Play Karnov-mame Online
You play as a fire-breathing Russian strongman dodging floating heads and scorpions in short, punishing levels that feel like an arcade cabinet designed by a drunk genius.
Karnov, released in 1987 by Data East, is one of those arcade games that feels very much of its time. It came out when side-scrolling action games were still figuring out their identity, and it doesn't try to be anything more than a straightforward, challenging experience. You control a former circus performer turned treasure hunter, and the goal is simple: get through each stage and defeat the boss.
You guide Karnov through a series of side-scrolling levels, jumping across platforms and battling a strange assortment of enemies, from floating heads to giant scorpions. His main ability is breathing fire in short bursts, which you use to clear a path and take down foes. The game is screen by screen; you can't proceed until you've defeated every enemy in the current section, which forces a methodical pace. It's notoriously difficult, with limited continues and enemies that respawn quickly if you linger. Playing Karnov feels like a constant, frantic scramble to survive just a little bit longer.
Download Karnov-mame ROM
You can download this ROM to play Karnov-mame offline using an MAME (Arcade Emulator) emulator (Top Emulators).
*This ROM is provided for backup and educational purposes only.
