Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fist: The Legend Continues takes the classic one-on-one martial arts formula established by The Way of the Exploding Fist and expands it into a multi-level beat ’em up reminiscent of Renegade. Your arsenal includes devastating punches, soaring roundhouse kicks, and lethal flying kicks, all unlocked and refined as you progress. Each move has weight and purpose, encouraging you to master timing and positioning rather than simply mashing buttons.

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The level design drops you into sprawling environments connected by ladders and doorways. Unlike the single-screen duels of Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Fist lets you roam horizontally across scrolling backdrops—whether you’re battling henchmen in a bustling village square or navigating a dimly lit dojo. This adds an extra layer of strategy, since foes can flank you from multiple directions and you must plan your route to reach each boss encounter on higher platforms.

For those seeking to polish their technique, a dedicated combat practice mode mirrors the original arcade-style duel system. Here you face a single opponent in a confined arena, providing a focused space to drill combos and counters without worrying about waves of enemies. This training mode helps bridge the gap between novice players and the steep challenge of the main campaign, ensuring you’re well-prepared when you finally storm the warlord’s mountain fortress.

Graphics

Graphically, Fist: The Legend Continues strikes a balance between retro charm and modern flair. Character sprites are richly detailed, with fluid animations that highlight the impact of each strike. You can almost feel the force behind your uppercuts as limbs blur and opponents reel back convincingly.

Backgrounds shift seamlessly from sun-drenched paddy fields to torchlit temple corridors, each environment rendered with a vibrant palette and atmospheric touches. Subtle details—like the flicker of lanterns, the sway of hanging banners, and distant mountain vistas—immerse you in the game’s world and underscore the journey from humble dojo to warlord’s lair.

Special effects, such as flying kicks that send sparks flying on impact or slow-motion close-ups when you land a finishing blow, add a cinematic flourish. While purists may yearn for pure pixel nostalgia, blending these modern enhancements with classic sprite work creates an engaging visual identity that pays homage to its predecessors without feeling outdated.

Story

The narrative driving Fist: The Legend Continues is straightforward but effective: an evil warlord has subjugated your people, and it’s up to you, a devoted martial arts disciple, to free them. This clear-cut premise echoes the no-nonsense plots of ’80s kung-fu cinema, providing a strong motivation for every punch and kick you deliver.

Throughout your ascent, brief cutscenes and in-game dialogue deepen the stakes. You encounter captured villagers pleading for rescue, power-hungry henchmen mocking your progress, and wise mentors offering counsel before each boss fight. These narrative beats, though concise, foster an emotional connection that keeps you invested beyond mere button inputs.

By the time you confront the warlord atop his snow-capped stronghold, the story’s arcs come full circle. The final duel isn’t just another level—it’s the culmination of every training session, every rescue mission, and every hard-earned victory. That satisfying narrative payoff makes the journey feel meaningful instead of purely mechanical.

Overall Experience

Fist: The Legend Continues delivers a compelling blend of classic martial arts mechanics and modern design sensibilities. The core combat is both accessible and deep, rewarding precise timing and strategic use of special moves. Whether you’re engaging in sprawling street battles or honing your skills in the focused two-player dojo mode, there’s always a fresh challenge to tackle.

The pacing strikes a fine balance: exploration and vertical traversal keep gameplay varied, while the steady introduction of new enemy types and environmental hazards ensures you’re never fighting the same fight twice. Practice mode remains an invaluable tool for newcomers, while veterans will appreciate the hidden techniques and secret routes that add replay value.

Ultimately, Fist: The Legend Continues feels like a love letter to martial arts gaming, combining beloved elements from The Way of the Exploding Fist, Yie Ar Kung-Fu, and Renegade into a polished package. Its engaging combat, vibrant visuals, and satisfying narrative arc make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a modern beat ’em up with old-school roots. Whether you’re a seasoned brawler or curious newcomer, this is a journey worth taking.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10