Bruce Lee is a 2D platform game, starring Bruce Lee. It was originally published for the 8bit Atari computers in 1984 and ported to several other 8bit home platforms such as Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Acorn BBC Micro and ZX Spectrum by Datasoft Inc and later for the MSX computers by Comptiq.
Review
STORY / GAMEPLAY The plot involves the famous 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, you must collect (mainly by climbing or jumping) a number of lanterns hung in various points of each chamber which is guarded by two enemies; the Ninja, who attacks with a sword and The Green Yamo, a sumo fighter who attacks with punches and flying kicks. The Ninja and the Yamo are vulnerable to the screen's dangers (i.e. moving platforms directing to wall-mounted nails!), but have infinite lives so they always re-spawn after a few seconds. Note that, Bruce can only defend himself with a single punch or a flying kick at a time! Of course there are various hazards (mainly the in-door screens) to cope with such as mines and moving walls or surfaces that have an electric shock moving along it. This is a very enjoyable and addictive puzzle action game although its simplistic graphics! The fighting moves available to the player lack impact and are too limited for a puzzle game with beat 'em up "shots" but it is fun to play! Bruce Lee is still one of my favorite 8bit games!
GRAPHICS / SOUND The visuals are more close to the BBC version, but some detail is additionally missing! The level details mostly consist of Chinese style interiors and exteriors (same color palette as the BBC). The sprites are particularly small and show limited frames of animation as the fighting moves available to the player are only two. Overall, as in all versions, is a simple and beautiful game to play. The game's sound is limited to some minor sound FX and no music during gameplay while the ZX version features a main menu tune found also on the CPC.
CPU: Z80 @ 3.5 MHz MEMORY: 16 KB / 48 KB / 128 KB GRAPHICS: Video output is through an RF modulator and was designed for use with contemporary portable television sets, for a simple colour graphic display. Features a palette of 15 shades: seven colours at two levels of brightness each, plus black. The image resolution is 256x192 with the same colour limitations. SOUND: Early models (48k) had sound output through a beeper on the machine itself. This is capable of producing one channel with 10 octaves. Late models (128k) fetured a three-channel audio via the AY-3-8912 chip, MIDI compatibility