Info
Developed By: Odaclick Game Studios.
Published By: GameMill Entertainment.
Platforms Available On: Xbox Series X/S and One, PS5/4, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Reviewed on PS5, a code for the game was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.
Overview
Get ready to get your 'Wax On!' Experience the original The Karate Kid trilogy in pixel-art, retro glory in The Karate Kid: Street Rumble, coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam on Sept. 20, 2024. Battle the enemies of Miyagi-Do Karate in this action-packed beat 'em up featuring solo play and local co-op for up to four players!
Set in the iconic locations of the first three classic The Karate Kid movies, The Karate Kid: Street Rumble lets you step out of the dojo and into the streets of the 1980s San Fernando Valley and Okinawa. Battle waves of challenging enemies in this fast-paced, side-scrolling beat 'em up adventure, brought to life with colorful pixel-art visuals and chiptune music.
Dominate the dojo in The Karate Kid: Street Rumble, a pixel art beat 'em up adventure. Grab your friends for local co-op multiplayer and dive into the classic The Karate Kid journey with retro-style gameplay, dynamic combat, and epic boss battles.
Overview taken from the official game press release
Review
For me nostalgia gaming is simply the best, I mean yes I love the cinematic graphics we get treated to nowadays but playing a decent side scrolling beat em up is definitely where it's at for me. I'm a big fan of the Karate Kid series of films and grew up attempting the eagle kick on the playground (admit it we all tried it at least once) and even loved the recent Cobra Kai series on Netflix so playing a game of the original story was definitely something I needed to see and with it being in the style of an old school fighter - think Streets of Rage - then this is definitely a game I needed to get into.
The gameplay is simplistic enough if you've played the likes of Streets of Rage then you'll get used to how it all works relatively quickly but the main enjoyment for me was being able to play as the original Danny Lerouso and kick butt defending Miyagi-Do Karate and clearing San Fernando Valley of the impending Cobra Kai threat.
Pull off combos to take down your enemies but awareness is also the key as enemies quite often surround you and it can be tricky to get out of trouble but all the more rewarding when you do and see all the bodies on the ground around you. Whether you're a button masher or calculated button presser you'll be at home either way the gameplay is suitable for all levels of competency.
The solo and couch co-op format (up to 4 players) gives the game another string to it's authentic bow as it feels like a full on retro game and runs as smooth as silk. The formula of hordes of bad guys and over the top bosses gives me all the nostalgic feels and the text based cut scenes really add to the Karate Kid storyline. Overall I felt that Odaclick have made the perfect tribute to auch loved cult classic giving us the fans the game we all wanted.
Graphics and Sound
In terms of graphics there was really only one style of graphics Odaclick could've gone with when making a retro styled game and that's a good old pixelated style and this really adds to the retro feel of the game, those gamers of a particular age like me (early 40s) that grew up playing Streets of Rage and Double Dragon and the countless others will feel right at home. Playing this game on the newer systems gives it a smooth feel and it still feels right at home in my collection.
The soundtrack of the game just screams retro early 90s vibes and I am totally here for it, the chiptune score I could happily listen to all day it perfectly fits the overall look and feel of the game. In game the sound effects are good and add an authentic layer to the game.
Summary
Time now then to put my thoughts into a summary, overall I loved every part of the game not only is I based on one of my favourite films ever it perfectly carries on the side scrolling beat em up mantra. Looks and feels like a retro game but although I keep mentioning Streets of Rage it's purely a comparison as this game goes on its own path and stands front and centre with the others. Definitely recommend picking this up especially if you're a Karate Kid fan or just love a good side scrolling beat em up then you are in the right place.
Verdict-Out of 5 ⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
EXCELLENT
I give Karate Kid Street Rumble an excellent full marks score of 5 ⭐, one of the best side scroller beat em ups I've played in years. Enjoyed the retro nostalgia of the storyline and the gameplay, making me want other iconic films made - please make Beverly Hills Cop next.
Karate Kid Street Rumble is available now on all platforms (see above for details)
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