International Karate

International Karate (IK) - the 1986 fighting game for Commodore 64
from System 3.

One on one dojo bouts where clean hits earn points and rounds end fast.
Master high - mid - low strikes and blocks, time counters, and climb
through colored belts as the backdrops change.

Core loop
- trade precise punches and kicks to score half or full points
- read the opponent, bait whiffs, and punish with fast counters
- win rounds to advance rank and rotate through new locations

Systems and items
- 20 plus moves - joystick and fire combos for strikes - sweeps - blocks
- two player - head to head simultaneous on one screen
- bonus interludes - short score challenges between sets of bouts

Level design and feel
Single screen arenas with worldwide scenery that shifts every few wins.
Crisp inputs and readable hit signals make spacing and timing the game.
Rob Hubbard’s soundtrack keeps tension simmering between rounds.

Why it is notable
- designed and coded by Archer Maclean for System 3
- US release retitled “World Karate Championship”
- landmark C64 fighter with fluid animation and strong AI

Tips
- after a blocked jump in, go low sweep to steal quick points
- stay just outside range, then snap in with a backfist or high kick
- do not mash - clean, single inputs score more reliably

At a glance
Year - 1986
Developer - System 3
Design and programming - Archer Maclean
Music - Rob Hubbard
Publisher - System 3
Genre - Fighting
Players - 1 or 2 simultaneous
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - second stick in port 1 for 2P