IK+ Review

By Peter Parrish Published 26 October, 2007

Three's a crowd.

Version tested: Retro

Exploding Fist or IK? Not a mishap in the perfume branding factory, but a high-kicking battle for the C64 fighting crown. With both games released within the space of a few months, predictable arguments raged as to which was better. System 3's IK sequel silenced these disputes, squeezing a third fighter on-screen and including a bonus section based around the ancient art of wielding a dustbin lid. Debate over.

IK+ is a fighting game without special moves (unless you count the infamous "trousers" manoeuvre), released at the divergence of the genre. Another title released in 1987, Street Fighter, would lead one-on-one fighters in a very different direction. But in place of fifty-combo fireball slaps, IK+ delivers the simple goal of landing foot or fist on your foe; a glorious brawl of brain and brawn, as you attempt to outwit the two human or computer controlled adversaries.

Crucially, the controls are perfectly responsive. In this vital area the game is the equal of any modern fighter, with every move registering the moment it's executed by the joystick. The ability to rapidly respond to circumstances, such as being able to bust out a counter flying kick and nail a mid-air opponent, is also a treat. Similarly, moves can be 'cancelled' mid-frame in favour of a more useful one.

Whilst the game has excellent AI, nothing compares to facing off against human opposition. Tactics (or, sometimes, the lack of them) become paramount. It's all totally balanced and nothing is ever unfair. Although life for the guy in the middle of the kung-fu sandwich can sometimes feel a bit tough.

Superior to the 16-bit versions, the C64 original has no equal and continues to provide a worthwhile challenge. For relieving frustration, it certainly beats trying to karate chop the kitchen working surface.

9 / 10

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Comments (15) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • SeesThroughAll #1 4 years ago

    If there is one game that should be remade for handhelds, this is it.

  • hbunny #2 4 years ago

    You didn't mention the sound effects! I can't quite describe the POW! sound the guys made doing the moves but it was ace.

  • PeterM #3 4 years ago

    The gut punch victim sound was fantastic. "Koof!"

    BTW I'm pretty sure it was remade for GBA, but I've no idea if it was any good or not.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/07 @ 21:57

  • jlaakso #4 4 years ago

    I can't believe nobody's picked up the three-man approach, such a joy it was. And the animation was really something for the time, not to mention the very detailed, charming backgrounds.

  • ligurmatic #5 4 years ago

    I only ever played the Amiga version, what's better about the C64 edition?

  • bluebird #6 4 years ago

    Actually, the Atari XL version was best and the one without equal ;-) Especially the music was amazing on that one.

  • monkie_king #7 4 years ago

    Well the Amiga version was basically identical to the C64, but with higher-resolution fighters and background. And crucially it had the sampled sound effects noted above. The beagle-like whimper of a fighter downed by a punch to the nuts is one of videogaming's high points.

    So, certainly not inferior to the C64 version.

  • Ryze #8 4 years ago

    Sweet.

    Never played the C64 version though.


    Prob the Amiga game.

  • Ryze #9 4 years ago

    Petition for a PSP version would be ideal.

    Where's PSN for the PSP?

    /stares at 'Sony' logo...

  • markypants #10 4 years ago

    Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story on SNES & Megadrive had 3 way action in it if my memory serves me right. Didn't the Wu-Tang-Clans brawler also have 3 way action too?
    Edited by 1 at 27/10/07 @ 11:33

  • Retroid #11 4 years ago

    The remakes were rubbish, sadly.

    Oh, and the Atari XL version is actually prettyy recent ;p

  • neuromancer #12 4 years ago

    Is it me (or Firefox) but that sure looks like a screen-shot from Wheelie - none of the versions I played featured motorbikes...

    The ST version was really impressive.

  • Tweakmonkey #13 4 years ago

    This was a good game, and the bowling ball bouncing sections were probably the highlight.

  • spammage #14 4 years ago

    This game is definately a 10. It is as timelessly perfect when played today as it was when I had considerably more hair to pull out than I do now. Beats the Amiga version because it was shoe-horned into an 8 bit computer, they were a little clinical with the 16 bit update IMO.

    Soda Stream, Nice and Spicy Nic-Nacs and a 3 hour stint on IK+. Halcyon days I tell you. Sublime.

  • don81 #15 4 years ago

    IK+ Advance for the GBA was very good, played brilliantly. Recommend if you can find it. Bring Amiga 500 games, like Panza Kick Boxing and Flashback. Now they were class as well.