Introduce
In the NES game Fist of the North Star (USA), players assume the role of Kenshiro, the successor to the legendary martial art Hokuto Shinken. This title is primarily a side-scrolling beat 'em up with light platforming elements. The main objective is to traverse various stages filled with enemies and defeat dangerous bosses.
Kenshiro can utilize basic physical attacks such as punches and kicks. A unique aspect of the game lies in the star system: players collect stars dropped by defeated enemies. Accumulating a certain number of stars allows Kenshiro to learn or upgrade powerful Hokuto Shinken techniques, such as the iconic Hokuto Hyakuretsu Ken (One Hundred Crack Fist). These special moves often deal significant damage or have unique effects on opponents.
Gameplay unfolds screen by screen. As Kenshiro moves to the end of a screen, he progresses to the next area. Occasionally, players will confront a group of enemies or a boss battle before being able to proceed. Boss fights require players to master Kenshiro's techniques and identify the opponent's weaknesses. The game's graphics and sound faithfully capture the essence of the original manga, providing an authentic experience for fans.