Spartan X

Game Details:

• Release Date: Initially released in Japanese arcades in November 1984, followed by its introduction to the United States in the same year.
• Plot: Thomas's girlfriend, Sylvia, is kidnapped and imprisoned by the mysterious "X" in the top of Devil's Temple, and Thomas is determined to rescue her.
• Gameplay: Players move horizontally and jump, attacking enemies with punches and kicks, have a health bar, and can break free from grabbed enemies. Clearing the stage requires eliminating all enemies and defeating the boss on each level.
• Influence: It is considered a pioneer of side-scrolling beat 'em ups like "Renegade" and "Double Dragon," and it had a significant impact on horizontal action games such as "Super Mario."
• Multi-Platform Porting: Versions available on multiple platforms including NES, Atari, Commodore, and Apple II; the NES version was licensed by Nintendo and produced with the involvement of Shigeru Miyamoto and Koji Kondo.
• Sequel: "Spartan X 2" was released in Japan in 1991 and was not released overseas until it was included in the kot retro machine in 2016.

Editor's Recommendation:

As one of the earliest "arcade fighters," "Spartan X" perfectly blends action and rhythm. Its simple yet tight operation experience, coupled with the level design of gradual climbing, makes each progression full of achievement. The NES version, although reduced, still retains the core combat rhythm. If you want to trace the roots of action games, or experience a satisfying, old-school arcade game, this classic work adapted from the Jackie Chan theme is definitely worth exploring.

Game Guide:

I. Basic Combat Techniques

• Using a low kick (standing + down) can interrupt enemy grabs, and an uppercut performs a jump kick, suitable for aerial attacks.
• Quickly shake the joystick left and right to break free when grabbed to avoid continuous health loss

II. Enemy Types and Countermeasures

• Grunts: Move in a straight line or with weapons; prioritize using low kicks to interrupt or jump kicks for long-range clearing;
• Throwers (knives/bottles): Maintain a medium distance and jump to avoid, then counterattack;
• Grabbing enemies: When grabbed, quickly shake the joystick to save yourself;
• Advanced enemies (e.g., jumpers): Appear in Boss levels; be careful of their instant displacement attacks

III. Boss Battle Strategy

• The first level boss fights with a staff; use low kicks frequently to quickly reduce health;
• Higher-level bosses have special attacks and barrages; observe their pauses before counterattacking;
• Be patient; interrupting the boss's actions is the best time for high output.

IV. Difficulty Recommendations

• A large number of grunts refresh in the middle at the end of each level; maintain movement when approaching the exit to prevent being surrounded;
• The NES version has fewer enemies; it's recommended to use a combination of consecutive low kicks and short jumps to quickly deal with groups of enemies
• Mastering the body hitboxes and attack range will help you pass difficult bosses.

V. Advanced Clear Thinking

• Observe the boss's pre-attack rhythm and attack in rhythm to improve efficiency;
• For boss levels with multiple failures, switch to clearing weaker enemies to practice the operation rhythm;
• If you find game multi-jump bugs or synchronization issues, you can also use them to simplify the enemy AI.