KARATEKA REIMAGINED

Although it didn’t have the same pull as Prince Of Persia, there was more than enough interest in Karateka for Jordan to create a brand-new high definition remake, which was released in late 2012.

Overseen by Jordan and developed by Liquid Entertainment, Karateka at first appears to have the same structure as the original, but there are a number of important differences. Mariko still needs saving, but this time two other suitors step up to the challenge if her original beau dies: A quiet, unassuming monk and a large hulking behemoth known as the brute. All three suitors have varying energy bars, which effectively relate to Karateka’s difficulty and completing the game with each will result in a completely different ending.

Combat has been greatly updated and while it shares many similarities with the ebb and flow of the Apple II original, audio cues now play a more crucial role, letting you successfully block incoming attacks before unleashing your own. It’s solid, but it’s a shame that there’s no real variety between the three playable characters as it greatly stunts the game’s longevity.

The final thing worth mentioning is Karateka’s distinctive aesthetic, along with the stylistic cel-shaded graphics and lovely animation have held up well, with some sections of your journey looking absolutely sumptuous. Jordan’s high-definition remake may not have had the same impact as the original, but it remains an interesting counterpoint to the 1984 classic.