The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

KARATE COMBAT

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Arcade Beat-'Em-Up

Author             : Martin Sykes

Standalone Release(s)   : 1985: KARATE COMBAT, Superior, £9.95

Compilation Release(s) : 1987: FIVE STAR GAMES 2, Beau Jolly, £9.95

                    1988: 10 COMPUTER HITS 4, Beau Jolly, £9.95

                    1988: SUPERIOR COLLECTION 3, Superior/Acornsoft, £9.95

                    1989: KARATE COMBAT, Superior/Blue Ribbon, £2.99

Stated compatibility    : Electron

Actual compatibility    : Electron. Electron version also works on BBC.

Supplier            : SUPERIOR/ACORNSOFT

Disc compatibility     : ADFS 1D00

Instructions

Set in the realm of the mystic Orient, KARATE COMBAT pairs you, in thrillingly realistic battle, against 16 of the mightiest and most skilful exponents of "open-hand" fighting.

Each bout of Karate fighting lasts until one of the fighters has no energy remaining. The indicator on the top-right of the screen shows your energy. Your opponent's energy level is not shown, although at the start of each bout, the fighters' energy levels are equal. The score is shown at the top-left of the screen, and there are different scores for each manoeuver and for frequent changing of fighting style. Your aim is to defeat each opponent and ultimately battle against the 16th opponent The Master.

Practice Mode allows you to perfect your repertoire of manoeuvers. The 2-player mode allows you to play against a friend rather than competing against the computer.

Scoring

     High punch ................. 30         High kick .................. 50

     Low punch .................. 50         Low kick ................... 50

     Successful block ........... 20         Flying kick ................ 60

     Back sweep ................ 100

If a punch or kick is delivered accurately and is timed correctly, the score is doubled.

If a manoeuver is repeated too often, the judges will penalise the player by reducing his energy level.

Game Controls

Manoeuvers

     Walk left ................... <         High punch ................ A S

     Walk right .................. >         Low punch ................. A X

     Left roll ................. X <         Arm block ................... A

     Right roll ................ X >         High kick ................... M

     Left jump ................. S <         Low kick .................. M X

     Right jump ................ S >         Back sweep ................ M <

     Jump up ..................... S         Flying kick ............... M S

     Turn round .............. SPACE

(Facing to the right in 1-player mode). Press the keys simultaneously.

                                                      2-Player Mode

         1-Player Mode                       Left Man          Right Man

         LEFT ..................... <               C        Cursor Down

         RIGHT .................... >               V               COPY

         UP ....................... S               A                  O

         DOWN ..................... X               Z                  L

         HANDS .................... A            CTRL                  I

         FEET ..................... M               X          Cursor Up

         TURN ................. SPACE           SPACE                  ?

Q/W - Pause On/Off,   f1/f2 - Sound On/Off

Joystick Controls

The game is compatible with the Electron First Byte Joystick Interface

                  Jump Up                              Flying Kick

     Jump Left __    |    __ Jump Right    High Punch __    |    __ High Kick

                 \__ | __/                              \__ | __/

                    \|/                                    \|/

     Walk Left ------+-----  Walk Right    Turn Left  ------+----- Turn Right

                  __/|\__                                __/|\__

               __/   |   \__                          __/   |   \__

     Left Roll       |       Right Roll    Low Punch        |        Low Kick

                  Arm Block                             Back Sweep

             BUTTON NOT PRESSED                       BUTTON PRESSED

Instructions' Source   : KARATE COMBAT (Superior) Back and Inner Inlay

Review (Electron User)

Martial arts games certainly seem to be popular at the moment, with KARATE COMBAT from Superior Software adding to the available range on this theme.

The game follows the usual format, with the scene set against an oriental backdrop and the two players awaiting combat on the floor area. The referee sits on the sidelines, ready to issue commands and keep track of the scores.

The game provides three options - practice, single player and two players. Practice mode gives you the opportunity to knock spots off a stationary punchbag. In this mode it is possible to practise all the available moves - and there are quite a few - without the worry of being smashed to the ground by your opponent.

The single player option lets you play against a computer-controlled opponent. To see your opponent jumping, rolling and kicking with extra-ordinary speed and dexterity is enough to send you scurrying back to the practice mode.

The third option allows two players to compete against each other, which probably gives you more of a fair chance than playing against the computer.

There are sixteen different opponents, and each victory gives you a crack at a new one. If you manage to beat the final opponent, known as The Master, you can enter a draw to win a hundred pounds and a trophy.

The game may be played with either keyboard or joysticks, but using the keyboard is quite tricky due to the number of keys used to cover all the available moves. Joysticks are a much easier option. The graphics are colourful, smooth and flicker-free. Sound effects are also provided, with the option to toggle these on or off.

I can't get very excited about these martial arts games, but nevertheless this version is as good as any I have seen.

Sound ........................... 7
Graphics ........................ 7
Playability ..................... 9
Value for money ................. 8
Overall ......................... 8

Geoff Turner, ELECTRON USER 3. 8