Karate Combat (1985)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Karate Combat: The Definitive Guide to the Classic Martial Arts Game

Released in 1985 for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, Karate Combat is a classic martial arts game that still holds up today. It’s a simple but addictive game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master.

The goal of Karate Combat is to defeat your opponent in a one-on-one fight. You can do this by using a variety of punches, kicks, and throws. You can also use special moves, such as the “Dragon Punch” and the “Hurricane Kick.”

Karate Combat is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires quick reflexes and good timing. It’s also a very challenging game, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.

Gameplay

Karate Combat is played from a side-scrolling perspective. You control your character with the joystick or keyboard. You can move your character left and right, and you can jump and crouch.

To attack your opponent, you can use a variety of punches, kicks, and throws. You can also use special moves, such as the “Dragon Punch” and the “Hurricane Kick.”

To block your opponent’s attacks, you can use the joystick or keyboard to move your character out of the way. You can also use the “Guard” button to block attacks.

Characters

There are a total of eight characters in Karate Combat. Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

The eight characters are:

  • Bruce Lee – A well-rounded character with no major weaknesses.
  • Jackie Chan – A fast and agile character with good jumping ability.
  • Chuck Norris – A powerful character with strong punches and kicks.
  • Steven Seagal – A slow but powerful character with good throws.
  • Jean-Claude Van Damme – A well-rounded character with good kicks and special moves.
  • Dolph Lundgren – A powerful character with strong punches and throws.
  • Cynthia Rothrock – A fast and agile character with good jumping ability.
  • Michelle Yeoh – A well-rounded character with good punches, kicks, and throws.

Special Moves

There are a total of eight special moves in Karate Combat. Each character has their own unique set of special moves.

The eight special moves are:

  • Dragon Punch – A powerful uppercut that can be used to knock down opponents.
  • Hurricane Kick – A spinning kick that can be used to hit multiple opponents.
  • Flying Knee – A powerful knee strike that can be used to knock down opponents.
  • Roundhouse Kick – A powerful kick that can be used to hit opponents from a distance.
  • Sweep Kick – A low kick that can be used to knock down opponents.
  • Throw – A powerful throw that can be used to slam opponents into the ground.
  • Super Move – A powerful move that can only be used once per round.

Legacy

Karate Combat is a classic martial arts game that has been enjoyed by gamers for over 30 years. It’s a simple but addictive game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master.

Karate Combat has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Master System, and the Game Boy. It has also been released on a number of compilation discs.

Karate Combat is still enjoyed by gamers today. It’s a great choice for fans of retro gaming and martial arts alike.

Tips for Playing Karate Combat

Here are a few tips for playing Karate Combat:

  • Learn the controls. The controls in Karate Combat are simple, but it’s important to learn them well. This will help you to execute your moves quickly and accurately.
  • Choose the right character. Each character in Karate Combat has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Choose a character that suits your playing style.
  • Use special moves wisely. Special moves are powerful, but they can only be used once per round. Use them wisely to get the most out of them.
  • Block your opponent’s attacks. Blocking is essential in Karate Combat. It’s the best way to avoid taking damage.
  • Be patient. Karate Combat is a challenging game. Don’t get discouraged if you lose at first. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually get better.

Conclusion

Karate Combat is a classic martial arts game that still holds up today. It’s a simple but addictive game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master. Whether you’re a fan of retro gaming or martial arts, Karate Combat is a game that you should definitely check out.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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