The Karate Kid franchise has had its fair share of hits on both the silver screen and television. However, it has faced challenges when it comes to video games. The Karate Kid: Street Rumble is a refreshing twist on typical substandard licensed games, offering a beat-’em-up experience that allows players to dive into the narrative of the first three movies.
In this game, you have the opportunity to play as Daniel, Mr. Miyagi, Ali, and Kumiko, all beautifully designed in a nostalgic pixel art style reminiscent of the era. However, the path to karate mastery won’t be a stroll in the park—expect to face tough adversaries throughout your quest. Utilize these strategic tips to defeat foes and show them who the true champion is.
Choose One Character for Your Initial Run
All the characters in Street Rumble level up as you defeat enemies and finish stages. This progression unlocks new signature moves and various gameplay enhancements, including extra lives and a boosted Focus meter.
While it might be tempting to experiment with the whole character roster, doing so may leave some of them less powerful as you approach the end of the game, potentially making the final challenges disproportionately difficult.
Achievement hunters will be rewarded for their dedication, too, as there are achievements for reaching both level ten and max level with each playable character.
Utilize Minigames to Refine Your Combos
During your adventure, Street Rumble features brief gameplay segments involving minigames. The Karate Practice and Tournament Practice (unlocked after completing the game) are particularly noteworthy, allowing you to perfect the combos you can unleash against adversaries in the main levels.
Taking extra time to practice in these modes is worthwhile for mastering the timing required to deliver significant damage to opponents.
Leverage Throws for Managing Groups of Enemies
To initiate a grapple with an opponent, simply move into them. At this point, you can either continue attacking them with light hits or launch them away with a heavy attack.
Throws are especially effective when you’re surrounded by numerous enemies, as the thrown opponent can knock down others in their path. This not only inflicts damage but also provides a brief moment to strategize your next move.
Manage Your Focus Wisely
As you strike foes, watch for a purple meter filling up beneath your health. This is your Focus, which you can use for executing signature moves. Each special attack uses one segment of this meter, and leveling up adds more segments to your Focus gauge.
The Focus can also be depleted when you receive damage. However, it will shield you from losing health as long as it hasn’t been completely drained, making it crucial to use your signature moves sparingly.
It’s possible to complete an entire level without losing health, but if you neglect your Focus, you could quickly find yourself out of lives.
Jump to Evade Hits
Practicing karate emphasizes maintaining a solid base, with power stemming primarily from your legs and hips. Unsurprisingly, most of your opponents in Street Rumble will have their feet firmly planted on the ground.
This means that you can often avoid their attacks simply by jumping. Use aerial strikes to keep pressing the offense while reducing the risk of being hit.
Focus on Barriers First
In certain sections of the game, you’ll encounter barriers that block your way. You must destroy these barriers to advance, but this can be challenging with waves of enemies attacking you at the same time.
The barrier should be your primary target, as breaking it will prevent more enemies from appearing. Use the thugs as a means to build your Focus, then unleash a series of signature attacks on the barrier.
If you’re overwhelmed by the crowd onscreen, consider using throws, heavy attacks, or other techniques to knock foes to the ground and gain time to target the barrier.
Search for Useful Pickups
Street Rumble contains a variety of pickups that can aid you on your journey. These items can heal your character, refill Focus, or increase your attack power.
Unlike other beat-’em-ups, you won’t find these simply dropped by defeated enemies. Instead, you should explore your surroundings, punching elements of the environment to uncover hidden items. It’s wise to attack every interactable object you encounter throughout a level; you never know what might be hiding inside!
Don’t Forget to Parry
Aside from jumping and managing Focus, Street Rumble features dodging as another method for avoiding damage. Although the game calls it a dodge, it operates much like a parry, allowing you to stand still and immediately counterattack afterward.
To execute a parry, press the designated button (Circle/B/A) right before a hit lands. If done correctly, you’ll avoid damage to your Focus or health and find an opening to retaliate. This technique presents a high-risk but high-reward option, especially useful during boss encounters to keep your footing without losing access to your signature attacks—or your life.
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