IK+

International Karate + (IK+) - the 1987 fighting game for Commodore 64
from System 3.

Three way dojo bouts where clean hits score points and the lowest scorer
is eliminated each round. Keep the timer on your side, outmaneuver two
opponents at once, and climb the colored belts.

Core loop
- trade high - mid - low strikes and blocks to earn points
- watch both flanks and deny back attacks
- survive round eliminations to advance belts and stages

Systems and items
- 20 plus moves - joystick and fire combos for punches - kicks - sweeps - blocks
- bonus stage - deflect bouncing balls for score between rounds
- two player - co op rivalry against a CPU third fighter

Level design and feel
Single scenic backdrop with animated water and palette shifts that feel like
a day night cycle. Crisp inputs and readable hit sparks sell the contact.
Fights are fast, but patient spacing beats button bashing.

Why it is notable
- coded and designed by Archer Maclean for System 3
- three fighters on screen on C64 was a standout trick in 1987
- energetic Dave Lowe music with punchy effects

Tips
- stay near center so you can pivot to whomever closes first
- use low sweeps after blocked jump ins to steal quick points
- let the AI collide - bait one foe into the other, then punish

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - System 3
Design and programming - Archer Maclean
Music - Dave Lowe
Publisher - System 3
Genre - Fighting
Players - 1 or 2 simultaneous
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - second stick in port 1 for 2P