Previous Next

Question: How many karate and martial arts games are now battling it out in the marketplace? Answer: A lot. So many that we've given up counting.

Now comes the Atari version of International Karate. And, although we were supplied with an unfinished copy for preview, it knocks all the other Atari rivals for six.

The fighting figures and their movements are very similar to The Way Of The Exploding Fist. But there are one or two refinements. Deliver a good punch or kick and your opponent sees stars - circling his head!

There's also a nice touch if you leave the fighters facing each other for too long without making a move. They take it in turns to look out from the screen at you and their mouths move in some silent urging for some action.

The backdrops to the bouts are splendid, especially the snow-capped mountain scene.

This version lacked sound effects and music so we'll have to reserve judgement.

System 3 has also allowed a sneak preview of the Commodore 64 version of International Karate. That looks very impressive as well. But whether it will sell well consider the massive headstart Fist has had, time will only tell.