All-Star Karate offers a couple of different control options.  You can play with the Wii-mote in your right hand and your nunchuk in your left hand, or try using a Wii-mote in each hand.

The game gets confusing right from the start though, because the right and left hand icons telling you which controller to use are nearly identical, save for an enlarged fist on each side.  In the heat of battle when learning moves, or when learning a new “kata” routine, it’s extremely easy to confuse which hand you are supposed to be using.

The game is presented with a very cheesy 80’s movie style plot featuring stationary drawings that are lightly animated.  Although the game seems to know that it is all a bit silly to pretend that you are fighting off a ninja attack while watching movies, it still makes the game feel like a cheap movie, and doesn’t help the game’s quality.

The on-screen icons telling you with which hand to punch or kick are extremely confusing, and something we never fully got used to.  A couple times we had to cut our play session short and had to turn the Wii off, yet we couldn’t save, so we were forced to re-play a lot of levels.

All-Star Karate has a good premise, but there’s just too many things that make it difficult to enjoy.  From a confusing control scheme to an overly-cheesy story and animations, the only thing your family will probably smay end up sharing together with this one is frustration.

INFORMATION FROM COMPANY FACT SHET

Perform real karate moves in the all new All Star Karate. Train to defeat a villainous ninja under the (often humorous) guidance of your Sensei. Experience the excitement of competition and the achievement of earning a new belt!

•Wii Centered Gameplay: Choose between using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk or two Wii Remotes to play out different karate moves. Optionally, the Wii MotionPlus can be used to enhance the experience further in key game environments.
•Unlock As You Train: Develop your skills in Career Mode to unlock new challenges and awards. Work your way through the 7 different colored belts until you achieve black!
•Real-life Application: Players are taught real karate terminology and history in a fun and interactive way. The aim is to encourage youngsters to explore the discipline and practice of karate.
•Humor All The Way: Catch the random buzzing flies, and slap your Sensei when he starts to nod off. Learning karate couldn’t be more fun!
•Multiplayer Fun: Challenge your friends and family to sparring matches and more. Who will triumph?