While the fighting game genre has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, there are countless lesser-known titles that deserve recognition. These games often offer unique and challenging experiences for fans of martial arts and video games. Here are 11 obscure martial arts video games worth checking out:
1) Chuck Norris Superkicks (1984): A side-scrolling beat-em-up featuring the legendary martial artist himself, Chuck Norris. Players can unleash a variety of iconic kicks and punches as they fight through hordes of enemies.
2) Bruce Lee: Quest of the Dragon (2002): This fighting game lets players battle it out as the iconic martial artist himself, channeling his powerful Jeet Kune Do moves to defeat hordes of enemies.
3) Jackie Chan's Stuntmaster (2000): A platformer game where players can perform acrobatic stunts and martial arts moves inspired by Jackie Chan's iconic film stunts.
4) Karateka (1984): A classic side-scrolling beat-em-up renowned for its realistic martial arts animations and innovative control scheme. Players must learn specific combinations of moves to defeat opponents.
5) The Way of the Tiger (1986): A side-scrolling beat-em-up game with a focus on martial arts, featuring a variety of techniques and weapons. Players can choose from different martial arts styles and weapons to defeat enemies.
6) Kung Fu Live (2010): Harnessing PlayStation Camera technology, this motion-control fighting game delivers authentic martial arts combat and immersive storytelling. Players unleash realistic kicks, punches, and combos, battling foes in a fully interactive experience.
7) Shenmue (1999): A groundbreaking open-world game with a strong emphasis on martial arts and traditional Japanese culture. Players can explore a detailed open world, interact with NPCs, and learn various martial arts styles.
8) Age of Wushu (2012): This lesser-known fighting game focuses on Chinese martial arts, featuring a variety of styles and weapons. Players can execute complex combos and special moves, and the game emphasizes realistic movement and physics.
9) Drunken Fist (2020): Inspired in name by the Chinese martial art of Drunken Fist, this game features unique combat mechanics and a focus on fluid movement. Players can chain together drunken-style attacks and use unpredictable movements to defeat opponents.
10) Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues (2020): Based on the popular Netflix series, this fighting game lets players battle as iconic characters from the Karate Kid franchise. Players can perform iconic moves and relive classic rivalries.
11) Kengo: Master of Bushido (2000): This unique fighting game emphasizes realistic martial arts techniques and a strong focus on strategy. Players must carefully time their attacks and defenses to defeat opponents.
While these games may not be as widely recognized as the more popular fighting games such as Sifu or the Mortal Kombat franchise, they offer a unique and nostalgic experience for fans of martial arts and video games.