Karateka (2012) Critic Reviews

Karateka is a perfect for for anyone that played the original as well as those that appreciate more daring and unique games.

Karateka steps beyond its simplistic gameplay with exceptional production values.

It's a straightforward game, then. The capacity for expression and technique is limited to the exacting rhythms of blocking.

Three decades later, Karateka is back to kick Akuma's ass! The good news is that this is a good looking action game with a few genuinely clever ideas. Unfortunately, it's also a repetitive remake that never quite hits its potential. The rhythm-based gameplay is unique, but it would have been nice to see a few more enemy types and deeper gameplay!

Karateka is a good remake HD with improved graphics and OST, but the same gameplay mechanics. Simple and fun, but too repetitive and easy to complete.

Karateka remake is a solid effort with casual audience in mind, there's very few challenge for the player. Game is unbelievably short and simplified, rhythmical parry is a nice idea overall, but we expect something more ambitious from this reboot.

Karateka is an attractive remake of a classic, but simplistic combat and limited replay value keep it from greatness.

Because all three characters play the same despite stylistic differences, and only the final battle proves much of a challenge, there's little reason to get excited about shaving seconds off speed runs or climbing scoreboards. Karateka is fun and beautiful while it lasts, but it's over all too soon.

Those looking for a stroll, a punch, and a bow down memory lane will enjoy the many throwbacks to the original, but even those gamers will likely come away at least a little disappointed.

If we look at it as a remake, then it's an excellent job. If we look at it as a present-day game, then it's quite limited, very short and doesn't really ask for a second playthrough. Still it's recommended for the fans of the original one.

Fun, but far too easily mastered.

A disappointingly direct reboot of the ground-breaking original, with none of the same ambitious appetite for innovation.

Maybe the issue here is whether or not a remake was a good idea, because the new Karateka has too many issues and too little substance to compete against current peers.

Karateka shouldn't cost 10 Euros, at least not in its current form, without any sort of challenge beyond the one it offers if you want to finish it with only one life. And even that isn't as challenging as it should be in such a short and completely linear experience devoid of any extras. Karateka is a game completely oblivious of its time and environment. Beautiful, fun even, for those few times you play it, but Karateka ultimately overstays its welcome all too quickly.

This one's for nostalgia-soaked veterans only.

Offers little more than the free trial vision can provide.

Overall, Karateka is not a fun experience. The whole game feels more like a mini game and less like an action title. Clunky controls and limited gameplay hurt this one badly. Before you know it, the game is over almost before it began. Even if you enjoyed the original, I can't recommend this one.