Karateka
From PRINCE OF PERSIA creator Jordan Mechner, the original side-scrolling karate classic comes to Steam with art by Jeff Matsuda (The Batman) and music by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin (CIVILIZATION IV).
- Released
- 1984
- Developer
- Jordan Mechner
- Platforms
- 1 systems
- Critics
- Not scored
- Steam Deck
- unsupported
- Download
- Not stated
What is Karateka?
From PRINCE OF PERSIA creator Jordan Mechner, the original side-scrolling karate classic comes to Steam with art by Jeff Matsuda (The Batman) and music by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin (CIVILIZATION IV).
Description as published by the developer on its own store page, read 30 August 2026. It is marketing copy, not our assessment.
The record
| First released | 1 January 1984 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Jordan Mechner |
| Publisher | Broderbund |
| Platforms | Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Genres | action game |
| Languages | 5 supported |
Source. Catalogue facts from Wikidata Q2353348, seeded 30 August 2026. Store data from Steam, read 30 August 2026.
How was Karateka received?
Method. Player figures are Steam's own totals for the PC version, read 30 August 2026. The Metacritic score is the one Steam publishes on its store page and can lag the site itself. Neither is our opinion. We have not published a review of this game.
What does it support?
| Capability | Support |
|---|---|
| Controller | Not stated |
| Cloud saves | No |
| Cross-platform play | No |
| Mod support | No official workshop |
| Online play | Single-player only |
| In-game purchases | No |
| Steam Deck | unsupported |
| Download size | Not stated |
| Add-on content | None listed |
| Age gate | None |
Method. Read from the publisher's Steam listing on 30 August 2026. Describes the PC version. Console versions differ.
What does it cost?
Steam price in US dollars, read 30 August 2026. Prices move hourly and vary by region. Check the current price.
Problems players report
We read the 68 most recent negative Steam reviews of Karateka on 30 August 2026 looking for recurring complaints. Nothing came up often enough to report: no theme was mentioned by more than 3% of them. That is not a claim that the game is bug-free, only that the people who disliked it were not agreeing about why.
Games like Karateka
24 games overlap with Karateka on the tags Steam players applied to it, on genre, and on theme. The closest are Geometry Dash, Streets of Rage 4 and Neighbours from Hell.
Common questions about Karateka
What platforms is Karateka on?
Karateka is available on Nintendo Entertainment System. It first released in 1984.
How much does Karateka cost?
$3.99 on Steam in the United States, read on 30 August 2026. Prices move often and vary by region, so check the store before buying.
Do players recommend Karateka?
72% of 394 Steam reviews are positive, which Steam rates Mostly Positive. That is players rating it, not our review. We have not published a review of this game.
Does Karateka work on Steam Deck?
Valve rates Karateka as unsupported on the Steam Deck, from its own testing.
Who made Karateka?
Karateka was developed by Jordan Mechner and published by Broderbund.