Kick Master NES: A Hidden Gem of the 8-Bit Era

If you were a kid in the early 90s with an NES in your living room, chances are you missed out on Kick Master. It wasn’t exactly the game that everyone was talking about on the playground, but for those who did discover it, Kick Master became a bit of a cult classic. Why? Because this game had some serious kicks—literally. Let’s dive into what made Kick Master such a unique and memorable experience, despite its flaws.

A Classic 90s Tale

Ah, the 90s—a time when video game plots were simple, yet filled with imagination. In Kick Master, you play as Thonolan, a martial artist on a mission to rescue his kidnapped sister from the evil sorceress Belzed. It’s a straightforward story of good versus evil, but with a fantasy twist that involves dragons, skeletons, and all sorts of mythical creatures. The game doesn’t waste time with complex narratives, but for an NES game, it packs just enough storyline to keep you invested in Thonolan’s quest.

Kicking It Old School

Now, let’s talk about what really sets Kick Master apart—its gameplay. As the name suggests, your primary weapon is your feet. Thonolan kicks his way through hordes of enemies, and as you progress, you unlock new, more powerful kicks and special moves. But Kick Master isn’t just about button-mashing; it cleverly incorporates RPG elements like leveling up and gaining magic powers. Yes, magic powers! You can cast spells that heal, burn, or even freeze your enemies in place, adding a layer of strategy to the fast-paced action.

The level design is another highlight. Each stage is uniquely themed and offers different challenges, from platforming sections to intense boss fights. It’s a game that demands both precision and quick reflexes, especially as you get to the later levels where the difficulty spikes.

The NES Vibes

For a game released in 1992, Kick Master’s graphics are solid. The sprite design is detailed, with Thonolan’s kicks looking as powerful as they feel. The enemies, too, are varied and have a certain charm, even if they are pixelated to the max. The backgrounds in each level are distinct, creating an atmosphere that fits the game’s fantasy setting.

The soundtrack? It’s a banger. The music is upbeat and catchy, perfectly complementing the action on screen. Each level’s theme is memorable, with tunes that will stick in your head long after you’ve put the controller down. The sound effects, while basic, do their job, especially the satisfying whack when you land a perfect kick.

A True Challenge

Make no mistake—Kick Master is tough. It’s one of those games where you’ll likely see the Game Over screen more times than you care to admit. The controls, while generally responsive, can be a bit finicky, especially when trying to pull off some of the more advanced moves. And the enemies? They don’t go easy on you. Boss battles, in particular, can be brutal, requiring you to memorize patterns and keep your cool under pressure.

But despite its difficulty, Kick Master never feels unfair. It’s challenging in a way that keeps you coming back, determined to make it just a little further each time. The feeling of finally conquering a tough level or boss is immensely satisfying—a reminder of why so many gamers love these old-school challenges.

What Made KickMaster Unique?

Kick Master wasn’t just another action platformer; it was a game that dared to mix genres. The inclusion of RPG elements like experience points, leveling up, and learning new skills was ahead of its time for an NES game. The magic system, too, was a standout feature, giving players more options than just kicking their way through levels.

The game’s quirky combination of martial arts and magic in a fantasy setting gave it a distinct identity. It’s this blend of ideas that makes Kick Master more than just another 8-bit game—it’s a memorable experience that stands out even decades later.

Where Did It Stumble?

But let’s be honest, Kick Master wasn’t perfect. One of its biggest flaws was its lack of recognition. Released late in the NES’s life cycle, when the Super Nintendo was already on the rise, Kick Master didn’t get the attention it deserved. Marketing for the game was minimal, meaning many gamers never even knew it existed.

Gameplay-wise, the controls could be frustrating at times. While pulling off advanced moves was satisfying, it was also difficult to execute consistently, leading to moments of frustration. Additionally, some levels felt repetitive, with enemies that seemed to recycle themselves a bit too often.

The Legacy of Kick Master

Despite these issues, Kick Master has earned a special place in the hearts of retro gamers. It’s one of those hidden gems that you might not have heard of, but once you play it, you won’t forget it. It’s a game that has influenced later titles, particularly in how it blended action with RPG mechanics.

Today, Kick Master is remembered as one of the more innovative titles of its time. It’s a game that dared to be different, and while it didn’t achieve mainstream success, it’s still celebrated in retro gaming circles.

Fun Facts About Kick Master

• Development History: Kick Master was developed by KID, a Japanese studio better known for their work on visual novels. It was published by Taito, a company famous for classic arcade games like Space Invaders.
• Easter Eggs: There are hidden areas in the game where you can find extra lives or power-ups, but they’re tough to discover unless you know where to look.
• Unused Content: Some fans have uncovered unused sprites and data in the game’s code, suggesting that certain features or enemies were cut before the final release.

How to Play Kick Master Today

If you’re eager to give Kick Master a try, you’re in luck. While the original NES cartridges can be hard to find and expensive, the game is available HERE.  You could also keep an eye out for any official re-releases.

Download the Kick Master NES Manual

Understanding how to unlock Thonolan’s full potential can be tricky without the original game manual. Luckily, you can download a digital version of the Kick Master NES manual below:

Conclusion

Kick Master is a testament to the creativity and innovation that defined the NES era. It’s a game that pushed the boundaries of what an 8-bit console could do, blending genres in a way that was both fun and challenging. While it may have been overlooked in its time, Kick Master deserves to be revisited by any fan of retro gaming. Whether you’re in it for the unique gameplay, the satisfying difficulty, or just to experience a piece of gaming history, Kick Master is worth every kick.