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Get your QWOP on with Humble Mobile Bundle's bonus games
Humble Bundle organizers added a trio of bonus games to the ongoing Humble Mobile Bundle 2, expanding the pay-what-you-want app compilation with Android versions of Bennett Foddy's QWOP and Jordan Mechner's Karateka. Buyers who beat the bundle's average purchase price (currently $4.50) will receive the awkward Olympics sim QWOP, White Whale Games' side-scrolling brawler God of Blades, and a reworked port of the 1984 fighting game Karateka Classic, in addition to the collection's previously announced six-game lineup. Humble Mobile Bundle 2 has entered its final week, and will remain available through October 9.
Karateka Classic adapts vintage martial artistry
This is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go. It's rare for an iPhone adaptation of a classic game to work out at all; rarer still for said adaptation to be preferable to the original. Jordan Mechner's faithful iOS/Android port of Karateka accomplishes this task handily, partly because of convenient portability, and partly because of nice new features. But more than anything else, Karateka Classic succeeds because the original's controls weren't that great to begin with. Karateka is, when you get right down to it, a game about shuffling your feet up to your opponent, and then mashing on the kick buttons until he falls over. Like every other pre-Street Fighter 2 fighting game, attacks are slow and connecting depends not so much on timing or frame counting, but the will of some capricious computer god.
Karateka Classic punches its way to Android and iOS on May 16th
While Jordan Mechner's Karateka burst back onto the scene through its 2012 remake, that wasn't good enough for purists who really just wanted a port of the 1984 original. Consider their wish granted, as Karateka Classic is coming to both Android and iOS on May 16th. The release goes the extra distance to recreate much of the Apple II-based fighting experience, warts and all -- would-be warriors can even choose a monochrome screen palette or hear a floppy drive churning away. About the only concessions to modernity are touch control, playing tips and a Sands of Time-style rewind feature. At 99 cents, Karateka Classic is undoubtedly a cheap nostalgia trip... even if it does trigger that fear of birds we thought we'd cured ages ago.
Week-long deals join Steam rotation
Steam will now hold week-long deals in addition to daily deals, midweek madness and weekend deals. All of these deals, naturally, are designed to make one's wallet implode in on itself in a singularity of savings.The first batch of games on discount for a week include FlatOut ($1.87), Steel Storm: Burning Retribution ($2.49), Alpha Prime ($1.25) and Karateka ($4.99). We now await the inevitable month-long Steam sales and blue moon specials.
PS Plus: Free Guardians of Middle Earth this week, cheap Karateka
Another week, another round of goodies of PlayStation Plus members on PSN. The biggest of this week's bonuses is a free download of Guardians of Middle Earth, a game that does a surprisingly good job of bringing the MOBA genre to consoles.There will also be a handful of discounts on other games. Jordan Mechner's Karateka will see its price punched and kicked down to $5. Twin-stick shooter Big Sky Infinity will be $5.99 and features Cross Buy, unlocking the game on both PS3 and Vita. Finally, we have the stylish, humorous platform adventure Knytt Underground, which will be available for only $5.
Karateka compared on the Apple II and the iPhone
Jordan Mechner is the original creator of the classic Prince of Persia series, and as we mentioned earlier this week, he's recently remade another game of his, Karateka, in a brand-new form on the iPhone and the iPad. The video below, however, isn't really about the game itself -- it's about the devices used to run the game. Mechner compares the device he originally created Karateka on (the Apple II, or the Apple ][, as us oldsters know it) with the device he remade it for, Apple's iPhone 5. The differences are fascinating, and the video will either serve as a trip down memory lane for anyone who remembers the old days of floppy disks and big-box software, or as a wakeup call for those who are only used to quick and easy digital distribution and the App Store. Mechner also notes that software prices have dropped quite a bit -- but then again, audiences are much bigger these days, and software is generally more accessible. It's an interesting comparison for sure (and of course it's nice promotion for the new game, too).
Jordan Mechner compares Karateka on the Apple 2 and the iPhone
Wherein Jordan Mechner, the creator of Karateka and the Prince of Persia series, asks, "How do you like them Apples?"
Rage, Sleeping Dogs DLC packs firing up on PSN Dec. 18 [Update: Rage DLC also on 360/PC, details confirmed]
Rage and Sleeping Dogs are getting new DLC expansions on PSN via next week's North American store update. As revealed by this week's PlayStation Blogcast, December 18 sees Rage receive the long-rumored "The Scorchers" content, while Sleeping Dogs receives its second gameplay-extending DLC with the "Zodiac Tournament Pack."Rage publisher Bethesda and developer id haven't disclosed any details on The Scorchers, although uncovered trophies suggest it brings a new job path and "Ultra Nightmare Difficulty" to the shooter. As for Zodiac Tournament Pack, publisher Square Enix revealed it introduces a new island area to Sleeping Dogs, along with two unlockable outfits and some extra fighting moves to unleash.The podcast also revealed Karateka makes the jump to PSN on December 18, along with PS3 digital downloads of Lego Lord of the Rings and Batman: Arkham Asylum.We've reached out to publishers Square Enix and Bethesda for more information on the Sleeping Dogs and Rage DLC packs respectively.Update: Bethesda has officially announced The Scorchers over on its official blog, confirming the addition of an "Ultra Nightmare" difficulty level, as well as six new areas, new mini-games and a new Nailgun weapon. The DLC pack will also arrive on Xbox 360 and PC this Tuesday.
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%
Karateka launches on XBLA this week, PSN, PC, iOS to follow
Jordan Mechner's revamp of his classic martial arts fighting game, Karateka, is set to launch on XBLA on Wednesday, but the PSN and PC release will come at a later, unspecified date along with a newly announced iOS version.We have a few new screens from Karateka below. At first glance, we're having trouble reconciling the new vision with the original look – although we appreciate Mechner's bold leap forward. After all, this is the man who created and helped revamp Prince of Persia. %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
Karateka planned for Wii U too, ESRB says
Jordan Mechner's classic martial arts fighter Karateka is headed for the Wii U, a recent ESRB rating states. We knew Karateka was coming to PSN and XBLA, but the ESRB lists PC, iOS and Wii U as platforms as well, suggesting Mechner's retrofitted ambition is deeper than he first teased.The ESRB describes the new Karateka as a "rhythm-fighting game" featuring Japanese warriors rescuing a princess, and all we can picture now is Mario in a kimono beating the tar out of some rhythms.
Jordan Mechner remaking Karateka for PSN and XBLA
Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner helped reignite the Prince of Persia franchise with Ubisoft, and now he's going to attempt the same with his other classic, the atmospheric martial arts fighter Karateka -- on his own.Venturebeat reports that Mechner has raised money through an angel investor and is now working with a small team on a remake of the fighter for release on PSN and XBLA this year. "Making the original Karateka was a labor of love," Mechner told Venturebeat. "To have so many people embrace it and share their stories of playing it has been really rewarding. I am always surprised to hear how much impact that game had. In remaking Karateka, I want to honor the original game with a compact, pick-up-and-play game that is fluid, atmospheric, and beautiful."The original Karateka, for those of you not as old as us, stars a black belt who storms an evil warlord's fortress, defeating all of his guards and finally the warlord himself, to rescue a captured princess. We're doubtful that a new Karateka will have the same impact without the beautiful 2D animation ... but we thought the same about Prince of Persia, and that didn't turn out too badly.[Image: original Karateka, Apple II version]
Prince of Persia creator to keynote GDC China (likely in English)
It seems that GDC China attendees have more than just a Video Games Live performance to look forward to, as it was announced today that Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner will be keynoting the event. According to a release issued today, the acclaimed designer will be speaking on "the success of the Prince of Persia series, as well as his own success as a game designer, programmer, and finally, director and screenwriter." You read that right, folks -- the man most recently penned Jerry Bruckheimer's film adaptation of the PoP series, among other screenplays. Unfortunately, those attending GDC China won't be getting the traditional, mandatory shock treatment at the show, as that has been recently banned. For shame, China! Hopefully Mechner will be enough.
Prince of Persia creator remaking his first game, Karateka
Before turning his attention (and game design skills) to platforming persian princes, Jordan Mechner was all about asian martial arts and a game called Karateka. It was his first game, in fact, and according to comments he made during a Comic-Con 2008 panel, will also be his next.Gamasutra reports that, when asked about his freshman effort, Mechner replied: "There actually is a plan to bring back Karateka. It's a project I'm going to be involved in." Just to make things mysterious, he added: "I can safely say it's not going to be in the way you expect."We'd expect a 3D reimagining of the side-scroller, which is best remembered for its (at the time) stunning animation. We wouldn't expect an RPG, FPS, RTS, or MMO. Hey, maybe it will be a Karateka FPSRTSMMORPG? Actually, lose everything but the "RPG" (think Jade Empire) and we may have a winner.
