Bruce Lee (video game)

Infobox VG |title = Bruce Lee


caption = The ZX Spectrum port of "Bruce Lee". Bruce and The Ninja are fighting at the bottom centre; Yamo is preparing to fall from the left-hand platform.
developer = Datasoft Inc
publisher = Datasoft Inc, U.S. Gold, Comptiq
distributor =
license =
series =
designer = John A. Fitzpatrick
engine =
version =
released = 1984
genre = Platformer, beat 'em up
modes = Single player, Multiplayer
ratings = N/A
platforms = Atari 8-bit family, MSX, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, C64, MS-DOS
media =
requirements =
input =

"Bruce Lee" is a video game designed by Ron J. Fortier, with graphics by Kelly Day and music by John A. Fitzpatrick. It was originally published for the Atari 8-bit [cite web |url=http://www.atarimania.com/detail_soft.php?MENU=8&VERSION_ID=798 |title="Bruce Lee" |accessdate=2007-09-26 |format= |work=Atarimania ] and Commodore 64 [cite web |url=http://www.lemon64.com/?game_id=376 |title="Bruce Lee" |accessdate=2007-09-26 |format= |work=Lemon 64 ] by Datasoft Inc in 1984.

Gameplay

"Bruce Lee" is a platform/beat 'em up hybrid, in which the player controls Bruce Lee. The plot involves the eponymous martial artist advancing from chamber to chamber in a wizard's tower, seeking to claim infinite wealth and the secret of immortality. There are twenty chambers, each represented by a single screen with platforms and ladders. To progress, the player must collect a number of lanterns suspended from various points in the chamber.

Each chamber is guarded by two mobile enemies; The Ninja, who attacks with a bokken stick and The Green Yamo, who attacks with punches and kicks. A multiplayer modes allows a second player to control Yamo, or to allow two players to alternately control Bruce. The Ninja and the Yamo are also vulnerable to the screen's dangers, but have infinite lives so they always return. If the player playing the Green Yamo is inactive for a certain time, the computer takes over.

Later chambers include more hazards such as mines and moving walls, as well as a "comb-like" surface that has an electric spark racing along it. Skillful walking, climbing, ducking and jumping are required to negotiate them. On the twentieth screen, Lee finally faces the evil wizard.

Other versions

"Bruce Lee" was converted to the ZX Spectrum [WoS game|id=0000718|name=Bruce Lee] and Amstrad CPC [cite web |url=http://www.cpczone.net/index.php?game=161 |title="Bruce Lee" by US Gold |accessdate=2007-09-26 |format= |work=CPCZone ] and published by U.S. Gold in the same year. An MSX version was published in 1985 by Comptiq. [cite web |url=http://www.generation-msx.nl/msxdb/softwareinfo/629 |title="Bruce Lee" (1985, Comptiq) |accessdate=2007-09-26 |format= |work=Generation-MSX ]

Critical reaction

On its original release, the ZX Spectrum version of "Bruce Lee" received enthusiastic reviews. "CRASH" magazine awarded 91%, highlighting zesty graphics, enjoyable fighting action and addictivity. [cite journal |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1985 |month=May |title="Bruce Lee" review |journal=CRASH |volume= |issue=16 |pages= |id= |url=http://www.crashonline.org.uk/16/brucelee.htm |accessdate= 2007-09-26 |quote= ] "Sinclair User" also found the game enjoyable, awarding 4 out of 5 stars, but felt that sound was underused and a larger variety of tasks could have been included. [cite journal |last=Edgely |first=Clare |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1985 |month=May |title=Spectrum Software Scene 2 |journal=Sinclair User |volume= |issue=38 |pages= |id= |url=http://www.sincuser.f9.co.uk/038/sftwreb.htm |accessdate= 2007-09-26 |quote= ] "Your Spectrum" were more critical, pointing out that it only takes a few games to complete all 20 chambers. [cite journal |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1985 |month=May |title=Joystick Jury |journal=Your Spectrum |volume= |issue=14 |pages= |id= |url=http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~jg27paw4/yr14/yr14_43.htm |accessdate= 2007-09-26 |quote= ] In a 1990 retrospective, "Your Sinclair" found that "Bruce Lee" was still too easy to complete and the graphics had not aged well. In addition, it was felt that the fighting moves available to the player lacked impact and were too limited for a beat 'em up. However, it was described as a historically important game, being the first to combine the platform/collection and beat 'em 'up genres. [cite journal |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1990 |month=May |title=The YS Complete Guide To Beat-'em-ups |journal=Your Spectrum |volume= |issue=53 |pages= |id= |url=http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/completeguidetobeatemups.htm|accessdate= 2007-09-26 |quote= ]

Videos

* [http://www.archive.org/details/C64Gamevideoarchive91-BruceLee/ Complete Video from the C64 Version] on archive.org

References