The Making of Karateka: A Journey through Game History
The Making of Karateka is an interactive documentary that celebrates the debut game of Jordan Mechner, the creator of Prince of Persia. This comprehensive collection takes players on a journey through the evolution of Karateka, featuring the original game, early prototypes, a full remaster with developer commentary, and even a brand new game.
Digital Eclipse, known for their efforts in showcasing video game history, continues their mission with The Making of Karateka. Following the success of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, this documentary becomes the first installment of Digital Eclipse’s Gold Master Series.
Karateka was the brainchild of a teenage student named Jordan Mechner. Developed on an Apple II, the game utilized revolutionary rotoscoping animation techniques to capture fluid and lifelike motion in its combat sequences. Inspired by Japanese cinema and manga, Karateka presented a cinematic experience for players, featuring an unnamed hero embarking on a perilous journey through the fortress of Akuma to rescue Princess Mariko. Drawing inspiration from Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, the game employed screen wipes to transition between scenes.
In The Making of Karateka, players can explore the game’s rich history through playable versions of the original releases for the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari. Additionally, the collection includes three previously unseen prototypes, providing an in-depth look at the game’s development over the years.
Accompanying the original games is Karateka Remastered, a new rendition that includes previously excluded content, director’s commentary, and achievements. Players can also experience Deathbounce: Rebounded, a twin-stick shooter based on a pre-Karateka game that never made it to the market.
The documentary goes beyond gameplay and offers a series of video interviews with key figures in Karateka’s creation, including Jordan Mechner and his father Francis, who composed the game’s captivating soundtrack. Furthermore, the collection features an array of design documents, concept art, and other materials, including Mechner’s handwritten notes and letters to the game’s eventual publisher, Broderbund.
The Making of Karateka is available for purchase on Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store for £16.75/$20 (or £15.99 for UK residents on Epic). This release marks the beginning of Digital Eclipse’s Gold Master Series, with the second installment slated for release later this year.
Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Karateka and witness the legacy of one of gaming’s pioneering titles. The Making of Karateka offers a unique opportunity to delve into the journey of a teenage developer and experience the evolution of a timeless classic.