history/c64-apple-makers
PDF p. 8, back coverKung-Fu Master © 1984 Irem Corp. Manufactured under license by Data East USA, Inc.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 8, back coverAdapted by: Berkeley SoftworksKung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 2, System RequirementsFor playing on a COMMODORE 64TM, Kung-Fu Master requires:Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 2, System RequirementsFor playing on an APPLE II* series, Kung-Fu Master requires:Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
The Commodore 64 version was out in North America by December 1985: Computer Entertainer's December 1985 availability list files Data East's Kung Fu Master under November, marked as shipped before the issue went to print, and the same issue reviewed it on the Commodore 64 and Apple II. kung-fu-master-history/c64-apple-release
p. 14, Availability UpdateCOMMODORE 64 NOVEMBERComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 14, Availability Updatex-Kung Fu Master (DE)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 14, Availability Update — the note goes on "May not be in national distribution""x" Indicates It has shipped prior to our going to print.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 6, Critically Speaking — after "Reviewed"; the review's last linesC64 and Apple II.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Display "by December 1985", the date the availability list supports.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
In Data East's computer manual the player is the Kung-Fu Master, who travels through a wizard's temple from the first floor to the fifth to rescue a captive maiden. He starts with three lives and gains one for every 40,000 points, and must reach each floor's stairs before his energy or the timer, which starts at 2,000, runs out. Each floor's guardian has to be beaten first. After the fifth floor the game goes back to the first, with stronger, faster, and more numerous enemies. kung-fu-master-history/c64-apple-play
PDF p. 3, ObjectivesYou are the Kung-Fu Master. Travel through the wizard's temple to rescue the maiden held captive.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 3, Game PlayYou begin your quest on the first floor and must battle your way to the fifth floorKung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 3, Game PlayAs you start you have three (3) lives; each score of 40,000 points awards you with an additional life.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 3, Game PlayYou must reach the stairs at the end of each floor before your energy or the timer runs out.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 3, Game PlayThe game timer starts at 2,000 and counts down.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 3, EnemiesYou must defeat the guardian before advancingKung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 3, Game Playyou are placed back at the beginning of the first floor.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 3, Game Playall enemies and obstacles are stronger, faster and more abundant.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the text layer; the scout checked the manual's p. 8 on the page image, not p. 3.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
On the Commodore 64 the joystick's one button kicks at the start, and the Space Bar switches it to punching; the keyboard can't control the player there. The Apple II version takes the keyboard or a joystick. Two players alternate, changing over each time one loses a life. kung-fu-master-history/c64-apple-controls
PDF p. 5, The Control, Commodore 64As the play starts, the button serves for a kick control.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 5, The Control, Commodore 64Space Bar on the key board, the button then becomes a punch control.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 5, The Control, Commodore 64Keyboard control is not supported for the Commodore.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 4, The Control, Apple II seriesWhen playing on the Apple, the player has the option of using the Apple keyboard or joystick.Kung-Fu Master instruction manual (Data East USA; Commodore 64 and Apple II) · PDF p. 6, Two-Player GamePlay alternates between the two players every time a player loses a life.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Computer Entertainer's December 1985 review of Data East's Commodore 64 and Apple II versions found them "a fairly decent translation of the arcade game", likely to appeal to its fans, but with disappointingly flat graphics, jerky animation, and meager sound; it did not recommend them, at a suggested retail price of $34.95. The review called the game Data East's second adaptation of one of its own coin-ops, after Karate Champ. kung-fu-master-history/ce-c64-verdict
p. 6, Critically Speakingis the second adaptation from Data Eass of one of its own coin-op games.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 6, Critically Speakinghas less to do with the maftial arts than the first one, "Karate Champ,"Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 6, Critically Speaking — the OCR reads "transiation"This is a fairly decent translation of the arcade gameComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 6, Critically Speakingwill probably appeal to fans of the coin-op.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 6, Critically Speaking — the OCR reads "graphi!" and "fiat"; the line ends "meager sou[nd effects]" at the column's edgethe graphics are disappointingly flat with jerky animation and meagerComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 6, Critically SpeakingNot recommended. (MSR $34.95)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The review's two ratings are garbled in the OCR ("fxxk/X%K 1/2") and haven't been read on the page image. Its statement that the coin-op is Data East's own differs from the April 1986 review's account of Irem's license (kung-fu-master-history/arcade).
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
In Britain the Commodore 64 version came from US Gold and Datasoft, at £9.95 on cassette and £14.95 on disk; Zzap!64 reviewed it in March 1986. kung-fu-master-history/c64-uk-release
p. 31, Kung Fu Master — the OCR reads "£ 1 4.95"US Gold/Datasoft, £9.95 cass, £14.95 disk, joystick with keysZzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master — one reviewer's comment, going on "-version is very close to the original"Fortunately , this Datasoft conChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No source read says how the US Gold release relates to Data East's own, or whether it is the same program.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Zzap!64's review of the US Gold version tells the story with Thomas, who grew up to be a Kung Fu Master, rescuing Princess Priscilla from the Wizard, who holds her on the top floor of his five-floor temple. The joystick's button gives a set of kicks, and the space bar switches it to punches. The review notes that the player can choose to tackle any of the floors. kung-fu-master-history/c64-uk-premise
p. 31, Kung Fu MasterThomas wanted to be a Kung Fu Master.Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu MasterSo when the fair Princess Priscilla is captured by the evil and loathesome Wizard it is Thomas who must play the hero.Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu MasterThe temple is five floors high and her highness is on the top floorZzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu MasterThe first set is a number of different kicksZzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu MasterPress the space and a different set of fighting moves flick into control. Now when fire is touched a set of punches are summoned up.Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Masteryou have the option of being able to tackle any of the floorsChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Zzap!64 gave the US Gold Commodore 64 version 79% overall, with 53% for presentation, 71% for graphics, 66% for sound, 81% for hookability, 82% for lastability, and 76% for value for money. kung-fu-master-history/zzap-score
Value
{
"review": "Zzap!64",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 53,
"graphics": 71,
"sound": 66,
"hookability": 81,
"lastability": 82,
"value for money": 76,
"overall": 79
}
}p. 31, Kung Fu Master, ratingsPresentation 53%Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master, ratingsGraphics 71%Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master, ratingsSound 66%Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master, ratingsValue For Money 76%Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master, ratings — the OCR reads hookability and lastability as "Hookablllty 8 1 %" and "Instability 82%"; the scout read 81 and 82 on the page imageOverall 79%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
One of Zzap!64's three reviewers called the conversion "very faithful", containing every aspect of the original, with graphics about as accurate as they could be and nearly identical sound; another found it a great game for its playability despite dodgy graphics and sound; the third, unimpressed at first, found that it "plays quite well" despite tacky graphics, though it might get "a bit too repetitive". The ratings box summed up that fighting fans might flip, but others might not be so taken with it. kung-fu-master-history/zzap-verdict
p. 31, Kung Fu Master — the comment goes on "-version of its coin-op Daddy and contains every aspect of the original"; the OCR garbles the middleKung Fu Master is a very faithful conZzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Mastercontains every aspect of the original evenZzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu MasterThe graphics are just about as accurate as they could be and the sound is almost identicalZzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master — the OCR reads "araphics"Despite dodgy graphics and sound, Kung Fu Master is a great game due to its high playabilityZzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master — after "Though initially"; the OCR reads "dear" for "clear"very unimpressed with this game after a bit of play it soon became clear that despite the tacky graphics, Kung Fu Master plays quite well.Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master — after "Though I can see things getting"a bit too repetitive after a while, Kung Fu Master is great fun to play.Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 31, Kung Fu Master, ratingsFighting freaks may flip but norms may not be over enamoured.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The reviewers' initials aren't in the text layer; the scout read J.R. against the "very faithful" comment on the page image.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
In C+VG's Gallup Software Top 30 for April 1986, US Gold's Commodore 64 Kung Fu Master was a new entry at number 2 across all formats, below Imagine's Yie Ar Kung Fu, and number 1 in the Commodore 64 top 8. kung-fu-master-history/uk-chart
p. 36, The Software ChartAPRIL TOP 30/ALL FORMATSComputer and Video Games, issue 54 (April 1986) · p. 36, The Software Chart — this month 1, last month 3; the OCR reads "Kunq" and "Imaqine"1 3 Yie Ar Kung Fu SP, CO, AM, BB, MS, EL ImagineComputer and Video Games, issue 54 (April 1986) · p. 36, The Software Chart — this month, new entry (NE), game, machine (CO, Commodore 64), manufacturer; the OCR reads "Kunq Fu Moster", and the scout read the row on the page image2 NE Kung Fu Master CO US GoldComputer and Video Games, issue 54 (April 1986) · p. 36, The Software Chart — the OCR reads "Kunq"CBM 64/TOP 8 1 Kung Fu Master/US GoldChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
The ZX Spectrum version, credited to US Gold with Ocean, sold at £7.95; Crash reviewed it in August 1986. kung-fu-master-history/spectrum-release
p. 16, Kung Fu Master — the scout read this on the page image; the OCR reads "ProdLicen US Geld wilti Oc«an"Producer: US Gold with OceanCrash, issue 31 (August 1986) · p. 16, Kung Fu MasterRetail Price: £7.95Crash, issue 31 (August 1986) · p. 16, Kung Fu Master — as printed, cut shortAuthor: Data EChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Crash's author credit reads "Data E", cut short as the scout read it on the page image; no source read names the Spectrum version's programmers.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Crash gave the Spectrum version 56% overall, with 72% for use of computer, 55% for graphics, 55% for playability, 63% for getting started, 56% for addictive qualities, and 57% for value for money. Its October 1987 Run It Again round-up of martial-arts games listed the same 56% from issue 31. kung-fu-master-history/crash-score
Value
{
"review": "Crash",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"use of computer": 72,
"graphics": 55,
"playability": 55,
"getting started": 63,
"addictive qualities": 56,
"value for money": 57,
"overall": 56
}
}p. 16, Kung Fu Master, ratingsof computer 72%Crash, issue 31 (August 1986) · p. 16, Kung Fu Master, ratings — the lead read the whole box on the page image (image n15) on 2026-11-06 and it matches; the OCR garbles the rest of the box ("PlayabiHty 55%", "Cutting atertad", "Mdicttve qtialltlfi«", "63%", "5e%", "VWue for money 57%", "OVMVit 66%"); the scout read playability 55, getting started 63, addictive qualities 56, value for money 57, and overall 56 on the page imageGraphics 55%Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 38, Run It Again, Kung-Fu MasterMASTER us Gold 56% Issue 31Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The lead read the ratings box on the page image (image n15).Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Crash's ratings box called the Spectrum game "a very poor conversion from the arcade game". One reviewer found the graphics "really very poor", with so many attribute problems that it was hard to tell what was going on, though the sound was "pretty good"; another found the arcade game nothing amazing by the day's standards but "playable, and very addictive". kung-fu-master-history/crash-verdict
p. 16, Kung Fu Master, comments — under "General rating"; the scout read it on the page image, as the OCR reads "Overafl. a vwy poor oonwefslon from the amide game"Overall, a very poor conversion from the arcade gameCrash, issue 31 (August 1986) · p. 16, Kung Fu Master, criticism — the OCR reads "Tha" and "v«ry"The graphics are really very poorCrash, issue 31 (August 1986) · p. 16, Kung Fu Master, criticism — the sentence ends "what is going on"there are so many attribute problems that it's hard to tellCrash, issue 31 (August 1986) · p. 16, Kung Fu Master, criticismThe sound, on the other hand, is pretty good.Crash, issue 31 (August 1986) · p. 16, Kung Fu Master, criticism — the third comment, after "The arcade game is nothing"; the line goes on "addictive"amazing by today's standards, but it is playable, and veryChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The text layer doesn't hold the reviewers' names. Crash 45's Run It Again re-review (pp. 38-39) gave new ratings that haven't been read on the page image.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Activision's Atari 2600 version, licensed from Data East and designed by Dan Kitchen, was reviewed by Computer Entertainer in October 1987, which said it marked Activision's return to making new games for the 2600. In it the Kung-Fu Master rescues Princess Victoria from the Evil Wizard's Temple, fighting through its five levels; one player or two alternating play. kung-fu-master-history/atari-2600
p. 8, Atari 2600 Softwaremarks Activision's return to the design and manufacture of new video games for the Atari 2600.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 8, Atari 2600 Softwaregame concept is licensed from Data East, based on the coin-op of the same titleComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 8, Atari 2600 SoftwareDan Kitchen designed this version of KUNG-FU MASTERComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 8, Atari 2600 Softwarewho attempts to rescue the Princess Victoria from imprisonment in the Evil Wizard's Temple. Making his way through five levels of the templeComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 8, Atari 2600 Software(Solo or two-player alternating; Joystick.)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The review dates the version's appearance, not its release; no release date has been read.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Computer Entertainer found the Atari 2600 version's play "quite similar to the arcade original" and its animation amazingly good for the system, called it a good game with plenty of action, crisp graphics, and good sound effects, and recommended it, at a suggested retail price of $19.95. kung-fu-master-history/ce-2600-verdict
p. 8, A Fine JobPlay action is quite similar to the arcade original, and the animation is amazingly good for the 2600.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 8, A Fine JobKUNG-FU MASTER is a good game on the 2600, with plenty of action, crisp graphics, and good sound effects.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 8, A Fine JobRecommended. (MSR $19.95)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The review's two ratings are garbled in the OCR ("xXxxX1/2/xxx") and haven't been read on the page image.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
On the ZX Spectrum, Kung-Fu Master was sold in compilations: US Gold's Data East's Arcade Alley, which Crash listed in May 1988, and Gremlin's Karate Ace, reviewed in October 1988. Your Sinclair carried an advertisement for a six-game compilation featuring it in March 1988. kung-fu-master-history/compilations
p. 100, advertisement — the OCR reads "PACKEI"; the text layer doesn't hold the compilation's name, which the contents index gives as Data East's Arcade Alley from the pageA SIX GAME ACTION PACKED COMPILATION FEATURING KUNG FU MASTERCrash, issue 52 (May 1988) · p. 37, Spring Surprises — the list under it starts "Kun^ fu Masttf ... 56% 31" in the OCRDATA EAST'S ARCADE ALLEY us GoldYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 4, reviews indexKarate Ace/GremlinYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 46, Karate AceKung Fu Master: The only coin-op conversion in the collectionChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Crash 60 (January 1989, pp. 92-93) lists Kung Fu Master in US Gold's History in the Making compilation, but its OCR garbles the compilation's name; it is left out until the page is read.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Reviewing Karate Ace in October 1988, Your Sinclair's reviewer called Kung Fu Master the worst game in the collection: slow and stodgy, with "tons of colour-clash", playable enough but too vague to hold interest for long. It scored 4 there; the review noted that Kung Fu Master had "managed an eight first time round". kung-fu-master-history/ys-karate-ace
p. 46, Karate Acethe worst of the lot in my opinion.Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 46, Karate AceSlow, stodgy, tons of colour-clash. Playability isn't too bad, but the whole thing seems so vague it's unlikely to hold your interest for long.Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 46, Karate AceKung Fu Master managed an eight first time round, but things have changed around here.Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 47, Karate Ace, ratingsKung Fu Master 4Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Dropped "down from the eight"; quoted the review's "managed an eight first time round".The review doesn't say which issue gave the eight; that original review hasn't been found. The page doesn't state the scale.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master
Irem published Spartan X 2 for the Famicom on 27 September 1991, by the same retrospective catalog. kung-fu-master-history/sequel-famicom
PDF p. 127, ファミコンソフト完全目録, 1991, no. 845 — read in the text layer only; the OCR reads the closing bracket as "J"8451991/09/27『スパルタンX2JアイレムOur translation845, 1991/09/27, Spartan X 2, IremChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No source read describes the sequel.
Cited by: Kung-Fu Master