Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Nihon Game
- Publishers: Kitkorp, Taito, Taiyo System
Chinese Hero: The Arcade Classic That Kickstarted a Dynasty
Released in arcades in 1984, Chinese Hero is an overhead action game developed by Nihon Game and published by Taiyo System. It is the first game in the Super Chinese series, which would go on to spawn numerous sequels and spin-offs. Chinese Hero is notable for its fast-paced gameplay, simple but effective controls, and charming pixel art graphics.
Gameplay
Chinese Hero is played from an overhead perspective, and players control one of two kung fu masters as they battle their way through hordes of enemies. The game features a variety of melee and ranged attacks, as well as special moves that can be performed by inputting specific button combinations.
Players can team up with a friend to take on the game’s many challenges in two-player cooperative mode. Working together, players can combine their attacks to create powerful combos and take down even the toughest enemies.
Development
Chinese Hero was developed by Nihon Game, a company that was founded in 1978. The company’s early games were mostly simple arcade shooters, but Chinese Hero was a major departure from their previous work. It was the company’s first game to feature overhead gameplay and cooperative multiplayer, and it was also one of the first arcade games to use digitized speech.
Chinese Hero was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Nihon Game as a major force in the arcade industry. The game was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 as Kung Fu Heroes, and it was released in North America in 1989. The NES version of the game was also a success, and it helped to introduce the Super Chinese series to a new generation of gamers.
Legacy
Chinese Hero is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of the 1980s. It helped to popularize the overhead action genre, and it inspired numerous other games, including the Double Dragon series and the Streets of Rage series.
The Super Chinese series has continued to grow and evolve over the years, and it has spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and remakes. The latest game in the series, Super Chinese Wars, was released in 2021.
Critical Reception
Chinese Hero was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, simple but effective controls, and charming pixel art graphics. The game was also praised for its innovative use of digitized speech.
Chinese Hero was a commercial success, and it helped to establish Nihon Game as a major force in the arcade industry. The game was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 as Kung Fu Heroes, and it was released in North America in 1989. The NES version of the game was also a success, and it helped to introduce the Super Chinese series to a new generation of gamers.
Cultural Impact
Chinese Hero has had a significant cultural impact. The game’s characters and music have been featured in numerous other games, movies, and TV shows. The game has also been parodied and referenced in popular culture.
Chinese Hero is a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time. It is a fun and challenging game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, charming pixel art graphics, and innovative use of digitized speech make it a truly unique and memorable experience.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
