Karateka vs Renegade

Karateka is a 1984 beat'em up created by Jordan Mechner while at Yale. Players guide an unnamed hero through Akuma's fortress, using punches and kicks to defeat guards and rescue Princess Mariko. The game was notable for its realistic character animation and challenging single‑session design, lacking checkpoints or saves. A high‑definition remake later brought the classic to modern consoles and PC, preserving its iconic gameplay.

Renegade puts you in the shoes of a street‑wise vigilante battling gangs across four distinct urban stages, from a subway platform to a mobster’s hideout. The game features fixed two‑screen arenas, a simple three‑button control scheme, and a cycle of increasing difficulty after each rescue. Originally released in 1987 by Technos Japan, the title has been ported to modern consoles, bringing retro hack‑and‑slash action to the Nintendo Switch.

• Groundbreaking animation for its era
• Tight, responsive combat controls
• Engaging side‑scrolling level design
• Available on modern platforms via HD remake

• Authentic retro beat‑em‑up feel
• Simple yet deep combat system
• Varied enemy and boss designs
• Easy to pick up for newcomers

• No save points or checkpoints
• Limited replay variety
• Simple graphics may feel dated to some players

• Limited scrolling reduces level variety
• One‑player only, no co‑op
• Low critical score reflects dated graphics