Kung Fu Kid (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1987

Kung Fu Kid is a side-scrolling beat-em-up and the sequel to Dragon Wang (1985, Sega SG-1000).

+ Level design is good and has a nice mixture of multi-layered platforms and maze-like elements to keep you engaged.

+ Learning and recognising enemy attack patterns is terrific fun, and as you advance the action has a great rhythmic quality.

+ Wall jumping is a valuable ability that opens up the stages and allows you to slickly dodge incoming attacks.

+ Your talisman special weapon is a handy projectile for sticky situations, as it can plough through multiple foes.

+ Boss rush mode in Round 6 is awesome, as each enemy is unique rather than rehashing earlier opponents.

- Like Karate Kid (1987, NES), you can abuse the sprite limit and trail enemies behind you for an easy path to the boss.

- Jump and attack buttons are reversed which frequently causes confusion, particularly in the moments after a lost life.