We're looking for new writers to join us!

THQ high-kicks All Star Karate into retail

by: Sean Colleli -
More On: All Star Karate
THQ just announced that All Star Karate for the Wii is now available in stores. The game has you mimicking Karate moves using the Wii remote, Nunchuk and even Wii MotionPlus for added movement fidelity. Even better the game is cheap at only $20 so it's a good deal.

Ever since motion controls took off I've wondered why we haven't seen more martial arts games. I remember Sony had a Tai Chi demo for the EyeToy way back when it came out, but that never really went anywhere. Still I think a martial arts game is a lot more interesting than the dozens of boring fitness games that keep coming out, simply because I prefer martial arts for getting in shape, and I imagine a lot of other people do too. Of course you have to work within the constraints of the technology and accuracy to the real thing is key; maybe Move or Natal will handle martial arts games better. I'd like to see more developers do this kind of thing--brushing up on my Aikido would be easier if there was a Wii game that accurately emulated the katas.
THQ KICKS OFF THE LAUNCH OF ALL STAR KARATE™



First Video Game on Wii™ to Integrate Karate-Based Moves

Now Available at All Major Retailers

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – April 20, 2010 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that All Star Karate™, the first extension in the company’s All Star franchise, has shipped to retail stores throughout North America exclusively for Wii™. All Star Karate is the first video game on Wii to integrate karate-based play and feature real karate moves. Using the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™ controllers, and with the option to utilize the Wii MotionPlus™ for enhanced gameplay, players are prompted throughout the game to perform punches, kicks and blocks so they can progress in Career mode; spar with friends in Challenge mode, and accomplish various tasks in several multi-player mini-games.



All Star Karate is rated E for everyone and is available for a suggested retail price of $19.99. The game will also be made available worldwide in countries, including UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, New Zealand and Australia over the coming months.



About All Star Karate

In All Star Karate, players will follow the life of a young, martial arts novice whose noble attempt to save an elderly man from a pack of ninjas brings him face-to-face with a true karate master. The sensei, a cantankerous old-timer, offers his services and teaches his new protégé the proper techniques and disciplines of karate, and guides him toward achieving the prized black belt. In single-player Career mode, players will execute and master various karate moves utilizing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, or two Wii Remotes, in order to attain the seven different colored belts in karate. Additionally, players can show off their hand, kicking and blocking techniques by sparring with a friend in Challenge mode or by creating their own move sequences to perform with the Kata Editor.



All Star Karate was developed by Blitz Game Studios based in Warwickshire, England. For more information on this game, as well as additional THQ titles, please visit www.thq.com.



About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ, All Star Karate and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.