Gaming's Greatest Remakes #2: Karateka

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Gaming's Greatest Remakes #2: Karateka

On 02/02/2017 at 10:28 AM by The Last Ninja

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Original Game: Karateka (1984, Apple II)

Developer: Jordan Mechner

Remake: Karateka (2012, XBLA)

Developer: Liquid Entertainment

This was the first game created by Jordan Mechner, the man who would later make the legendary Prince of Persia. Karateka was ahead of its time as the prototype for the fighting game genre even before such a genre existed. In the game, you would face-off against opponents in a one-on-one fight. You can perform three different levels of kicks, and strategy was key in order to succeed in defeating an opponent. The remake keeps the game the same, but of course, the modern version feels more like a quick time event-type of fight. Certain buttons perform certain attacks, and it's all about timing and reflexes. It's an excellent remake of a classic game.

Comments

bullet656

02/02/2017 at 11:02 AM

I had forgotten about this remake, but I had a good time with it when it first came out. I spent alot of time playing the original game on the Commodore 64 back when I was a kid.

The Last Ninja

02/02/2017 at 09:21 PM

It looks really fun. I actually haven't played it (I'm just sharing it with you guys).

Nicoleb1989

02/02/2017 at 12:08 PM

Never even heard of this title, looks quite interesting

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/02/2017 at 12:43 PM

Me either. Love finidng out about things I never knew existed.

I dunno if this would be for me though. How long does it last/how much does it cost? Cause it does look a bit repetitive.

The Last Ninja

02/02/2017 at 09:23 PM

It is a bit repetitive as the whole game is fighting. However, you fight different opponents, which inolves using different strategies. It's certainly not a long game. Not sure how much it costs, but it's probably $10 at most.

KnightDriver

02/02/2017 at 03:45 PM

Cool! I like that you move through environments. I don't like arena battles in any type of game. So boring.

The Last Ninja

02/02/2017 at 09:24 PM

Yes, having the protagonist move gives a sense of progression in the adventure.

Cary Woodham

02/02/2017 at 06:05 PM

I never really got into this game. Didn't really hear about this one much as a kid either. I know about it now, but it didn't seem to get my attention as a kid.

The Last Ninja

02/02/2017 at 09:26 PM

The original game looks very dated now, but back in 1984 it must have been really cool. I wouldn't know, though, because I wasn't around back then.

jgusw

02/02/2017 at 09:03 PM

I forgot about this remake. I never played the original.

The Last Ninja

02/02/2017 at 09:26 PM

I think at this point it would be best to skip the original and give the remake a try.

daftman

02/03/2017 at 04:30 PM

Mechner has put out books about the making of Karateka and Prince of Persia, pulled mostly from the journal he kept at the time, I think. I'd like to read those.