Karateka

aka: Karate Master, Karateka Classic
Moby ID: 1268

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Player Reviews

Average score: 3.6 out of 5 (based on 25 ratings with 3 reviews)

A classic that demonstrates how well a story can be told with no words.

The Good
The finest aspect of Karateka, and one that hasn't lost anything due to the game's age was how well Jordan Mechner could tell a tale with nothing but visuals and musical cues. There is no dialogue, not even text. Characters merely make gestures and the music plays their mood so wonderfully that one knows what the characters are 'saying' without hearing/seeing a single world. It's brilliant and such an achievement has only been achieved a few times in the history of gaming.

For their time frame, the graphics were well done. Crisp, clean, and effective, they were exceptional for when the game came out.

At the time, the basic concept (running down the hall fighting opponents in a very simplified fighting game style) was enjoyably fresh.

The Bad
The gameplay is very repetitive, as you face off against tone lackey after another with minimal to no difference between emplyess.

The fighting style, an early fighting game type of engagement, lacks finesse or true style. You more times than not wind up just mashing buttons until you connect...often using the same maneuver again and again in rapid succession. Aside from a few surprises (like Akuma's falcons attacking), there's little difference between your opponents or how you fight them.

The difficulty level, mixed with the controls and repetitiveness, might scare away many poeple who will find this game somwhat hard and frustrating.

The Bottom Line
An early side-scrolling fighting/action game, Karateka is a classic in the way it tells its story. The game's simplicity is both its charm and its downfall.

DOS · by Ray Soderlund (3501) · 2000

Kickin' run to the right karate game

The Good
This game is part of that wonderful genre I call the run to the right game. As you run to the right, you will meet and battle various guards, a sinister bird, and the bad dude himself.

Cool music and cut scenes for such an early game. Also, liked the ability to run/walk and bow.

The Bad
If you aren't prepared, you can be killed with a single blow.

Also, remember that you have to be a gentleman to the ladies.

The Bottom Line
Very fun kung-fu game with realistic fighting. Not much of a story, but challenging gameplay. Later fights feel like duels.

DOS · by Terrence Bosky (5397) · 2001

An Unforgettable game.

The Good
There is a lot of action, the movements are very flexible.

This game is a classic, I like the story, concept, and animations.

The sounds are very good for a 1986 game.

The Bad
Poor graphics, unappealing game play.

The Bottom Line
Definitely a game to buy.

The fighting in the game is very slow, so if you are expecting an old fashioned Street Fighter, I'm sorry.

This game is a good game overall.

DOS · by Jim Fun (207) · 2001