Kung Fu Master (Atari 2600) review

I ventured into the Atari 2600 adaptation of Kung-Fu Master being I do remember having played it before as a kid, aside trying out the Arcade original and the NES version which is the most known adaptation all around. This version stays almost truthful to the other versions and it is quite a fantastic game overall.

Credit: Imagineering Inc./Activision

Gameplay is adapted for the Atari 2600 controller, having both kicks and punches done with variation of joystick moves while pressing the sole attack button. Unfortunately you cannot make an attack while jumping and you must press forward to make an attack while standing up, otherwise the protagonist will remain still and vulnerable. There are times when your attacks don't connect with upcoming enemies and you will find yourself surrounded while your health depletes. For some reason, you can also lose health when being close to a knife-wielding foe but others like boss characters will not drain your health just by being right next to them.

Credit: Imagineering Inc./Activision

Although controls are pretty responsive, there are times when you will have to input commands repeatedly in order to make an action.
The graphics on this game are simply amazing for the system. Every detail is designed here including stage boxes and health bars. The stages are well detailed and so are the character and enemy sprites. This game was made with the most seriousness that I've seen in most Atari ports of Arcade originals. Sound effects are mostly present, and so is the game's music in all Atari 2600 glory. The game is sheer eye candy if anything, which is very pleasing to look at while you play.

Credit: Imagineering Inc./Activision

The few downsides on gameplay make it for a bit of a frustrating session, but it is so enjoyable to play that you will forgive such small nuisances. Kung Fu Master is a great adaptation for the Atari 2600 and one of the best games made for the system overall. I would greatly recommend this to everyone from Atari collectors to the casual gamer to try at least once.