Best of the Best: Championship Karate (1992-)

• Developer: Loriciel

• Publisher: Loriciel | Electro Brain

• Genre: Fighting

• Designer: Pascal Jarry

• Composer: Michel Winogradoff

Best of the Best: Championship Karate for the NES was developed and published by Electro Brain in 1993. The game was part of the early '90s surge in martial arts-themed fighting games, inspired by the popularity of titles like Karate Champ and Street Fighter. Although it shared the genre’s core elements, Best of the Best aimed to offer a more strategic approach to karate competition with a variety of fighters and move sets.

The gameplay focuses on one-on-one karate matches where players select from several martial artists, each with unique fighting styles and special moves. The game includes a tournament mode where players progress through a series of increasingly difficult opponents, testing timing, reflexes, and strategic use of attacks and defenses. The controls were designed to balance accessibility with depth, though some players noted that the pacing was slower compared to other fighting games of the era.

Musically, the game features a soundtrack that leans heavily on energetic, synth-driven compositions designed to pump up the intensity of matches. While not particularly memorable by the standards of the time, the music complements the martial arts atmosphere without overshadowing gameplay. Sound effects emphasize punches, kicks, and blocks, adding to the immersive fighting experience.

Best of the Best: Championship Karate did not have a direct prequel or sequel on the NES. It was promoted as a solid martial arts fighting game for players who enjoyed technical combat rather than flashy combos. Reception was mixed, with praise given to its attempt at a more realistic fighting pace but criticism aimed at its lack of standout features compared to competitors. It remains a lesser-known title in the fighting game genre, often remembered for its niche appeal rather than broad popularity.

Images from MobyGames