International Karate Plus

Title		International Karate Plus
Game Type	Beat-em-up
Players		1 or 2
Compatibility	All
Submission	Aidan Ryder

Review
International Karate Plus is one of the best beat em ups to grace the
screen of any computer. This may seem like a bit of an excessive
statement, when we have nice 3d stuff like Soulblade and Zero Divide on
the Playstation and PC, but it is true.

The reasons for such critical acclaim? Well, first off we have the
beautiful control system that will do 16 moves on a one buttoned joystick,
with no "roll-the-stick-anticlockwise-six-times style moves). Because of
this simplicity, all of the moves are instantly accessible, and I can say
in all honesty that I have never missed a move I wanted, unlike the
aforementioned beat`em ups where "I meant to do x" is a constant mantra.

Add to this winning formula: Clean, fast graphics and great sound effects
(lovely whimpering when you pull off a groin punch) to this, and then add
the 3 fighter mode. 3 fighter mode?  Let me explain: There are always
three fighters on screen, and you can control either one or two of them.
This leads to great fun in two player mode, where you can team up against
the computer fighter, and then kick your friend in the back.

On top of all these features, there is the infamous "t" key manouver. Hit
"t" to drop the trousers of your opponents, thus incapacitating them, and
allowing you to deal violence freely.

Overall then, a great game, and a gem in my software collection.

Graphics: 70%
Sound: 78%
Playability: 94%
Lastability: 80%

Alphabetical list.