Karateka Overview
Alt. Names:
Karate Master, Karateka Classic, カラテカ
Karateka is a side-view martial arts game where the player must overcome a series of opponents. The protagonist's motivation stems from the destruction of his homeland and the kidnapping of Princess Mariko by the antagonist Akuma.
Combat is built around a system of three distinct punches and kicks, each varying in height. Both the player character and his enemies can utilize these moves. The game presents a challenging progression as these encounters increase in difficulty.
A health bar represents the protagonist's condition, which will slowly regenerate if he remains stationary. This mechanic allows for brief recovery periods during the quest to infiltrate Akuma's palace and achieve the rescue.