Jordan Mechner reveals eagle-punching Karateka will make its return to gaming

During a panel at this week's San Diego Comic-Con, Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner has revealed that a new version of his hit Apple II title, Karateka, is in the works.

The original game featured groundbreaking animation, and put players in the gi of a karate master trying to rescue a princess from the deadly clutches of Akuma (no Street Fighter relation). Players had an attack selection of three punches and three kicks, each which could be delivered at different heights; this was also groundbreaking at the time. At one point, the player was forced to battle an eagle using hand-to-hand combat, which will always and forever be considered bleeding edge.

"I can safely say it's not going to be in the way you expect," Mechner said of the game's return.

Well, if it's a kart racer or first-person brawler, that damned eagle better make its return or no sale.

[Via Gamasutra]