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Karateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow
History repeats itself in both video games and colas it seems. Years after releasing the original Karateka, Jordan Mechner revised the formula, giving the world "new" Karateka. Some people liked the new flavor – others, not so much. Hearing the demand of fans everywhere, Mechner has announced that Karateka Classic is coming back, specifically to iOS and Android. Karateka Classic recreates the Apple II experience – right down to the disk drive noises – and offers a range of "monitor" choices, including color CRT, green or amber display. There are a couple of new additions, including gameplay tips and a rewind feature that can be earned, allowing players to reverse their mistakes. Karateka Classic arrives on iOS and Android tomorrow for $0.99.%Gallery-188407%
Karateka on PC today, alongside Karateka development book
Jordan Mechner's rhythmic Karateka remake is out on PC today, available through Steam for ten percent off its normal $10 price. The price will flip-kick back up after a week. It's still listed only as "coming soon" to PSN and iOS.Coinciding with the release of Karateka on a new platform, creator Jordan Mechner has released an ebook about the development process of the original Apple 2 Karateka. The making of Karateka: Journals 1982-1985 collects Mechner's private journal entries about the time spent in college creating the martial arts game. It's on Amazon digitally today, and Mechner plans to release it in print later. Mechner has already released a journal book about Prince of Persia.Update: Karateka is now available on Steam.
Karateka review: Lacks punch
At first glance, Karateka doesn't look like a remake so much as a new game with the same name. Its cartoon visuals, 3D setting, and rhythm-based combat seem oceans apart from the 2D martial arts cinema of the Apple II beat-em-up. Yet look a little deeper and the classic's spirit reveals itself, albeit glazed with superficial icing. Those who revere the original may find this appetizing; it's the game they love, yet different and new. Judged on its own merits, however, Kareteka being true to its source is exactly why it doesn't satiate.As before, combat is the core of your journey, and movement is nearly insignificant. The original's side-scrolling converts to a one-way path, with you pushing the control stick upwards to roam the false 3D world. You reach a combatant, defeat him, run up the path, reach another combatant, defeat him, and so on. Apart from occasional cutscenes, this is how the whole game goes from start to end. %Gallery-170257%
PSA: Pid and Pool Nation hit XBLA Oct. 31, Karateka and ToeJam & Earl Nov. 7
Major Nelson's latest Xbox Live Marketplace update confirms a few dates for us. Pid and Pool Nation drop tomorrow, while the ToeJam & Earl Collection and Karateka are beating towards November 7 releases. Jordan Mechner's beat-em-up was orignally set for a week later, but the Major says otherwise. Each game costs 800 MSP.There's also some noteworthy DLC on the way. Assassin's Creed 3 and WWE '13 get season passes today for 2400 and 1600 MSP respectively, while Sleeping Dogs can now explore the 'Nightmare in North Point' for 560 MSP. When Halo 4 comes out on November 6 the succinct 'War Games Map Pass Season One' should be ready and willing for 2000 MSP. Finally, the similarly concise Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 gets 'Deck Pack 1' on November 7 for 240 MSP.
The new Karateka looks different
Xbox.com has posted the first look at Jordan Mechner's reimagined Karateka, and a lot has changed since the Apple 2. The hand-drawn rotoscoping has given way to a fully 3D presentation featuring designs by Jeff Matsuda, character designer for The Batman (and the iOS game Age of Monsters).According to the Xbox listing, D3 Publisher has taken on publishing duties, and is planning to release it on November 14. We're checking with D3 to verify that information. In the meantime, enjoy the screenshots on Xbox.com
Dungeons & Dragons games on sale through GOG
Look, playing actual Dungeons & Dragons takes a lot of time and effort. First you have to find a group of people you don't hate to play with, and then you have to spend days constructing a campaign for them to adventure through. And then, when you finally get down to playing, that one guy decides to be a maverick a pull some crazy stunt that breaks the encounter.Thankfully, there are alternatives for people who want the lore without actually having to play Dungeons & Dragons, and said alternatives just happen to be on sale at GOG for the next six days. Baldur's Gate: The Original Saga, Baldur's Gate 2 Complete, Neverwinter Nights Diamond Edition, Icewind Dale Complete, Icewind Dale 2 Complete, Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard, The Temple of Elemental Evil, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone and Planescape: Torment are all available for less than five bucks, or in one big bundle for $30.01.
Heroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy
I didn't see a Facebook game on the E3 show floor that I would consider passing along to you, honored readers, whose time I value more than my own -- with one noteworthy exception. Dungeons and Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter represents a project which fans of its tabletop predecessor have been pulling for for a good, long time: An actual adaptation of the game's 4th Edition, complete with dungeon tiles, character progression and the move/minor/standard turn layout. It is, of course, a simplified version of the robust RPG -- most of the series' constituent features are represented in some form or another, but in a limited capacity. Still, even with this one conceit, Heroes of Neverwinter looks like one of the beefiest titles on the platform; not to mention a dungeoneer's dream come true. %Gallery-125848%
300, The Watchmen composer scoring Rise of the Argonauts
If you've watched the latest trailer for Codemasters' Rise of the Argonauts and have been wondering about the music you've since been humming along to in the shower, you can thank film and television muse, Tyler Bates. Bates, whose credits include the testosterone-fueled 300 and the upcoming movie adaptation of The Watchmen, will provide accompaniment for Jason as he flexes his mythical muscles against both gods and monsters this fall when Rise of the Argonauts ships for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The Liquid Entertainment-developed title represents Bates' first stab at scoring a video game, and while we're not prepared to award him the Golden Fleece just yet, we certainly approve of what we've heard so far.
Rise of the Argonauts "Departure" trailer is mythologically delicious
You all can keep your King Leonidases and your Kratoses (Krati?). Jason, protagonist of Rise of the Argonauts and mythical leader of the group for which the Codemasters RPG was named, is a tried and true badass. As such, one cannot expect him to take the assassination of his ladyfriend lying down. The trailer above details some of the trials Jason must face to revive his sweetie -- namely, a group of irate Ionians, and the Unreasonably Grumpy Father-in-Law, surely the most terrifying monster in all of Grecian lore. Seriously. Hydra's got nothing on that guy.
Rise of the Argonauts to be unlike other action-RPGs
If there was one thing we should have learned from classic games like Contra or Bushido Blade, it's that bullets and swords hurt. Bad. Rise of the Argonauts is continuing this train of thought, says the game's director, Ed Del Castillo. Gamespot sat down for a Q&A session, so we're going to do what we do and summarize the important points for those interested in this game.This isn't a true recreation of the classic Greek myth. Jason is off to find the fleece not because he was commanded to, but to resurrect his wife. So expect a lot of internal reflections about love and commitment. The game is an action-RPG, but without hit points or layers of menus. It's ... an action game, but role-playing. As such, there's no HUD to display (although you can turn it on in the options menu if you really need to). To save you from any spoilers, they list a couple of the special moves you can unlock in the game -- they sound pretty vicious. Kratos would be pleased.The game progresses differently based on what god you choose to follow: different skills appear and certain enemies will be more or less difficult to destroy. The game needs to be executed well, obviously, because the ambition felt by the developers is rather large. We'll keep looking for more info because if done right, this could be a nice addition to the PS3 library.
Learn about Rise of the Argonauts in this video interview
Rise of the Argonauts features the mythical Jason on his mythical adventures, acquiring mythical things and accomplishing mythical feats. It's like God of War, but much, much older. This video interview with the game's director, Ed Del Castillo, showcases some pieces of gameplay and cinematic that actually seem rather cool. The Argonauts are described by Castillo as "the X-Men of the Greek Mythology universe" -- something that should pique the interest of many gamers and comic book fans. And Greek myth fans.You can choose which characters to take with you on different quests to different places and they will alter the choices and experiences you will have -- they might even banter with one another depending on who you choose. There are a lot of consequences for your actions and branching paths, as well. Every character with a name will have a story arc and a series of events relating to the game's path. The graphics might not be the best we've seen, but there's definitely a lot of hidden potential in this game and we'll keep an eye on it.
Rise of the Argonauts and promising new games
Greek Mythology is one of those things that you either love or hate. You can't really "kinda" be interested in mythology because then you'll come across as a fool who Wikipedia's myths to sound smart. Of the big three mythologies, Greek, Roman (more a variation of Greek than anything else, along with Christian overtones later down the pipes), and Norse, we'd prefer Norse above all else. Greek is a close second. Jason and the Argonauts is one of the most celebrated Greek myths. So much so, in fact, the tale is getting its own game, with the flavorful twists to spice up the story. We present Rise of the Argonauts.We like IGN's analogy of the ship, Argos. They said "think of it as a buoyant Suikoden fortress and you'll get the general idea." Obviously they skipped over the fourth installment in the franchise. The fact remains, your ship will grow with you -- recruits will pop in depending on your path and actions. Speaking of teammates, the other All-Star myth heroes will pop in to help you fight your battles in your stead (Jason was a sissy, after all) and the actual fighting mechanics play out akin to God of War or The Mark of Kri or some hybridization of the two.Your teammates matter, much like certain parts of the X-Men Legends titles. In the demo IGN got to sample, using Hercules as a teammate against a giant boar creature (we'll spare you the mythological background) proved effective as he could stop the creature in its tracks by holding onto the tusks and digging into the ground with his powerful little feet. This lets Jason cut up the bad ol' boar with ease. What's cool is the damage. Cuts and wounds appear on enemies in real-time. Everything will have realistic reactions, basically. This game has so much promise, especially with online co-op, and we could talk about it for a long time, but we'll leave it up to you to decide if it's worth your time. We think it just might be.
