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A Karateka, according to the game, is one skilled in the art of karate. Makes sense, right? Well, once again you are the hero of this game, and what a hero you have to be.

The story, as it goes, is that the beautiful princess Mariko has been captured by the evil warlord Akuma, and imprisoned in the deepest dungeon of his fortress, high up in the mountains.

Your task is obvious - enter Akuma's fortress and risk your life to save her. The first thing you notice is the superb use of graphics. Not a byte has been left unprogrammed in this game. The graphics are beautifully drawn and the animation is so smooth you'd think you were watching a film. Akuma's fortress really appears as a dark and mysterious place, which is a direct effect of the atmospheric graphics, and very much to the author's credit.

The whole game has a 3D aspect, which really makes you feel you are there. In the demo, you see the princess being sent to her cell, and when the door shuts behind her she turns around accompanied by a quick bit of dramatic music, collapses on the floor and starts crying. The accompanying sad music really makes you feel sorry for her.

Then along comes the hero, who climbs over the top of a cliff (appropriate "hero" music). As you walk, the background scrolls along as well, very smoothly.

You then meet your first opponent, and must defeat him using your karate skills. Before each fight the speaker lets out a wonderful digitised yell which sounds quite realistic. Control is by joystick or keyboard, so nobody gets left out.

You have three kicks available to you - middle, high and low. Likewise, you also have three punches. One thing I wished the game had was a range of defensive moves to block your opponent's punches and kicks. Still, it probably would have made it that little bit more complicated to play.

When you defeat the first guard you start running towards the fortress entrance, and after a few steps the scene changes to show Akuma in his lair.

Accompanied by more dramatic music, he calls a guard and orders him to go after you. The guard bows and then starts after you. The scene then changes between the pair of you in a movie fashion, until he reaches you. Then you have to fight him to the death.

There are different types of fighters for you to defeat, each wearing a different battle mask and each with his own style of fighting.

You also have to contend with various traps and the savage falcons sent to kill you. Ultimately, you'll have to fight Akuma himself.

All in all, this is quite a game, and it will take time, stamina and skill to win. The end result is well worth it (but not without more unseen surprises for the unwary). Highly recommended, especially if you like adventure games, but with a lot more graphic and arcade-like involvement.

It's probably one of this year's most exciting games.