[XBLA/PC/iOS/Wii-U/PSN] Karateka

[CeeKay]

the classic computer game is getting an update for XBLA and PSN.  it's been done by the same guy who designed the orighnal version (and also went on to create Prince of Persia).

How different is the new Karateka from the original? It’s closer than the 2003 POP:SOT was to the original, side-scrolling Prince of Persia. But it’s a more radical reinvention than, say, the 2007 XBLA Prince of Persia Classic. The new Karateka is much more than a port; it’s both a remake and a re-imagining of the original game for today’s consoles.

For me as creative director, it’s been an exciting chance to experiment with new gameplay mechanics and ideas that on previous console generations (and on the Apple II) I could only have dreamed about.

I remember spending a bunch of time playing this and Bruce Lee on the C64.  say, maybe if this is a sleeper hit we'd see Bruce get an update.....

[metallicorphan]

I don't remember this one,i also played the Bruce Lee game and also Way of the Exploding Fist,both of which i must of enjoyed because i played them hell of a lot

It'll be interesting to see how this turns out

[Misguided]

I remember many hours watching my brother play Karateka. I was never that good at it myself. This game would not hold up as well as PoP, but they are completely redesigning it from scratch.

[EngineNo9]

I definitely remember playing Karateka on our old Apple IIGS and will be interested to see what Jordan Mechner can do with an updated version. 

[The Grue]

I used to play this game over and over (and beat it over and over) on my Atari 1200XL computer.  Was such a fun game to play back then, but not sure how it would hold up, since the last time I played it was probably in the early 90s.

[KC]

I played this a lot on my Apple IIe.  I hope that the remake has more types of bad guys to beat up though; it got pretty boring after a few play-throughs.  It would also be nice to add some lite platforming and RPG leveling options.

[CeeKay]

the ESRB ratings listing sounds... um... interesting:

In this rhythm-fighting game, players assume the role of three Japanese warriors attempting to rescue a kidnapped princess from an evil warlord. Players engage in frenetic one-on-one battles with various enemies, using timed martial arts moves (i.e., punch/kick combos) to stun opponents and drain their health meters. Matches are highlighted by battle cries, colorful light flashes, and slow-motion effects; when players' character is knocked out, a brief cutscene depicts him falling down the side of a mountain.

Rhythm fighting?

[Teggy]

I remember finishing the original and not knowing you had to run into the princesses' arms.

[Bullwinkle]

Wow, big memories of this one. 

Hope it's good.

[EddieA]

Siliconera has some screenshots.

[Crawley]

Siliconera has some screenshots.

Umm. That looks kinda terrible.

[Roguetad]

Siliconera has some screenshots.

Umm. That looks kinda terrible.

Yeah, I don't know what to make of those screenshots.  I loved the original.  The art style was an important part of the game.  It doesn't seem like they've captured that same distinctive style in those screeenshots.

[EngineNo9]

As hard as it has to be to maintain the art style of a 16 color game, I have to agree that it doesn't seem like they did at all.  I don't think it looks bad, but it doesn't look like what I expect a Karateka game to look like.

[EngineNo9]

This launch trailer is pretty great.  I may not be sold on the art style yet, but I'll definitely give it a try.

[Roguetad]

That was a great trailer.  The game on the other hand...hopefully it's better than it looks.

I didn't have enough $ at that age to buy an apple, so I played karateka on my commodore.

[Crawley]

Yup same feeling. Great trip down memory lane on that trailer but the game just does not look that good.

[Bullwinkle]

My whole life, I've pronounced this game kah-RAH-tek-a, but I just recently heard Jordan Mechner pronounce it kara-TEK-a.

[Roguetad]

My whole life, I've pronounced this game kah-RAH-tek-a, but I just recently heard Jordan Mechner pronounce it kara-TEK-a.

I've always pronounced it exactly as you have.  No way am I changing it now.  That would be like trying to alter a childhood memory.   

[Harpua3]

Wow, big memories of this one. 

Hope it's good.

Same here. I haven't thought of this and in probably 20 years!