Xbox First Platform to Reveal Screens and Dates for Karateka Remake

[Karloff]

Xbox First Platform to Reveal Screens and Dates for Karateka Remake

The Xbox version of this 80s remake will debut November 14th.

Technically this title is also intended for release on PlayStation and the Wii, but so far Xbox Live Arcade has been the only one to announce a release date and screens. Karateka, remake of the karate-themed beat-em-up from Jordan Mechner [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/85273-Prince-of-Persia-Creator-Revives-Karateka], is to get its Xbox debut on November 14th.

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In the original Karateka [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHNT7mR-8d0], you played as an unnamed student of karate infiltrating the fortress of wicked nobleman Akuma, in an attempt to rescue Princess Mariko from his sinister clutches. Though we've yet to see gameplay, judging by the screens released on Xbox.com the plot and basic game don't seem to have changed all that much. Legions of henchmen? Check. Sinister nobleman? Check. Health bars? Check. That farkrumte bird, the one that killed me more times than I care to remember? Also check.

In addition to Mechner's brains, this remake relies on the artistic talent of Jeff Matsuda - he of Batman: The Animated Series fame - and Civilization IV composer Christopher Tin. There will be leaderboards, but no other online features have been leaked.

Source: Game Informer [http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/10/01/karateka-gets-first-screens-release-date.aspx]


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[Ayjona]

The title also seems to be confirmed for iOS: http://toucharcade.com/2012/08/28/jordan-mechners-reimagined-karateka-confirmed-for-ios/

Regardless, I'll be looking forward to this one.

 

[surg3n]

Not hating on Karateka, but I can think of better 8-bit karate games.

Like IK+ - Amazing fast 2D fighting, 3 players, progress through belts - would look awesome in 2.5D with HD graphics. The 1 true 8-bit fighting classic if there can be only 1.

Or Fist2, sequel to Way of the Exploding Fist, which was really just a straightforward 1 on 1 beat-em-up. Fist2 however was more involved, lots of exploration and puzzle solving, as well as some really challenging fights.

Or even DragonNinja. That game had a good flow to it, you could be fighting 20 ninjas and still not feel overwhelmed, due to the fast kicks and punches, especially compared to Double Dragon which was fairly sluggish. Barrack Obama chomping a burger at the end?, anyone?

 

[teh_Canape]

Not hating on Karateka, but I can think of better 8-bit karate games.

oh sure, Karateka was clunky as fuck and it could get really damn dull
but if I remember correctly, this was Mechner's first game, so maybe that's why he's remaking it? dunno really, never been much into it

 

[Smooth Operator]

Yaaay, the game I most wanted to have a sequel... right after E.T. that is.

 

[Fiz_The_Toaster]

Jesus I feel old now since I remember playing the first one. D:

Looks kinda awesome, and I will be making a note to get it, whenever they decide to release it on the PS3 of course.

 

[cerebus23]

Used to be able to beat it wo dying i played the c64 one so much.

Also had way of the exploding fist i had but karateka is the one i remember.

 

[Irridium]

Sounds neat. Looking forward to this, for obvious reasons

Hint: My avatar.