From Karateka to Ram Dass

[Schmudde]

I recently wrote a post about Ram Dass, David Padwa, and Jordan Mechner that intersects at the Atari 7800 version of Karateka. Specifically around the "Mommy and Me Are One" easter egg in the cartridge. It may be of interest to folks here: Be Here Now.

 

Jordan Mechner read the post and also commented. That was a treat.

[electronicsibley]

That’s fascinating. I’ve been learning a bit about Ram Dass, mostly through Pete Holmes’ podcast. I never would’ve expected that world to intersect with the 7800 via an obscure note in the code for Karateka! 
 

BTW, I’m actually a fan of the port, and possibly a bit of a sadist. 
 

Thanks for highlighting!

[Schmudde]

On 12/31/2020 at 4:06 AM, electronicsibley said:

BTW, I’m actually a fan of the port, and possibly a bit of a sadist.

I have mixed feelings on the port. How far have you been able to get?

 

I got used to the controls, and do enjoy playing it, but I have trouble getting very far.

[electronicsibley]

I’m actually stuck at the 3rd or 4th guy. The one where the bird flies out at you. That said, I’ve only been playing it on-and-off for about a month. 
 

My thought is once you understand the controls, you can work with it. It’s basically predictable, although I wouldn’t have programmed it the same way.

Maybe an enterprising programmer can mod a Karateka.01?

[Schmudde]

Yeah, the bird gets me too. If only I had the power to duck!

[+Trebor]

Avoid the bird by "walking", while in fighting stance, either forward or backward when the bird is in range. 

 

Don't try to punch or kick it and of course don't stay still...

 

 

[electronicsibley]

On 1/1/2021 at 5:18 PM, Trebor said:

Avoid the bird by "walking", while in fighting stance, either forward or backward when the bird is in range. 

 

Don't try to punch or kick it and of course don't stay still...

 

 

Thanks! Gonna’ give it a shot now.