Jackie Chan’s Action Kung Fu

Jackie Chan’s Action Kung Fu is a lively side-scrolling action game that brings the martial-arts star to the NES in a colorful, arcade-influenced adventure. Released in 1990 by Now Production and published by Hudson Soft, it follows Jackie as he battles through a series of dangerous environments in a quest involving his kidnapped sister, Josephine.

The controls are straightforward but give combat more variety than a basic platformer. Jackie can punch, kick, jump, and perform acrobatic attacks, letting him deal with enemies from different positions as the screen steadily pushes him forward. Along the way, he can collect helpful items and power-ups, including techniques that improve his fighting ability. Timing matters, particularly when avoiding projectiles, crossing hazards, or facing the larger enemies and bosses that mark the end of an area.

The game’s stages move through distinctly Chinese-inspired scenery, including forests, caves, mountain paths, and other colorful locations filled with creatures and martial-arts foes. Between the regular action sections are bonus-style challenges that provide a change of pace and reward careful play. Jackie’s movements have a pleasing sense of momentum, and the exaggerated animation gives even simple attacks plenty of personality.

Action Kung Fu is not a slow, technical fighting game; it is a compact platform adventure built around quick reactions, memorizing enemy patterns, and learning the safest route through each stage. Its bright presentation, responsive controls, and recognizable hero make it an appealing choice for anyone who enjoys the more characterful side of the NES library. Players revisiting Hudson Soft’s 8-bit catalog can play online on your browser through RetroCloud and experience one of the system’s more distinctive martial-arts action games.