Kick Master

Kick Master

Kick Master is an action-platformer developed by Taito for the NES. You play as a knight named Zeph, whose brother is turned into a monster, and you must defeat an evil sorceress to save him. The gameplay focuses on kicking attacks – you can perform slide kicks, jumping kicks, and special magic kicks that you learn throughout the game. A unique feature is the "spell" system – you can learn new kick techniques by defeating bosses, each with a unique elemental effect. The levels include forests, castles, dungeons, and graveyards, each with specific enemies and hazards. A trivia: the game was only released in North America and Europe, making it a rarity in Japan. The graphics are detailed with a medieval theme, featuring large character sprites and atmospheric backgrounds. The music is heroic and adventurous, composed by the Taito sound team. Critics praised the combat system, the level design, and the satisfying progression of learning new moves. It is a hidden gem among platformers. The final boss is the sorceress herself, requiring all your learned techniques to defeat. The game offers a good challenge and a rewarding sense of growth.