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Review of The Making of Karateka on PS4

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Aug 2023
Cover image of The Making of Karateka on PS4
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 29 Aug 2023
Genre: Documentary/Retro
Developer: Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Digital Eclipse

Introduction

Here we go, my fellow gamers! Prepare to delve into the world of nostalgia, rotoscoping, and the harsh realities of game development in 'The Making of Karateka'. This isn't just your average romp through remastered pixels; it's a dive into the psyche of Jordan Mechner, the mind behind one of the first martial arts fighting games ever, and the visionary who somehow managed to make karate look cool before most of us were even born.

Gameplay

'The Making of Karateka' isn't about slapping away hordes of enemies or pulling off flashy combos; that's covered in the glorious remakes. Instead, it's a deep, enriching exploration of how this groundbreaking game came to be. You'll find diary entries, concept art, and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that'll make you feel like you just escaped a castle of horrors filled with bad guys. Like those flip-through animations? That was Mechner's rotoscoping technique-he literally filmed his karate instructor, then drew over the frames. Talk about commitment! Take notes, aspiring game developers; this man didn't even have a digital camera.

Graphics

Graphics-wise, while you're not getting the graphical marvels of recent titles, you'll be floored by the sheer beauty of the remastered Karateka footage. Picture this: hand-drawn animations come to life before your eyes, with each frame meticulously crafted. The animations maintain a cinematic feel that mirrors early Disney movies, which is not just impressive-it's downright charming. If you've ever spent hours watching someone else play a game while you pretended not to be interested, then prepare for a dose of nostalgia.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, 'The Making of Karateka' offers a delightful peek behind the curtain of one of video gaming's classics, reminding us that the journey of creating a game is just as entertaining as playing it. While you might not find boss fights here, it's definitely worth the time if you appreciate the craft behind your favorite games. Plus, if you've ever wanted to know how to do something as complicated as making a video game with limited tech, this is like your ultimate cheat code. So grab your popcorn, kick back, and enjoy the ride through karate and code!

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