FAST-PACED ACTION
1985
NES • DESIGNER, DIRECTOR Although Shigeru Miyamoto is best known for coming up with original game ideas he’s also occasionally converted the work of others.
Kung Fu is a perfect example of that, with the creative genius deciding to convert Irem’s arcade hit Kung-Fu Master to the NES in order to get a better understanding of how a side-scrolling action game might work. The end result is a polished adaptation of the popular coin-op with an extra difficulty mode that means hero Thomas is assaulted by countless goons as he attempts to retrieve his girlfriend Sylvia from the deadly clutches of Mr X. With its polished controls, great-looking visuals and fast-paced action, Kung Fu is a great NES game, which helped pave the way for the rather magnificent Super Mario Bros.