Budokan is a Japanese Martial arts game that was quite unique for it's time. You start out able to visit several Dojos, each of a different form. For example, one dojo is sparring with hands & feet, one for nunchuku, bo, kendo stick, etc. Each time you enter a dojo you spar the one opponent until one of you have been knocked out. Fighting has several key elements. One major example is your Ki. Ki is the Japanese form of Chi or "energy, force, etc".
You start out with full Ki at the beginning of each fight, but as you move and strike your Ki falls. Thus, the more attacks you throw, the less powerful they become. Ki builds quite quickly and the more life you have, the faster it builds. Blocking takes very little (if any) Ki but robs your opponent of extra Ki if you block his blow. This is set up for obvious strategy reasons and is realistic.
After you have become proficient in all forms you may move to the Northern building and enter the tournament. Here you will face several opponents using different forms, styles, and weapons (many of which you do not have available). The opponents rank easy, too hard and go up sequentially.
Before
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every fight, you will get an info sheet on your opponent listing various information and dawning their picture. At this screen, one of the most important things listed is the form they use. At this same screen, you get to pick which form YOU wish to use (unarmed, nunchuku, bo, etc.). You only get to use each form 3 times each during the tournament. You will notice each of your forms have 3 blue dots next to them. Each time you use that particular form, a blue dot will disappear. This helps you keep track of how many uses you have left for each form. Try to utilize the form you are least talented at early on. This way, when the difficult opponents step to the mat, you will be as prepared as you can be. Use strategy when picking your form. For example, if you have trouble beating someone using Nunchuku, try using a long ranged weapon (such as a Bo). This system prevents players from mastering a single form and using it to win the entire tournament. Instead, one must be well versed in all forms to win. The graphics were quite good for the time the game was released and the replay value on this game is very high. Play and enjoy!
