VC in Brief: Pit Stop II, The Last Ninja, and International Karate

by David Hinkle { Feb 23rd 2009 at 9:00PM }

Another Monday means another edition of VC in Brief, which is kind of like a guy talking over some retro games. Actually, that's exactly what this is! Man, when it comes to describing things, we take the cake. And then we eat that cake. And then we have a sugar crash.

Head past the break for more detail on these games, or simply watch the video above. Enjoy!

International Karate (C64, 1 - 2 players, 500 Wii Points)
We say: download it!

It's held up well, surprisingly, and is pretty fun, despite how old it is. Sure, sitting there and playing against the computer can get old fast, but if you have a friend, then it's a pretty fun time. You might want to check it out.

The Last Ninja (C64. 500 Wii Points)
We say: do not download

The biggest problem with this game is that the controls make things pretty tough. Moving the last ninja ever is kind of clumsy and the combat is definitely wanting. We'd say avoid this one.

Pit Stop II (C64, 1 -2 players, 500 Wii Points)
We say: do not download

While it may have been impressive when it released, Pit Stop II hasn't held up well. It's really monotonous and gets old fast. Even with a friend, it's little more than holding a button and steering left and right every now and then.

Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.

Tags: c64, commodore64, international-karate, pit-stop-2, the-last-ninja, vc-in-brief, virtual-console

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

ramuji @ Feb 23rd 2009 9:21PM

Wow, you really took a dump on that guy.

Atlantis1982 @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:36PM

Well I heard nothing but great things about The Last Ninja, but it is a game that can get you lost in no time.

David Hinkle @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:25PM

It looks like it is, definitely lengthy enough to give proper attention outside of my dumb videos.

pseth @ Feb 24th 2009 10:20AM

I remember playing the last ninja on my C64 - It was one of my favorite games. Of course - I was about 6 or 7 yrs. old at the time.

It does start out kind of rough (especially with the combat issues), but once you start picking up the nunchaku and other weapons it gets much more rewarding.

I think the big issue, and it was picked up on in the review, is that you never know what to do. There are lots of hidden items and objectives and nothing to tell you what they are. This made sense back in the day as it would artificially extend the length of a relatively short game. But compared to today's games, it just doesn't make much sense and can be quite frustrating.

Rocketboy @ Feb 24th 2009 12:50PM

The control in Last Ninja was always awful. Back then, we could excuse that away, because it was a freakin ninja game.

Now, not so much.

I just can't believe that Pit Stop II isn't fun anymore? Of course you need to play it two player, that's the only way it was ever fun.

That, and at the start of the race, try to rub your rear tire on your opponent's front tire. If you can force a blowout, it's an easy win.

Yes, I was a jerk.

Garu @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:48PM

I want the C64 game Pogo Joe!

milan @ Feb 24th 2009 2:00AM

Totally one of my favorite VCMMs in a while Dave.. WE LOVE YOU DAVE!
I'm still your #1 fan!

Pit Stop II: The game of my dreams... HAH!

David Hinkle @ Feb 24th 2009 2:44PM

Thanks a lot!

deaddays @ Feb 24th 2009 2:50AM

Great job DH! You pretty much affirmed my suspicions about these C64 VC games. International Karate might be worth the download, for the nostalgia factor though...

David Hinkle @ Feb 24th 2009 2:44PM

Much obliged, good sir.

Sean Aaron @ Feb 24th 2009 5:13AM

I have Paradroid and Jumpman -- quality.

Now, if they can put out Karateka and Conan, that would be awesome.

Mabui @ Feb 24th 2009 9:57AM

If they ever put the Summer, Winter, California, Knights - games on then I am totally sold. I have two classic controllers so, I suppose I could afford to break one. International Karate was a fun game, though, my "Fridge" is almost full so I don't know how much more I can download before trying to get new rockband tracks gets annoying.

Phil @ Feb 24th 2009 12:13PM

The last ninja controls did have a bit of a steep learning curve. If I remember you had to 'scroll' thru the directions to get him to turn or he would strafe. It was like doing the fireball in the SF games. For 5 bucks i might actually pick it up. I liked it when I was a kid.

Phil @ Feb 24th 2009 12:15PM

On a second thought they really should release Barbarian or Barbarian 2. A bit violent, but those games were great fighting. Also, Spy Vs Spy had some fun multi-player action.

Haohmaru @ Feb 24th 2009 2:45PM

I could've SWORN I played that Last Ninja game on NES as a kid. We never had a C64.

Speaking of ninja games, know what needs a re-release on the VC? Wrath of the Black Manta. I'd love to have a chance to avenge my many, many deaths at the hands of the final boss.