The Famicom version is the most memorable. Played it on a famiclone back in the day. That scary music not present in every other version really sold the tension, but I can appreciate the differences that make each version unique, and the original Apple II version is no exception.
I played the C64 version back in the day. I was never too impressed with it to be honest. Looking at all these versions here, I think the Amstrad title is the most impressive visually.
Apple IIe is the best version in my opinion. Spent many hours playing this in high school while I was supposed to be learning how to program in basic. Still play this on an Apple IIe emulator!
To me, the Apple II version will always be the original and the best. This game was all the rage in my school's computer lab, and I can remember a friend recounting the amazing things that he had seen in this game as we walked home from school prior to my first time playing. In hindsight, the gameplay certainly wasn't very deep and replay value is severely lacking after you beat the game - but this was the first game that had a truly "cinematic" feel to it and it left a huge impression on me as a kid.
I did not realize it had a total of 11 different ports. I first saw this on the Apple 2 a long time a go from a friend of my family then getting it on the Commodore 64. I do remember the Atari 7800 version but the controls on it were poorly executed. Interesting that the Gameboy version is completely different than the other versions. Good video it brought back some memories
Cool video, Had fun playing through this on C64 back in the day, Interesting that some versions don't start off showing your player climb up from the cliff, I always thought that was a nice touch to start things off.
Atari 8 bit version (14:34) is the best by far: same graphics and smooth animations as the C=64 version, but much faster. Atari ST has best graphics but choppy animations.
agree, i had an atari 64xl and this was an awesome game. looks by far best compared to others. also the soundeffects and music sound most mature of them all.
What you see here is the Atari 8 bit version running in PAL. This is indeed already faster than the C64 version. BITD I thought the game “lagged” but still like it. Today I play the A8 version on NTSC which is about 10% faster than PAL. Honestly, the animation on A8 and C64 are best, better than the original on Apple ][. Shame that the intro screen of the fortress isn’t available on the A8.
When you look at these videos, it's hard to believe that the Atari 8-bit computer was made 4 years before the Commodore 64! Here for instance the Atari 8-bit version has nicer colors and beefier sound FX than the C64 version and many other games are also either as good or better on Atari machine. It's baffling that Atari screwed themselves up so badly, they had so much potential...
The Atari 8-bit computers have a much larger color pallette than the C64, and the SFX are beefier do to the POKEY having more powerful noise generators than the SID.
I think the Apple version is the best, gameplay wise. It's just at the right speed and the action looks like a beautifully animated slo-mo replay. Almost a strategic action game because you have time to think about your moves. When ported to other systems and it's too fast, it almost becomes a boring arcade game. Too slow, it becomes frustrating. On the Super Famicom, all the essence of the game is lost and it looks quite boring. I played the C64 version a long time ago and I remember it to be slightly faster, on par with the Apple original. Maybe because I had a NTSC C64 with a 60 Hz refresh rate compared to the 50 Hz PAL version. But it was a long time ago and I may be remembering it wrong.
+Gaming History Source it was an awesome game on the C=64. the music was very good on this game. Another game I loved was "The Last Ninja" more great memorable music along with great game play.
@@vaiyt the 7800 and 8-bit computers have the same resolution. With the 7800 port, they clearly didn't take the time to make the characters look good at all. Seriously, just compare the 7800 version of Karateka with something like Scrapyard Dog!
Thanks for a vid of a game I've heard so much of but never played. I gotta ask, what emulator are you using for atari st? I tried one that was highly reccomended but none of the keys on my keyboard or joystick mappings worked in-game. Drove me crazy cause I wanted to try atari st gaming cause the sound and graphics look awesome.
The versions with “better graphics” such as the Amstrad and ST oddly have worse animation, losing the fluid lifelike trademark movement of the original...
I agree. I like the animation quality of the Famicom best, but the ST version has the "best graphics". Too bad there was never a happy medium between the two.
I still don't understand. I asked my parents for atari 7800, and received it. it was interesting but compared to a plain, stock NES, it was really garbage! LOL
ZX Spectrum version of Karateka is horrible......and I really enjoyed Apple II,MS-DOS,Famicom and Master Karateka GB and I really like them. and Atari St version looks really awesome! Actually PC-9801 version of Karateka exists but it's hard to find out......
This video once more proves that Spectrum was one of the worst platforms ever! I cant believe that the Brits are so proud with this turd! Also, a huge disappointment from Famicom. Fluid movement, but terrible graphics. Many people seem to like the Atari ST version, but to me it looks like a child book. The classical Apple II version is the best buy far. Those 8 bit graphics look stunning on it! The only drawback from Apple was that with the 8 frames per second, the movement is a bit slow.
+ford prefect He's said before that he shows them in the order of his personal preference, except for the first one which is always the arcade version if available.
I played this one on my Atari 65xe back in the 80's. Loved it and still play it from time to time to this day.
I like the foot sounds in Apple ][ and the music and live voice, etc.
The ST version looks amazing!
pro trick: you can watch series at flixzone. I've been using it for watching loads of movies these days.
@Adan Finnley Definitely, I've been using flixzone for years myself :D
@Adan Finnley Yup, been using Flixzone for months myself :)
I loved this game, it's one of my inspirations that I train Karate.
I had the C64 version back in the day and loved it, it's a hard game though.
The Famicom version is the most memorable. Played it on a famiclone back in the day. That scary music not present in every other version really sold the tension, but I can appreciate the differences that make each version unique, and the original Apple II version is no exception.
Ahh the 7800 version. Where Colonel Sanders can fight a Rastafarian!
Such a classic, you can almost see Prince of Persia in there as well, such awesome animations for the time.
Apple II, Atari 8-bit and C64 we're the best versions by far.
Atari's version is amazing
I played the C64 version back in the day. I was never too impressed with it to be honest. Looking at all these versions here, I think the Amstrad title is the most impressive visually.
Apple IIe is the best version in my opinion. Spent many hours playing this in high school while I was supposed to be learning how to program in basic. Still play this on an Apple IIe emulator!
+Marty Martin You think so? The Atari ST version looked and played much better over all.
You may be correct, I only played it on the Apple IIe, I believe I may be partial to it for that reason. It is a classic game in my opinion,
To me, the Apple II version will always be the original and the best. This game was all the rage in my school's computer lab, and I can remember a friend recounting the amazing things that he had seen in this game as we walked home from school prior to my first time playing. In hindsight, the gameplay certainly wasn't very deep and replay value is severely lacking after you beat the game - but this was the first game that had a truly "cinematic" feel to it and it left a huge impression on me as a kid.
I did not realize it had a total of 11 different ports. I first saw this on the Apple 2 a long time a go from a friend of my family then getting it on the Commodore 64. I do remember the Atari 7800 version but the controls on it were poorly executed. Interesting that the Gameboy version is completely different than the other versions. Good video it brought back some memories
Cool video, Had fun playing through this on C64 back in the day, Interesting that some versions don't start off showing your player climb up from the cliff, I always thought that was a nice touch to start things off.
Please do not comment 1st in any comments. It's blocked & will not post your comment.
lol
SECO- nah, just kidding. XD Yeah, it gets really annoying.
+Gaming History Source Well, you're no fun.
+Gaming History Source You should also block the people who do it.
+Gooberslot nahh.. The reason I blocked it was because it always started problems in the comments.
Rotoscoped goodness!
The Apple II version was the best one! I liked the sound and graphics. 👍👍👍👍
He needs to compare Apple ][e too. I loved this game. I like the foot snap sounds.
Apple 2c version is absolutely the best one
Atari ST have great 3D door ! 8-O
I still have my Atari 7800 cartridge that I brought home from Toys R Us in 1988. I played it a few weeks ago. It sucks.
Atari 8 bit version (14:34) is the best by far: same graphics and smooth animations as the C=64 version, but much faster. Atari ST has best graphics but choppy animations.
No,ST is better because it's faster,and there is nothing wrong with the animation
agree, i had an atari 64xl and this was an awesome game. looks by far best compared to others. also the soundeffects and music sound most mature of them all.
I grew up with the c64 version but the ST looks really good.
What you see here is the Atari 8 bit version running in PAL. This is indeed already faster than the C64 version. BITD I thought the game “lagged” but still like it. Today I play the A8 version on NTSC which is about 10% faster than PAL. Honestly, the animation on A8 and C64 are best, better than the original on Apple ][. Shame that the intro screen of the fortress isn’t available on the A8.
And we learned that every minion bad kareteka is in the true stormtrooper.
I played on MSDOS... God I loved that game.
Did it not come out on the NES in the US? I remember playing it a bunch on some 100-in-1 famiclone as a kid.
100-in-1 famiclones are typically not licensed.
I have it on the 31in1 Famicom pirate multi cart
First opponent - Shovel knight!
Atari-ST version the best! Though I did grow up playing the Apple II 🍎 version. And I have the Famicom version on my 31in1 Famicom pirate cart😅
When you look at these videos, it's hard to believe that the Atari 8-bit computer was made 4 years before the Commodore 64! Here for instance the Atari 8-bit version has nicer colors and beefier sound FX than the C64 version and many other games are also either as good or better on Atari machine. It's baffling that Atari screwed themselves up so badly, they had so much potential...
The Atari 8-bit computers have a much larger color pallette than the C64, and the SFX are beefier do to the POKEY having more powerful noise generators than the SID.
@@camulodunon I never understood why commodore went with such a weird palette for the C64. and yeah the POKEY is amazing, very "roots arcade" sounding
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!
That bird.... Oh I hated that bird and the lagged controls!!!
Master karateka genial
The Atari Xl / XE is the best overall.
Apple ii is the best version and also the original
i played the atari 8 bit version although the game looked beautiful (those days standards) it run at like 4 fps
the best version on atari800 and c64
According to the wiki, the person who made Prince of Persia made it before making Prince of Persia.
Did this game really do the MC Hammer dance?
Wow, who knew the Atari ST had Karateka and then.. why didn't the Amiga, so weird
Please all versions karateka links please bhai
Kok Belum Lahir Variable Geo
Amiga missing
I think the Apple version is the best, gameplay wise. It's just at the right speed and the action looks like a beautifully animated slo-mo replay. Almost a strategic action game because you have time to think about your moves. When ported to other systems and it's too fast, it almost becomes a boring arcade game. Too slow, it becomes frustrating. On the Super Famicom, all the essence of the game is lost and it looks quite boring.
I played the C64 version a long time ago and I remember it to be slightly faster, on par with the Apple original. Maybe because I had a NTSC C64 with a 60 Hz refresh rate compared to the 50 Hz PAL version. But it was a long time ago and I may be remembering it wrong.
A shame that they never made a amiga port.
Probably would’ve looked neae identical to the Atari-ST
I only came for the ZX Spectrum port.
The DOS version only had CGA?
Can you make Let's compare ( Rise Of The Robots ) ?
Did they ever make. Way of the Exploding Fist on other platforms or only for the C=64?
not sure !
6 platforms. That is just what I see without doing much research.
Acorn Electron, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Commodore 16, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
+Gaming History Source it was an awesome game on the C=64. the music was very good on this game.
Another game I loved was "The Last Ninja" more great memorable music along with great game play.
The best combination would be the Atari ST graphics with the Commodore 64 audio.
I prefer the 8-bit Atari audio.
please a Let's compare of Tony Hawk Pro Skater :3
I just wanted to see him fight that F-ing parrot...
Strange how the Atari 8-Bit version (which is basically a 5200) has better controls and animation than the 7800 port...
+CarozQH The 7800 could almost be mistaken for a 2600 game, it even has the huge ass rectangular pixels.
+vaiyt ; That's exactly what I thought. Looks like a 2600 game.
@@vaiyt the 7800 and 8-bit computers have the same resolution. With the 7800 port, they clearly didn't take the time to make the characters look good at all. Seriously, just compare the 7800 version of Karateka with something like Scrapyard Dog!
Thanks for a vid of a game I've heard so much of but never played. I gotta ask, what emulator are you using for atari st? I tried one that was highly reccomended but none of the keys on my keyboard or joystick mappings worked in-game. Drove me crazy cause I wanted to try atari st gaming cause the sound and graphics look awesome.
+The McC The ST emulator is Steem. The Key mapper program is Xpadder. worked nice together.
@@GamingHistorySource Please all new versions karateka links please bhai
@@GamingHistorySource karateka all versions lInk me please
@@oldserialownerarbajkhan5957 www.theoldcomputer.com Search the directories under software or roms.
@@GamingHistorySource please link send me
The versions with “better graphics” such as the Amstrad and ST oddly have worse animation, losing the fluid lifelike trademark movement of the original...
Exactly, the guys who did the conversion totally missed the whole point....
I agree. I like the animation quality of the Famicom best, but the ST version has the "best graphics". Too bad there was never a happy medium between the two.
I still don't understand. I asked my parents for atari 7800, and received it. it was interesting but compared to a plain, stock NES, it was really garbage! LOL
Apple 2 was the best hands down
best 8 bits version is Amstrad
the game boy version is in the top 3 :D
M.S Dos……💨
ST wins by a mile.
ZX Spectrum version of Karateka is horrible......and I really enjoyed Apple II,MS-DOS,Famicom and Master Karateka GB and I really like them. and Atari St version looks really awesome!
Actually PC-9801 version of Karateka exists but it's hard to find out......
The c64 had the best music in it but amstrad and atari st had best graphics.
ST wins
This video once more proves that Spectrum was one of the worst platforms ever! I cant believe that the Brits are so proud with this turd! Also, a huge disappointment from Famicom. Fluid movement, but terrible graphics. Many people seem to like the Atari ST version, but to me it looks like a child book. The classical Apple II version is the best buy far. Those 8 bit graphics look stunning on it! The only drawback from Apple was that with the 8 frames per second, the movement is a bit slow.
obviously the c64 version is superior with the apple II coming in 2nd.
are you kidding?
Atari 8 bit > C64 >>>>Apple
Look again. Unsurprisingly, the Atari 8 bit has is the superior version.
This game looks very boring... I bet that it was interesting back in the day, but now? Not so much to be honest. Thanks for comparing though.
I don't see how you could rank the Gameboy version so high. That looked like a terrible game.
+Gooberslot it isnt a ranking, its just showing how the game looked on each system.
+ford prefect He's said before that he shows them in the order of his personal preference, except for the first one which is always the arcade version if available.
I always thought these lists were just done in order of when they came out. If it is preference, well the gameboy is to high.
Crap game at any version.
Numbskull
this game looks awful on every platform, what were they thinking?!