Kick Master

A Famicom action platformer by Taito released in 1992. When the kingdom of Sonora falls and Princess Silvia is abducted by the witch Belzed, the sole survivor — master kicker Thonolan — vows to rescue her. Armed with nothing but his legs, the player battles demons and monsters across seven stages using flying kicks, spinning kicks, and aerial techniques. Defeating enemies earns experience that levels Thonolan up, unlocking increasingly powerful kick moves and a handful of magic spells. Demanding boss timing and a steep late-game difficulty curve have earned Kick Master a devoted following as a hidden gem of the late NES era.