Black Belt

About

Black Belt is a 1983 arcade-style martial arts game developed by Kevin Ryan for the Apple II and later the Commodore 64. You play as a taekwon-do fighter in one-on-one matches, using timed button presses and directional inputs to throw punches, kicks, and throws. The game supports both solo practice and split-screen multiplayer, where two players take turns defending against a computer-controlled opponent. Fast-paced but simple, it leans into the genre’s early-80s roots with pixelated graphics and minimal story. The game stands out as a solo effort by Ryan, who handled all coding, artwork, and sound effects. Its straight-ahead design and dual-player mode made it a standout in the era’s limited fighting game scene. While not a modern classic, it’s a notable relic from the early days of home console martial arts titles. Community ratings are sparse, but retro gamers often praise its straightforward mechanics and the charm of 1980s indie development. The game’s connection to Ryan’s later work on Earthware’s unreleased Megaventure project adds a layer of historical curiosity for niche enthusiasts.