Karate Blazers Launches on Nintendo Switch and PS4 via Arcade Archives
Following a string of successful classic arcade releases, Hamster Corporation continues to bring beloved retro titles to modern platforms through its Arcade Archives series.
The latest addition is Karate Blazers, the acclaimed 1991 beat-'em-up originally developed by Video System.
Set to launch on November 27 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, this classic brawler invites fans to relive the golden age of arcade action with new features tailored for contemporary gaming. Karate Blazers first hit Japanese arcades under the name Toushin Blazers and quickly built a following for its high-energy martial arts combat and engaging multiplayer gameplay.
Designed to accommodate up to four players, the game casts participants as one of four distinct characters—Mark, Glen, Akira, and Gil—each on a quest to avenge their slain master, rescue a kidnapped girl, and recover a set of secret scrolls.
Players can tackle these challenges solo or team up locally, battling their way through five unique stages such as bustling docks, city streets, industrial complexes, mysterious ruins, and ancient temples. Unlike many contemporary beat-'em-ups from the late '80s and early '90s, Karate Blazers forgoes traditional weapon pickups.
Instead, players collect special scrolls throughout each level, which unlock unique martial arts techniques specific to each fighter.
Adversaries range from standard street enemies to robotic foes evocative of iconic sci-fi villains, challenging players' reflexes and teamwork in every encounter. A representative from Hamster noted, "Karate Blazers brings the thrill of classic martial arts arcade action to today’s consoles, faithfully recreating the original experience while adding features for modern gamers." In line with most Arcade Archives titles, this release includes online rankings, allowing players to compete for high scores globally, as well as visual enhancements such as CRT display filters and customizable difficulty settings.
These refinements ensure both nostalgic fans and newcomers can tailor the experience to their preferences. Priced at $7.99, Karate Blazers will be available via the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store.
This latest entry in the Arcade Archives line demonstrates Hamster’s ongoing commitment to preserving video game history, making timeless arcade experiences accessible to new generations of players on Nintendo Switch and PS4.
The latest addition is Karate Blazers, the acclaimed 1991 beat-'em-up originally developed by Video System.
Set to launch on November 27 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, this classic brawler invites fans to relive the golden age of arcade action with new features tailored for contemporary gaming. Karate Blazers first hit Japanese arcades under the name Toushin Blazers and quickly built a following for its high-energy martial arts combat and engaging multiplayer gameplay.
Designed to accommodate up to four players, the game casts participants as one of four distinct characters—Mark, Glen, Akira, and Gil—each on a quest to avenge their slain master, rescue a kidnapped girl, and recover a set of secret scrolls.
Players can tackle these challenges solo or team up locally, battling their way through five unique stages such as bustling docks, city streets, industrial complexes, mysterious ruins, and ancient temples. Unlike many contemporary beat-'em-ups from the late '80s and early '90s, Karate Blazers forgoes traditional weapon pickups.
Instead, players collect special scrolls throughout each level, which unlock unique martial arts techniques specific to each fighter.
Adversaries range from standard street enemies to robotic foes evocative of iconic sci-fi villains, challenging players' reflexes and teamwork in every encounter. A representative from Hamster noted, "Karate Blazers brings the thrill of classic martial arts arcade action to today’s consoles, faithfully recreating the original experience while adding features for modern gamers." In line with most Arcade Archives titles, this release includes online rankings, allowing players to compete for high scores globally, as well as visual enhancements such as CRT display filters and customizable difficulty settings.
These refinements ensure both nostalgic fans and newcomers can tailor the experience to their preferences. Priced at $7.99, Karate Blazers will be available via the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store.
This latest entry in the Arcade Archives line demonstrates Hamster’s ongoing commitment to preserving video game history, making timeless arcade experiences accessible to new generations of players on Nintendo Switch and PS4.
