Kung-Fu Master 2600 box art

Atari 2600 · Beat 'em Up / Action

Kung-Fu Master

SystemAtari 2600
Released1987 (originally 1984)
GenreBeat 'em Up, Action
DeveloperIrem
PublisherActivision
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
ESRBE
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 6

Developed by Irem and published by Activision, Kung-Fu Master arrived on the Atari 2600 in 1987 as a beat 'em up. This 2600 release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1984. It blends beat 'em up and action elements.

It landed about 10 years into the 2600's life. Other notable 2600 releases from 1987 include Jr. Pac-Man, RealSports Boxing and Skate Boardin'.

Irem also made Moon Patrol for the 2600.

Kung-Fu Master supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want depth and variety over simple, satisfying brawling

What playing Kung-Fu Master is like

Beat 'em ups send you down scrolling streets fighting waves of thugs with punches, kicks, throws and grabbed weapons. Most can be finished in a single sitting and shine with a second player.

Tip for newcomers: Avoid getting surrounded: keep enemies on one side of you and save your special attacks for crowds. Bring a friend if the game supports co-op.

Kung-Fu Master gameplay screenshot on 2600
In-game screenshot (2600)

Kung-Fu Master walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Kung-Fu Master.

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Playing 2600 games today

Most 2600 games are built for short, score-chasing sessions, which makes them perfect for a quick nostalgia hit. Original hardware is cheap and plentiful, the Atari 2600+ reissue plays original cartridges on modern TVs, and official collections such as Atari 50 bundle many first-party classics.

Kung-Fu Master FAQ

When did Kung-Fu Master come out on the 2600?

Kung-Fu Master was released for the Atari 2600 in 1987; the original game dates back to 1984.

Who made Kung-Fu Master?

It was developed by Irem and published by Activision.

Is Kung-Fu Master multiplayer?

Yes. Kung-Fu Master supports up to 2 players.

How long does Kung-Fu Master take to play?

As a beat 'em up, Kung-Fu Master typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Kung-Fu Master on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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