Yie Ar Kung-Fu (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Yie Ar Kung-Fu: The Game That Changed Fighting Games Forever

Released in 1984, Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a martial arts-themed arcade game developed and published by Konami. It is one of the earliest fighting games, and is considered to be one of the most influential games in the genre. Yie Ar Kung-Fu introduced many of the conventions that would become standard in fighting games, such as the use of special moves, combos, and character-specific abilities.

The game’s protagonist is a young martial artist named Lee, who must fight his way through a gauntlet of opponents in order to rescue his kidnapped sister. Lee can perform a variety of punches, kicks, and throws, as well as special moves such as the “Dragon Punch” and the “Hurricane Kick.”

Yie Ar Kung-Fu was a critical and commercial success, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest arcade games of all time. It has been ported to numerous home platforms, and has been included in several compilations of classic arcade games.

Gameplay

Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a side-scrolling fighting game in which the player controls Lee as he fights his way through a series of levels. Each level consists of a single opponent, who must be defeated in order to progress to the next level.

Lee can perform a variety of punches, kicks, and throws, as well as special moves such as the “Dragon Punch” and the “Hurricane Kick.” He can also block his opponent’s attacks and dodge their projectiles.

The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, making it easy for players of all skill levels to pick up and play. However, the game is also challenging, and requires players to master Lee’s moves and strategies in order to succeed.

Characters

Yie Ar Kung-Fu features a cast of nine playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The characters include:

  • Lee: The protagonist of the game, Lee is a young martial artist who must fight his way through a gauntlet of opponents in order to rescue his kidnapped sister.
  • Chen: A powerful martial artist who uses a variety of grappling techniques.
  • Chin: A skilled swordsman who is also proficient in hand-to-hand combat.
  • Han: A giant wrestler who uses his size and strength to his advantage.
  • Kim: A female martial artist who uses a variety of kicks and acrobatic moves.
  • Lee (Black): An evil clone of Lee who serves as the game’s final boss.

Legacy

Yie Ar Kung-Fu is considered to be one of the most influential fighting games of all time. It introduced many of the conventions that would become standard in the genre, such as the use of special moves, combos, and character-specific abilities.

The game has been ported to numerous home platforms, and has been included in several compilations of classic arcade games. It has also been the inspiration for several other fighting games, including the Street Fighter series.

Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a classic fighting game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and exciting experience.

Critical Reception

Yie Ar Kung-Fu was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its colorful graphics. The game was also a hit with arcade operators, who appreciated its simple controls and its ability to attract players of all ages.

Yie Ar Kung-Fu has been consistently ranked as one of the greatest arcade games of all time. In 2004, it was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Cultural Impact

Yie Ar Kung-Fu has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game’s characters and gameplay have been parodied and referenced in numerous other works of popular culture, including movies, television shows, and video games.

The game’s theme music is also well-known and has been used in numerous other works of popular culture.

Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a classic fighting game that has had a lasting impact on the genre. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and exciting experience.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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