Oriental Games
Test Your Martial Arts Mastery
Step into the dojo and prepare for a series of intense one-on-one martial arts battles. Oriental Games is a side-view fighting game that puts you in the ring against skilled opponents from various disciplines. The goal is simple: deplete your opponent's energy bar before they drain yours. It is a classic test of reflexes, strategy, and timing that feels fast-paced and competitive.
The game offers three distinct martial arts styles to master, each with its own unique moveset and challenges. You can choose to fight using Kung Fu, which emphasizes fluid hand-to-hand combat. If you prefer ranged attacks and precision, Kendo allows you to wield a stick for striking from a distance. For those who enjoy high-risk, high-reward tactics, Kyo-Kus-Hin-Kai offers head butts and flying attacks that can turn the tide of battle quickly.
Combat in Oriental Games is viewed from the side, giving you a clear view of your character's movements and your opponent's position. This perspective is crucial for timing your jumps and strikes. You will need to jump over opponents to avoid their lower attacks or to catch them off guard. Quick reactions are essential; tapping the fire button rapidly can turn your character around instantly, allowing you to dodge incoming blows or counter-attack unexpectedly.
One of the most important mechanics to understand is the energy system. Your health is represented by an energy bar divided into five blocks. These blocks change color gradually as you take damage, shifting from full to depleted. Unlike some games where health regenerates instantly, your energy drops when hit and increases slowly over time. This means you cannot just stand still and trade blows; you must keep moving, dodging, and striking to manage your stamina effectively.
As you fight, you will notice that certain impressive moves earn you bonus Merit Awards. These awards are not just for show; they can provide a strategic advantage by boosting your performance or rewarding skillful play. Learning which moves trigger these bonuses is key to mastering the game. For example, executing a well-timed flying attack in Kyo-Kus-Hin-Kai might yield a higher reward than a standard punch.
The difficulty scales with your chosen skill level. On the Amiga version, you can select from Novice, Professional, and Master modes. The Novice level is forgiving for those new to the genre, allowing you to learn the basics of each discipline. As you progress to Professional and Master levels, your opponents become faster, more aggressive, and less predictable. The digitized sound effects on this version add to the atmosphere, making every punch and kick feel impactful.
Strategy plays a huge role in winning. Simply mashing buttons will not get you far against skilled AI opponents. You need to observe their patterns and exploit openings. Use your jumps to evade attacks, then close the distance for a combo. If you are playing Kendo, keep your distance and strike with your stick before they can reach you. With Kung Fu, stay mobile and use quick turns to confuse your opponent.
What makes Oriental Games fun is the variety of fighting styles available. Switching between Kung Fu, Kendo, and Kyo-Kus-Hin-Kai keeps the gameplay fresh. Each style requires a different approach to combat, forcing you to adapt your strategy constantly. The challenge lies in mastering all three disciplines and using them effectively against increasingly difficult foes.
Keep an eye on your energy blocks. When they start turning darker colors, it is time to be more defensive. Use the slow regeneration of health to your advantage by backing off slightly when possible, letting your energy recover before engaging again. Patience is just as important as aggression in this game.
Overall, Oriental Games offers a solid fighting experience with clear mechanics and distinct character styles. It rewards players who study their opponents and adapt their tactics. Whether you prefer the elegance of Kendo or the explosive power of Kyo-Kus-Hin-Kai, there is a style that fits your playstyle. Give it a try and see if you have what it takes to become a martial arts master. You can also try more Amiga games from the same system.