International Karate + GBA box art

Game Boy Advance · Fighting

International Karate +

Deep cut

SystemGame Boy Advance
Released2003 (originally 1987)
GenreFighting
DeveloperIgnition Entertainment
PublisherIgnition Entertainment
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
ESRBE
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 3

Developed by Ignition Entertainment, International Karate + arrived on the Game Boy Advance in 2003 as a fighting game. Depending on the region, you may also know it as IK+. This GBA release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987.

It landed about 2 years into the GBA's life. Other notable GBA releases from 2003 include Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Sonic Battle. Among the 29 GBA fighting games in our database, it ranks #13 by legacy score.

Ignition Entertainment also made Monster! Bass Fishing, Pinball Tycoon and Stadium Games for the GBA.

International Karate + supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

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)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you've played the GBA hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer story-driven games or have no one to play against

What playing International Karate + is like

Fighting games pit two characters against each other in short one-on-one bouts. Depth comes from learning special moves, combos and each character's strengths.

Tip for newcomers: Pick one character and learn their basic special moves before branching out. Fighting games are at their best against a friend at a similar skill level.

International Karate + gameplay screenshot on GBA
In-game screenshot (GBA)

International Karate + walkthroughs & guides

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

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Playing GBA games today

The GBA is one of the best-value retro libraries around, with deep RPGs and tactics games that suit portable play. A growing selection is on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and Rec0m88 supports GBA if you own the games.

International Karate + FAQ

When did International Karate + come out on the GBA?

International Karate + was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003; the original game dates back to 1987.

Who made International Karate +?

It was developed by Ignition Entertainment.

Is International Karate + multiplayer?

Yes. International Karate + supports up to 2 players.

How long does International Karate + take to play?

As a fighting game, International Karate + 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 International Karate + 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.

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