Kick Master

Kick Master is a side-scrolling action game for the NES, developed by KID and published by Taito in 1992. Rather than relying on a sword or other traditional weapon, the game puts kicking at the center of combat. You guide Thonolan through a fantasy kingdom, using high kicks, low kicks, jumping attacks, and carefully timed movements to deal with monsters and other hazards.

The controls are straightforward, but Kick Master asks for more than simply charging forward. Enemies approach from different heights and angles, so choosing the right kick and keeping your position under control matters. Defeated enemies provide experience, allowing Thonolan to gain levels and become more effective as the adventure continues. The game also includes magic spells, giving you useful alternatives when groups of enemies or tougher opponents make close-range attacks risky.

Stages move through varied fantasy environments filled with platforms, obstacles, enemy formations, and large boss encounters. Its combat has a distinctive rhythm: advance, watch an enemy’s movement, then strike at the right moment. That focus on footwork and timing gives the game a personality separate from more conventional NES beat ’em ups and action-platformers. The difficulty can be demanding, particularly when several enemies appear at once, but learning attack patterns and improving your use of magic makes progress feel earned.

With colorful visuals, responsive action, and an unusual fighting style, Kick Master remains an appealing choice for players who enjoy overlooked NES titles. It is a single-player adventure with enough variety in its stages and combat to reward repeated attempts. If you want to experience this uncommon 1992 release, RetroCloud lets you play online on your browser without needing the original NES hardware.