International Karate

Infobox VG
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title=International Karate


caption=Screenshot of the Atari ST version
developer=System 3
publisher=System 3 (Europe), Epyx (USA)
distributor=
designer=Archer MacLean
series=
engine=
version=
released=1986
genre=Versus fighting game
modes=Single player, Two player
ratings=
platforms= Amstrad CPC, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, MSX, ZX Spectrum, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Virtual Console
media=
requirements=
input=Joystick

"International Karate" is a 1986 karate computer game for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC and Atari 8-bit family of computers. It was first published by System 3 in Europe, and then in the United States of America by Epyx as "World Karate Championship". A version of this game was later released for the Atari ST and the PC (utilizing 4-color CGA graphics). In 2000, a Game Boy Color version known as "International Karate 2000" was released, with several enhancements, and another version based on it was released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance, as "International Karate Advanced". In 2004 it would be "re-released" as a title on the C64 Direct-to-TV, and in 2008 the C64 version was released as a title on the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console. [ [http://www.trustedreviews.com/gaming/news/2008/02/22/Commodore-64-Coming-To-Wii-Virtual-Console/p1 Commodore 64 Coming to Wii Virtual Console] , retrieved on 2/25/2008.] The game was programmed by Archer MacLean, and the music was by Rob Hubbard.

"International Karate" and "World Karate Championship" are identical except for the difference in game speed - the latter is tuned for the American NTSC television system.

A sequel to this game called "International Karate +" was released a year later.

Gameplay

The core game is a two-dimensional, one-on-one, versus fighting game. Players take on the roles of martial artists competing in a kumite tournament. Rather than wearing down an opponent's health, the goal is instead to score single solid hits. After each hit, combat stops and both combatants are returned to their starting positions. Depending on how well players hit their opponent, they score either a half-point or a full point. Matches can be quite brief, as only two full points are required to win, and a point can be quickly scored just seconds after a round begins.

In single player mode, successive opponents increase in difficulty from novice white belts to master black belts. Play continues as long as the player continues to win matches. Between fights, bonus mini-games focusing on rhythm and timing appear, including one in which the player must break a number of stacked boards using only his or her head.

As in newer games in the genre, starting specifically with "Street Fighter", the fights take place against a variety of backdrops (8 in total) representing different locations in the world.

Controls

The title utilizes the standard one-button joystick, allowing players to execute a variety of karate techniques. Unlike modern 2D fighting games, players do not turn around if the opponent is behind them and must instead execute one of three "turn-around" maneuvers to change direction.

Lawsuit

Video game publisher Data East sued System 3 and Epyx for publishing "World Karate Championship", and by extension, "International Karate", which was nearly identical to its arcade game, "Karate Champ". "International Karate" used the same coloured fighters, and had the same points system. Initially Data East won the lawsuit, so the game was pulled from retailers shelves, but the decision was appealed to a higher court, who reversed the decision, stating that while the game was similar, it was not identical, and that one game company can not monopolize one entire sport. As a result, Melbourne House did not sue System 3 nor Epyx, as the game "The Way of the Exploding Fist" is also very similar to both of these games. [* Steven L. Kent: "The Ultimate History of Video Games: From Pong to Pokemon--The Story Behind the Craze That Touched Our Lives and Changed the World" (2001) engl. ISBN 0761536434] [ [http://docs.law.gwu.edu/facweb/claw/ch4a.htm Computer Law 484 Professor Richard H. Stern Cases and Materials] ]

Trivia

* Music from "International Karate" was performed live by a full orchestra at the third Symphonic Game Music Concert in 2005. The event took place in Leipzig, Germany. The melody features asian riff.
* One song from "International Karate" was also performed as a cover by metal band Machinae Supremacy as a part of Commodore 64 medley "Sidology Episode 2".

Notes and references

ee also

* "International Karate +"
* "Karate Champ"
*List of fighting games

External links

*moby game|id=/international-karate|name="International Karate"
*WoS game|id=0002502