Summary

• Release Year: 1983
• Genres: Fighting, Sport
• Platforms: Apple II, Commodore C64/128/MAX
• Publishers: Earthware

Black Belt (1983): A Retro Gem That Still Packs a Punch

Released in 1983 for the Apple II and ported to the Commodore 64 in 1984, Black Belt is a side-scrolling action game that puts you in the shoes of a martial artist fighting off hordes of enemies. Developed by Kevin Ryan, the game was a critical and commercial success, and is still enjoyed by retro gamers today.

Gameplay

Black Belt is a simple but addictive game. You control a martial artist who must fight his way through a series of levels, each filled with enemies. You can punch, kick, and jump your way through the levels, and you can also pick up weapons such as sticks and knives to help you defeat your foes.

The game is challenging, but it’s also fair. The enemies are tough, but they’re not impossible to defeat. And if you die, you can simply start over at the beginning of the level.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Black Belt’s graphics were impressive. The characters are well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and colorful. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and the music is catchy and memorable.

Legacy

Black Belt was a major influence on the development of side-scrolling action games. It was one of the first games to feature a martial artist as the protagonist, and it helped to popularize the use of weapons in fighting games. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

Review

Black Belt is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. It’s a challenging but rewarding game that’s sure to test your skills. The graphics and sound are excellent, and the gameplay is addictive. If you’re a fan of retro games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Black Belt.

Score: 7.5/10

Tips for Playing Black Belt

• Use your environment to your advantage. The levels are filled with objects that you can use to your advantage, such as barrels, crates, and tables. You can use these objects to block enemy attacks, or you can throw them at your enemies to damage them.
• Don’t be afraid to use weapons. Weapons can be very effective in Black Belt. You can pick up sticks, knives, and even guns to help you defeat your enemies.
• Learn the enemy patterns. Each enemy in Black Belt has its own unique attack patterns. Once you learn these patterns, you can more easily avoid their attacks and defeat them.
• Be patient. Black Belt is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. If you die, don’t get discouraged. Just start over and try again.

Conclusion

Black Belt is a classic arcade game that still packs a punch. It’s a challenging but rewarding game that’s sure to test your skills. The graphics and sound are excellent, and the gameplay is addictive. If you’re a fan of retro games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Black Belt.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots