The Karate Kid to Receive a New Retro Video Game

"The Karate Kid: Street Rumble" is a new retro-inspired beat-'em-up game that transports players back to the iconic 1980s film trilogy, allowing them to control the young Daniel LaRusso and battle against classic antagonists such as Johnny Lawrence and John Kreese across 12 stages faithfully recreated in a 16-bit aesthetic, complete with a chiptune-style soundtrack and the option for four-player local co-op.

Karate Kid's Retro Revival: A 1980s-Inspired Beat-'Em-Up Adventure

GameMill Entertainment and Odaclick Game Studio have announced the upcoming release of "The Karate Kid: Street Rumble," a brand-new game that pays homage to the iconic Karate Kid film trilogy. Capitalizing on the recent resurgence of the franchise's popularity, thanks to the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai, Street Rumble promises to transport players back to the 1980s with a retro-styled, side-scrolling beat-'em-up experience.

The Karate Kid franchise has a limited history in the video game realm, with only a few adaptations, such as a game based on the second film and an NES title developed by Atlus and published by LJN. However, in recent years, GameMill Entertainment has stepped in to fill the void, publishing a duology of Cobra Kai games that featured beat-'em-up gameplay and allowed players to step into the shoes of fighters from the Miyagi-Do, Eagle Fang, and Cobra Kai dojos. Now, the studio is taking the franchise even further back in time, embracing a 16-bit, pixel-art aesthetic for Street Rumble.

The announcement trailer for Street Rumble, released on IGN's YouTube channel, showcases the game's retro-inspired visuals and beat-'em-up gameplay, reminiscent of other throwback titles like TMNT: Shredder's Revenge and River City Girls. Fans of the original Karate Kid trilogy will be delighted to take control of the young Daniel LaRusso and face off against classic antagonists such as Johnny Lawrence and John Kreese across 12 stages inspired by the films. With a chiptune-style soundtrack and the option for four-player local co-op, Street Rumble promises to deliver a nostalgic and action-packed experience for both longtime Karate Kid fans and newcomers alike.

Which Characters Can You Play in The Karate Kid: Street Rumble?

Set in the nostalgic backdrop of the 1980s Karate Kid films, this game allows fans to step into the shoes of a young Daniel LaRusso, navigating encounters with iconic adversaries such as Johnny Lawrence, John Kreese, and Terry Silver. Players can choose from various co-op partners including Mr. Miyagi, Ali Mills, and Kumiko, with the game supporting up to four-player local co-op.

The game features 12 distinct stages inspired by pivotal locations from the original Karate Kid trilogy, including West Valley High and Cobra Kai's dojo. Embracing a retro aesthetic, it boasts chiptune-style music and 16-bit graphics that harken back to classic gaming. The trailer, a stylistic homage akin to TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, has resonated deeply with fans of Cobra Kai and the original films, promising an immersive journey through the beloved Karate Kid universe.