Karateka review: Lacks punch

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At first glance, Karateka doesn't look like a remake so much as a new game with the same name. Its cartoon visuals, 3D setting, and rhythm-based combat seem oceans apart from the 2D martial arts cinema of the Apple II beat-em-up. Yet look a little deeper and the classic's spirit reveals itself, albeit glazed with superficial icing. Those who revere the original may find this appetizing; it's the game they love, yet different and new. Judged on its own merits, however, Kareteka being true to its source is exactly why it doesn't satiate.

As before, combat is the core of your journey, and movement is nearly insignificant. The original's side-scrolling converts to a one-way path, with you pushing the control stick upwards to roam the false 3D world. You reach a combatant, defeat him, run up the path, reach another combatant, defeat him, and so on. Apart from occasional cutscenes, this is how the whole game goes from start to end. Gallery: Karateka


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Karateka review: Lacks punch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.




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