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Was it only last August that System 3 was promising the launch of International Karate across all machines at once? Doesn't time drag when you're waiting for a game...?

Well, here at last, is the Commodore 64 version. And very good it is as well. When the Way Of The Exploding Fist came out, it was considered brilliant. The truth is that International Karate is better than Fist. If only System 3 had managed to get the game out at the same time it would have been fascinating to see them fight it out in the charts.

In looks and concept International Karate is very similar to Fist. The major difference being in the backgrounds. In IK you progress through eight different international backdrops including New York, Rio and Sydney.

The combat is pretty much the same as Fist. Points are awarded for the various types of punches and kicks.

But there are two extra sections in IK. You can boost your score with a bout of tile smashing with your fighter's head. For each tile smashed - there are ten of them - 100 points are added to your score.

There is also another stage where you must dodge stars, spears and swords. Bonus points are again scored if you survive.

IK also has a nice touch of humour. If you leave the fighters facing each for any length of time without any action, they take it in turns to look at you and mouth encouragement at you - well, it could be encouragement.

System 3 proudly announces its forthcoming games. "Coming Soon" are Twister, The Last Ninja and American GI. It should be interesting to see what System 3 means by "soon".