Using the 'interactive museum' format of ATARI 50 as a template, Digital Eclipse is starting a series of smaller releases focusing on single games, and this is the debut. I love this idea, and there's no better proof that it's a good one than me being totally into this despite not caring at all about KARATEKA previously.

Standout features in this newest DE effort are full-length commentaries from the original creators over gameplay and a neat interactive overlay where you can directly compare the different elements of developing the character animation, from video reference to sketches to rough sprites to final graphics. Little hiccups like some slightly amateurish production in the interviews (overwrought original music throughout, and the lion's share of content with Mechner and his father coming from a single interview seemingly captured by someone with vertigo who had never held a camera before) can be excused and will presumably be improved upon as the series continues.

Even though this is a cheaper, smaller scale release, I was a bit surprised to see it stop where it did, featuring only the three major computer versions of the game. No NES version? I feel like a little more exploration of the game's legacy might be warranted.

But again, this is a great start to something. Can't imagine how hype I will be if they announce that they're doing, like, DOOM next or something else I actually like.