Truly the worst way to die

Oct-13-06, 8:44 pm by Hanford
File under: Video games

I happened to watch ScrewAttack's top 10 worst ways to die in a video game video today. However, they missed what I feel was the most embarassing, frustrating kill of all time. Karateka: getting kicked in the groin by the princess after you defeat the final boss.

For those who don't remember, Karateka was perhaps the first ever fighting game for the Apple II and Commodore 64. You worked your way through battle after battle to rescue the princess from the evil Akuma. The game had no save feature and only one life, so you had to start from the beginning every time. If you managed to defeat Akuma and his falcon, you'd be greeted by the princess. However, if you forgot to step out of fighting stance, she'd drop you with one swift kick to the groin, and your character would crumble down to the ground in a world of hurt. You lost all your health, and the game would be over. After defeating the final boss. By a princess. With one blow.

I still remember the day I had won every battle and felled Akuma, and I thought I had finished the game, only to be taken out by that chick's self defense move. Little did I know at the time it was a metaphor for the hardships of Life. That is truly the worst way to die in a video game. Okay, back to work.

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