Pros & Cons
Pros: Nostalgic for those who enjoyed the 8-bit version, heavily-updated graphics
Cons: Repetitive game play / fighting system
Karateka has huge shoes to fill as it’s a remake of a retro-based game that came out years ago on an 8-bit graphics system. Today’s iOS version has much heavily-updated graphics and sticks to a core story line but in my opinion it lacks luster in gameplay. The game itself is very nostalgic of the old game and fans can relive that experience with this app. However it lacks many things. Karateka offers a new rhythm-based fighting system that gets repetitive.
The game’s controls basically consist of tapping to counter and tapping multiple times to fight back. While some kids may enjoy this in the beginning, it really does get boring and tiresome after a while. The developers added some variety with multiple characters & story lines / endings. Along with that they have a chi-meter which when full allows you to stun enemies and perform combos on them. You run through a great designed environment fighting enemy after enemy and taking on mini bosses now and then.
Overall the game is fun for those who really enjoyed the game back in the day, and also for kids due to its being simple to control. Hardcore gamers on the other hand won’t find a lot of versatility with the gameplay, and if you belong in this group then the game may not be worth your money.