Karateka

Karateka was truly a groundbreaking game for its time, both in the graphics and also the music/sounds. A side-scrolling adventure with three levels, Karateka was both forgiving and unforgiving. Forgiving, because you could walk back from an enemy to regain health; almost like starting the battle over again.  Unforgiving, because with only one life, a single mistake would send you all the way back to the start.

The story of Karateka revolves around the unnamed Karateka, who sets out to rescue the princess Mariko.  She has been captured by the evil warlord Akuma.  Along with his many henchmen and pet eagle/hawk, he keeps his compound heavily guarded.