Karate Champ is a 1986 fighting game for the NES that helped establish the 1-on-1 martial arts genre. Based on Data East’s pioneering arcade release, this classic title drops you into competitive, points-based karate matches where timing, precision, and distance matter more than flashy special moves. Whether facing the computer or a friend, you will compete across various scenic dojos and test your reflexes in unique bonus rounds.
How to Play
Your goal is to win matches by scoring points through successful strikes, with clean hits earning a full point (Ippon) and glancing blows earning a half-point (Waza-ari). The first fighter to reach two full points wins the round. The NES default controls use the D-pad for movement and jumping, while combining the A and B buttons with different directions executes your various punches, kicks, and sweeps (mapped to the arrow keys and Z/X on your keyboard).
Tips
- Master the Sweep: Low sweeps are highly effective for catching an approaching opponent off-guard and earning quick points.
- Play the Bonus Stages: Between matches, you will face bonus rounds where you must dodge or strike flying objects and even a charging bullโtiming your single strike perfectly is key to surviving.
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