Development Karateka (video game)

jordan mechner programmed karateka on own while student @ yale.

karateka developed jordan mechner while student @ yale university side project between classes. in learning program on apple ii, had written clone of asteroids , modified version titled deathbounce. submitted deathbounce brøderbund, declined. provided mechner copy of choplifter, 1 of top selling games brøderbund. mechner recognized game pursue original game concepts instead of having remake existing titles.

using of graphic features choplifter provided, mechner focused on karate-themed game result of numerous factors included ongoing studies film student, involvement in several film clubs @ yale, , having taken lessons in karate @ time. drew inspiration japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print art, , cinematic works of akira kurosawa, disney animated films, , silent pictures; claimed such works convey such powerful emotion , atmosphere without word being spoken . 1 of goals combine cinematic techniques game elements create, @ time, novel experience; this, mechner programmed of screen wipes used in 7 samurai game elements. in reflecting on game, mechner stated did not consider game fighting game , instead of story-based game gameplay mechanic fighting .

mechner used hand-drawn storyboards plot out course of game, such these images opening of game.

mechner wanted create fluid animations within apple ii s 8 frames per second capacity, hampered presence of additional on-screen elements, such 1 of palace gates. mechner found not animate , play music (limited one-note tones) @ same time, forcing him adapt these limitations. create animations, used rotoscoping, process of hand-drawing cartoons superimposed atop each frame of film of karate instructor demonstrating various moves. mechner credits father creating music game. work complete game took approximately 2 years, mechner submitting game brøderbund during later part of sophomore year @ yale.