Multiplayergames got the real-life karate master, John, to look at the titles - both ports of Data East classics that took about $100 from me over the summer of 1985. Here's his report on Kung Fu:

"[S]ome of the goons attacking run at Thomas with their fist raised above their head. This may be trying to convey something like a wooden monkey style. That being said, the ancient visuals actually serve martial arts proud by rendering chambers and pivots through punching and kicking (the base foot turns on Thomas' side-kick). The jumping kicks are right on for any style of Kung Fu as well as the quick striking, but the limited graphics make it impossible to show all the circular movements and blocks that makes Kung Fu artistic/cool looking, therefore a popular choice for movie characters to show off on screen. Thomas lacks any kind of guard stance and certainly doesn't hold a wider one which is more appropriate for Kung Fu.

And now on Karate Champ:

The graphics do not demonstrate technique as well as Kung Fu. Much of it is a jumbled mess, but the idea of the point fighting is fairly accurate. In point fighting tournaments, you score a point, break, and go again when the judge starts you. The typical colors are even white and red, as in the game. The side scrolling graphics are also appropriate for point fighting in the 80's, because sport karate used to be more linear then, as more angled and dynamic fighting evolved shortly after.

The verdict? You know what, head over and see for yourself. It's a brilliant idea and a great read.

Multiplayergames' Digital Dojo: Kung Fu vs Karate Champ [Multiplayergames, thanks Matt P.]

Just like Kung Fu (or Kung Fu Master, the arcade original) a drunken, raging Santa battles his way through waves of foes - including Christmas shoppers and elves - before fighting bosses on five levels. if a chiptune "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" isn't your cup of nog, you can choose the soundtracks of Ice Climbers, Slalom, Dr. Octoroc, Gyromite or the original Kung Fu. Be sure to check out the gruesome Game Over screen, too. It'll fill you with holiday cheer.

If the Flash version isn't your speed, or your connection's slow, there's also a downloadable version.

Santa Fu [I-Mockery]

Originally scheduled for release on November 24th, the PlayStation Blog post we culled the information from on Revenge of the Wounded Dragons was updated to reflect a brief delay shortly after we posted the news. The dragons went back into hiding for around two weeks, and according to Sony Online Entertainment, they're ready to kick some ass on your PlayStation 3 this Thursday, December 10th.

Unless of course they delay it again, in which case it's Owen's turn to write the next release announcement.

Take one half Kung Fu, add one half Mega Man, mix liberally with guest appearances from Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter II, Spelunker (!!!), Fantasy Zone, Urban Champion, hell even Spy vs. Spy for Christ's sake, ice it with an "Okusenman" soundtrack, sprinkle light non-gaming nerd references and you've got a YouTube micro-hit. It obviously makes no sense, but it's kind of above that, don't you think?

Like the NES classic, but with Mario question boxes, punches in the crotch and decapitating kicks. Twelve year-old boys will *heart* this flash game.

Play Here [Andkon]