Number 8: International Karate +

This was the age when beat 'em ups were about timing and reflexes, not memorizing long "special moves" involving joystick moves and button presses. International Karate +, or IK+ for short, is one of the most innovative games of its kind. What makes it different is that there are three fighters on screen, fighting each other or you.

Played with a friend/enemy, this game is something really special. Virtual combat with another human is always fun, and the extra computer opponent keeps the players on their toes.

The game has plenty of options. You can set the speed of play, the colours of the water, and much more. The attention to detail is remarkable, with worms and spiders crawling around in the background and the players' trousers falling off if you leave them standing around for too long.

With a time limit of a mere 30 seconds per round, IK+ is a game that gets your adrenaline up. Adrenaline is also needed in the bonus round, a very fun sub-game when the player tries to deflect an onslaught of balls with his shield.

Unlike other, inferior, fighting games, you can't use one move or tactic over and over again if you want to get anywhere. IK+ is always challenging and fun, and has a stomping soundtrack by Rob Hubbard to boot.

PREVIOUS	10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1	NEXT

Download the game. (Can't get it to work?)