Summary

Release Year: 1984
Genres: Adventure, Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform
Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, FM-7, MSX, PC-8800 Series, Sharp X1, ZX Spectrum
Developers: Datasoft, Inc.
Publishers: Comptiq, U.S. Gold

Bruce Lee (1984): A Martial Arts Masterpiece

Bruce Lee is a 1984 platformer/beat ’em up hybrid video game developed by Ron J. Fortier and published by Datasoft. The game is based on the life and career of martial artist and film star Bruce Lee.

The player controls Bruce Lee as he fights his way through hordes of enemies, including ninjas, gangsters, and even supernatural creatures. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, which requires the player to master a variety of martial arts techniques in order to succeed.

Bruce Lee was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and has since been ported to a variety of platforms. The game is considered to be one of the best examples of the beat ’em up genre, and is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Gameplay

Bruce Lee is a side-scrolling platformer/beat ’em up hybrid. The player controls Bruce Lee as he fights his way through hordes of enemies. The game features a variety of martial arts techniques, including punches, kicks, throws, and grapples. The player can also use environmental objects to their advantage, such as throwing rocks or using poles to vault over obstacles.

The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The first stage takes place in a dojo, where Bruce Lee must defeat a group of ninjas. The second stage takes place in a warehouse, where Bruce Lee must fight his way through a group of gangsters. The third stage takes place in a forest, where Bruce Lee must battle a variety of supernatural creatures, including ghosts and demons. The fourth stage takes place in a castle, where Bruce Lee must defeat a group of samurai. The fifth and final stage takes place on a rooftop, where Bruce Lee must face off against his arch-nemesis, Han.

Bruce Lee is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s controls are simple to learn, but difficult to master. The player must be able to quickly and accurately execute a variety of martial arts techniques in order to succeed. The game also requires the player to be strategic in their use of environmental objects.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Bruce Lee are simple but effective. The characters are well-animated and the backgrounds are detailed. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a variety of catchy tunes that help to set the mood for the action.

Reception

Bruce Lee was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, excellent graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Bruce Lee has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, and NES. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs and digital download services.

Bruce Lee is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game is considered to be one of the best examples of the beat ’em up genre, and is a must-play for fans of martial arts games.

Legacy

Bruce Lee has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s challenging gameplay and innovative use of martial arts techniques have influenced a number of other games, including the Street Fighter series and the Mortal Kombat series.

Bruce Lee is also credited with helping to popularize martial arts in the West. The game’s release coincided with the rise of kung fu movies in the United States, and helped to introduce a new generation of fans to the martial arts.

Bruce Lee is a true classic of the video game industry. The game’s challenging gameplay, excellent graphics, and catchy soundtrack have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. The game is a must-play for fans of martial arts games and a must-have for any retro gaming collection.

Review Score

8/10

Developer: Datasoft, Inc.

Bruce Lee (1984)