Super Mario Bros. Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
Karnov
Certified classic
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1987 |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | SAS Sakata |
| Publisher | Data East |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 10 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, Karnov is a platformer developed by SAS Sakata and published by Data East.
It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man.
SAS Sakata also made Boulder Dash and Karate Champ for the NES.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Karnov is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Karnov cheats & codes
66 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | SXKISXVK |
|---|---|
| Freeze Timer | GZVZNIVG |
| Gain 3 Of Most Items | LEEGOYPA |
| Never Lose Most Items | AEOKSYPA |
| Start On Stage 2 | PAUSAAAA |
| Start On Stage 3 | ZAUSAAAA |
Karnov walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Karnov.
If you like Karnov, the Matrix also picks…
Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Super Mario Bros. 2 Classic
Ice Climber Classic Co-op
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse Classic
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers Classic Co-op
DuckTales Classic
Kirby's Adventure Classic
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.
Karnov FAQ
When did Karnov come out on the NES?
Karnov was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987.
Who made Karnov?
It was developed by SAS Sakata and published by Data East.
Is Karnov multiplayer?
No. Karnov is a single-player game.
How long does Karnov take to play?
As a platformer, Karnov 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 Karnov 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.