IK+ by Archer Maclean
Archer Maclean of Software Studios ported System 3's 1987 Commodore 64 version of IK+ to the Atari ST in 1988. IK+ is famous for its responsive controls, array of moves, smooth animations, impactful sound effects and 2-player mode.
Archer Maclean designed and programmed the original 1986 C64 version of International Karate as well as the original 1987 C64 version of IK+. The original International Karate was designed by Mark Cale. The main difference between IK and IK+ is that IK+ features three simultaneous karateka, not two.
Naturally, the Atari ST and Amiga versions of IK+ are much more colorful and detailed than the original C64 version. The Amiga version features better audio than the ST version, but it is otherwise a direct port of the ST version. IK+ employs digitized sound effects and a well-composed tune by Dave Lowe.
IK+ displays in 16-color 320x200. The drop-shadowed sprites are well-animated and colorful and the famous sunset backdrop is animated. However, there is only one backdrop.
The karateka can move forwards and backwards as well as jump, punch, kick, jump-kick, split-kick, sweep and head-butt. Each move has weight behind it and is accompanied by a digitized sound effect. All in all, there are 17 different moves that can be performed in IK+.
There are six belt colors to attain and over 25 levels to fight through. Points are awarded for each knock down of opponents; it is cool how the points display over the playfield. In addition, there are two different bonus screens.
The Atari ST version of IK+ was distributed on 1x 3.5" 720kB DD diskette; the Amiga version on 1x 3.5" 880kB DD diskette.
Needless to say, IK+ is highly playable and remains as one of the best versus fighters to appear on the ST/Amiga.
International Karate Atari ST 1986
Andromeda Software ported Archer Maclean's original Commodore 64 version of International Karate to the Atari ST in 1986. The Atari ST version of International Karate was programmed by Istvan Cseri and drawn by Zoltan Toth aka Sultan.
International Karate displays in 16-color 320x200. International Karate features 14 different moves, eight international backdrops, character-sprite facial expressions and two different bonus screens.
International Karate is historically significant because it was the first versus Fighter to appear on a 16-bit home computer. And IK is a great versus Fighter as well; an excellent game that features good controls, graphics and music.
cf.:
- Computer Game Reviews
- History of Computer Games (Master Index)
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