Blast Annual


Bruce Lee: Return Of Fury

Author: Andrew Fisher
Publisher: Rebel Android
Machine: Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Blast Annual 2020 Volume 1

Bruce Lee: Return Of Fury

The original Bruce Lee from Datasoft (programmer Ron J. Fortier, graphics Kelly Day and sound fx/music John A. Fitzpatrick) is a C64 classic. This EasyFlash cartridge and D64 image actually contains three games. The original Bruce Lee has been adapted to allow three players at once, Return Of Fury is a reprogrammed version of the original with new levels, and the TIX version of Return Of Fury has an alternative set of sprites.

Dmx (Vidar Bang) modified the original code to create Return Of Fury. There is also the chance to see the classic loading picture with new music by Ole Marius Pettersen, and a brilliant new Return Of Fury loading screen by Rune 'Sparkler' Spaans with music by Anders 'Rage' Rodahl.

Gameplay

35 years later, the Evil Emperor has again risen to power. Only one man can save the day, and we all know who. Bruce's long-time foes the green Yamo and the Ninja are back, hell-bent on foiling any progress he might make in his attempt to overthrow the evil Emperor. Return Of Fury sees the player as Bruce have to collect the lanterns from each screen. Sometimes these lanterns will act as switches, opening doorways or reversing the direction of the elevators and travelling electric pulses.

Bruce Lee: Return Of Fury

Yamo and Ninja will appear on each screen a short time after Bruce, trying to disrupt his progress. Ninja takes two hits to dispose of for a short while, but the tougher Yamo takes three hits - but they will quickly return. New features include the moving pistons that Bruce has to duck under at the right time. Bruce starts with five falls; it takes three hits - but they will quickly return. New features include the moving pistons that Bruce has to duck under at the right time.

Bruce starts with five falls; it takes three hits from the enemies to take a fall, or from hitting a spike or electric pulse. There are a total 90 lanterns to be found in Return Of Fury. The options menu has several settings, including who is controlling Bruce, Ninja and Yamo. Return Of Fury has easy or hard modes and the choice of whether the enemies follow Bruce in roaming mode. The built-in cheats in the menu allow unlimited falls and disables the sprite collision.

Likes

Return Of Fury is cleverly done, with some genuinely challenging new screens to play through. The alternative TIX sprites are very good too, and the comprehensive menu options add a lot to the game. If you have some friends over, why not check out the three-player original too?

Dislikes

This sort of pixel-perfect platforming can test your patience, and I found myself dying at the same point too often. The relentless enemies are tough with the computer controlling them.

Verdict

Bruce returns in a furious new adventure that will challenge you.

Andrew Fisher

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