Arkanoid Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Fighting
Karateka
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1985 (originally 1984) |
| Genre | Action, Fighting |
| Developer | Brøderbund Software |
| Publisher | Soft Pro International |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 5 |
Developed by Brøderbund Software and published by Soft Pro International, Karateka arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985 as an action game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1984. It blends action and fighting elements.
It belongs to the NES's earliest wave of games. Other notable NES releases from 1985 include Super Mario Bros., Excitebike and Ice Climber.
Brøderbund Software also made Prince of Persia, Championship Lode Runner and Choplifter for the NES.
Karateka is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
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 cheats & codes
13 codes on file (Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Emulator memory codes codes to start with:
| Easy Win | 0229:01 |
|---|---|
| Infinite Energy | 0209:0F |
| Completes Each Stage For You | 0201:FF |
| Action Modifier | 0205:00 |
| Enemy Action Modifier | 0225:00 |
| Stage (Background) Horizontal Control | 0012:00 |
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 NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Karateka FAQ
When did Karateka come out on the NES?
Karateka was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985; the original game dates back to 1984.
Who made Karateka?
It was developed by Brøderbund Software and published by Soft Pro International.
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 "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. 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.