Play Exploding Fist (USA) (Proto) (1990-05-22) Online Free

Exploding Fist is a 1985 fighting game developed by Beam Software and published by Melbourne House. First released for the Commodore 64, it was later ported to platforms including the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, and Commodore 16. Centered on Japanese martial arts, it features 1v1 karate matches set against backdrops like dojos, snowy mountains, volcanoes, Buddha statues, and pagodas. Unlike modern fighting games, it uses a unique scoring system: players need two full yin-yang symbols to win. Each successful hit ends the round—perfect moves earn a full symbol, while imperfect ones earn half. The game offers 18 moves, including jump kicks, roundhouse kicks, and various high/low punches and kicks. After several levels, players unlock a bonus stage where they must knock out a charging bull in one hit, inspired by karate master Masutatsu Oyama’s legendary bull-knocking feat. Its soundtrack, composed by Neil Brennan and based on the 1952 orchestral piece *Dance of the Yao People*, enhances the immersive atmosphere. Exploding Fist was a massive hit in the UK, becoming the best-selling computer game of 1985 with 500,000 copies sold. Its success spawned sequels: 1986’s *Fist II: The Legend Continues* and 1988’s *Exploding Fist +*.