In 1984, Apple aficionado and game developer, Jordan Mechner – (creator of Prince of Persia) – set out to create a beat’em up video game called “Karateka”. It was his first game that he had created while attending Yale University, and was originally programmed and developed for use on the Apple II.
A combination of a side-scrolling platform and fighting game elements, the player faces “Akuma” and his guards, using punches and kicks to defeat his foes and make his way deeper into the fortress. The game, (as with most other titles at the time of its development), lacked checkpoints or the ability to save the game, making it a challenge to complete in a single sitting. That fact, however, didn’t seem to detract from the game’s instant retro-classic appeal.
Karateka sold for $34.95 and its original available format was the floppy disk. After famously remaking the game for use with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 in November of this year, later going on to launch on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Wii U, Mechner this week released a version of the popular classic for iOS.
From PRINCE OF PERSIA creator Jordan Mechner, the original side-scrolling karate classic comes to the iPad and iPhone with stunning graphics and innovative gameplay. Whether you are a nostalgic Karateka fan or new to the game, Karateka will charm you with its classic love story set in feudal Japan. Fight to save the lovely Mariko from the evil warlord Akuma and reunite her with her True Love!
BREATHTAKINGLY CINEMATIC
Karateka comes to new life with art by Jeff Matsuda (The Batman) and music by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin (Civilization IV).
FANTASTIC FIGHTING
Easy to grasp yet challenging to master, the rhythm-based karate combat tells a simple human story. Three suitors vie to save Mariko: A fearsome Brute, a noble Monk, and her brave True Love.
Unlike its original 1984 Apple II counterpart, you can get your hands on the newly revamped, 3D version of Karateka on the App Store today, for $2.99 — (which is a steal for any of you out there who are perhaps old enough to remember the game’s original charm).
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