For those of you who can't handle hex-editors and such stuff, a full functional crcked version of Karateka can be found here:
h++p://rapidshare.de/files/25354765/KaratekaCRK.zip.htm

Hmm, I don't have my C64 (with original game! Woo!) with me, so I can't check this directly, but I do know the review is incorrect in saying "space is for side step." Just hit it and see: space switches you between your fighting stance and your running stance. (If I remember, it was the up arrow/up on joystick to go into running. Also . . . hmm, the C64 graphics were smoother, i.e., there was actually an animation to make said switch. And . . . why is there no sound?)

But getting back to controls, don't forget the bow button: hit "b" while in the running stance to bow to your opponent.

--Rexfelum

Sorry to double-post, but I was clearly wrong about the "no animation when switching between your fighting stance and your running stance" thing. It would seem I was thinking of something else.

--Rexfelum

The HEX edit trick did the job! But it's so hard playing! What's a good strategy (should I move forward when I punch/kick? What's the difference between the different moves? Etc.)? And I so wish there would be a jumping kick!

Forget it! Your HEX edit did nothing, nothing! With or without it, I only see the prompt once I enter the princess' room! I don't even know which prompt is there besides that one.

Ok, sorry, sorry. Your HEX edit DOES fix the first prompt (which is shown only if I don't press anything in the start), but not the second one (and believe me I clicked anything once I entered that room).

If anyone does get a properly hacked version let us know. I'm positive Abandonia would like to host it.

Ok, there's another way to solve this. You just need to add 2 files to the archive. You can find them in the 1994 version (which the Underdogs have, but it's crippled - the keyboard gets stuck on level 2 and it can't be run at all without mounting drive a in DOSBox).

The files are TITLE.BCG and PRNGAL.
The former removes the opening prompt and the latter the ending one.

So no need for HEX edit! Just add those 2 files to your archive! I can send them over if you like.

We'd most appreciate that.

Me sending it over? To where? Well, I can just tell you privately where to get those 2 files...