Karateka 7800 box art

Atari 7800 · Action

Karateka

SystemAtari 7800
GenreAction
DeveloperBrøderbund Software
PublisherAtari
Players1 player
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 6

Developed by Brøderbund Software and published by Atari, Karateka arrived on the Atari 7800 as an action game.

Among the 14 7800 action games in our database, it ranks #3 by legacy score.

Brøderbund Software also made Choplifter for the 7800.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Karateka is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Karateka gameplay screenshot on 7800
In-game screenshot (7800)

Karateka walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Karateka.

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Playing 7800 games today

The 7800 has a compact library with a handful of standout arcade ports and a lively homebrew scene. The Atari 2600+ and 7800+ reissues play original 7800 cartridges over HDMI.

Karateka FAQ

Who made Karateka?

It was developed by Brøderbund Software and published by Atari.

Is Karateka multiplayer?

No. Karateka is a single-player game.

How long does Karateka take to play?

As an action game, Karateka typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Karateka on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you