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This is the game that brought the beat 'em up to the home computer. Compared to later titles it appears somewhat limited, especially in regard to your number of attacking moves (four). Nonetheless, it manages to combine humour with attractive line graphics and the traditional best-of-three system. There is also an action replay so you can watch your opponent having his teeth kicked in just one more time.

Grasshopper's leap
BECOME a master of the ancient oriental art of Kung-Fu without dislocating your back or having the wind knocked out of you.

Kung-Fu, from Bug-Byte, is described as a totally animated combat game for two players or one player and the computer.

Each player controls one of the Kung-Fu fighters which must approach each other in a very inscrutable way before bashing the hell out of each other. Bug-Byte may enthuse about the graphics and crow about the cleverly designed fighters but, although the display initially looks impressive, movement is jerky, and action slow. The fighters move as if they are robots.

Much emphasis is put on the techniques which the fighters can use when in action. Such moves are fairly authentic but the movement between a standing pose and making contact with the other player could have been made more realistic.

If you are going to play Kung-Fu with any kind of agility then you will need a joystick. You will then at least get some enjoyment out of it and not get whitewashed by a computer Ninja.



John Gilbert


KUNG-FU Memory: 48K Price: £6.95 Joystick: Programmable, Cursor, Sinclair, Kempston Gilbert Factor: 6

KUNG FU
Bug-Byte / £6.95

Roger: Charmingly oriental graphics frame well-animated Bruce Lee clones trying to knock each other senseless in this superb example of on-Spectrum violence. Stomping, rather than getting stomped, means advance as well as retreat, and there's a choice of four classic blows in the authentic 'punch-chop-kick' martial arts tradition. Your inscrutable opponent will attempt to block all your attacks and smack you in the gob. An action replay facility allows you to study the sequence leading to each terminally-successful knuckle sandwich delivery.
Acquisition of 48K black belt status eventually leads to another screen with different background and figures - but the action stays more or less the same. This is one of few action games where cursor control can be extremely accurate, simply because of Kung Fu fighting's formalised movements. Although it initially appears simplistic, the various combinations of attack, defence and surprise can be very entertaining and it's certainly safer than the real thing! For enthusiasts of the real thing, it'll provide a chance to keep in trim while their smashed bodies heal. 3/5

Dave: Kung Fu is quite a good martial arts simulation, but I'd have liked a few more possible 'moves' and a bit less randomness. 2.5/5

Ross: A delightful program combining humour, skill, good graphics and violence. The thrill of advancing on your opponent and knocking him down with one swift blow is fun. 3.5/5

Dave 2.5/5
Ross 3.5/5
Roger 3/5

Dave Nicholls, Ross Holman, Roger Willis

This is probably the most unusual game to be seen on the Spectrum for a long while, perhaps ever. As its name suggests, the game is a simulation of the noble art of defence and attack. There are two modes of play for one player against the computer, or for two players against each other.

The one and two-player modes each have a different background of suitably oriental design. The playing characters are quite large, animated line drawings which faithfully follow your commands. Four movements are possible, a left arm karate chop, a step forward and block, a right foot front kick and a left foot back kick. Additionally the character may be advanced or retreated.

Below the playing area is an indicator of hits on the computer player. A successful knock out strike results in the hit character collapsing to the ground. The more successful you are on the single player mode, the tougher the computer player becomes to beat. Now everyone has the chance to become a grasshopper...



CRITICISM
'Kung Fu is a totally original game. The graphics are very large and allow you and a friend to beat hell out of each other. Each of the Kung Fu moves is beautifully animated. As you get better you move up belts, white to yellow etc. The sound is good with a good tune playing continuously. This is very playable and quite addictive. I don't know how long this will keep you occupied, but it's still a good game on the face of it. If you want a change from the usual type of game, this is worth it.'

'It must be said that this is an exceptional attempt to reproduce a very difficult sport on a computer, and it has been totally successful in achieving its ends. Characters take about half the playing area (in height) and are superbly animated. The option of playing the computer or an opponent is a great asset to this game, allowing friends to join in for a bit of variation. Obviously the person who programmed this game is into Kung Fu as each move is executed the way it should be. The only niggle I've got about the game is that there is no on /off switch for the oriental music which can drive you around the bend. I have mixed feelings about whether this game will be constantly addictive, as it does get repetitive kicking your partner's teeth in or crippling his sex life!'

'The first thing to strike you about Kung Fu is the lovely graphics. The backgrounds are exactly right, and manage to be quite soothing to watch as you match wits with either computer or a friend. At times the movements of the two characters can look like a piece of ballet. Kung Fu is a brave and almost entirely successful simulation. Perhaps the only complaint in the end might be that once mastered, it would be nice to have some other moves to try out. As it is, this should prove interesting, different and challenging and for its novelty value, worth the money.

COMMENTS
Control keys: 1, 2, 3, 4 for left player (or solo) 6, 7, 8, 9 for right player, with CAPS SHIFT and SYM SHIFT walk left, Z and SPACE walk right
Joystick: Kempston and Sinclair 2
Keyboard play: responsive, key positions work quite well
Use of colour: very good
Graphics: excellent animation
Sound: constant tune (could do with on/off)
Skill levels: progressive difficulty
Lives:
Screens: 2
Special features:
General Rating: Original and overall very good.

Use of Computer 78%
Graphics 82%
Playability 80%
Getting Started 77%
Addictive Qualities 71%
Value For Money 76%
Overall 77%