Play Karnov Online

Summary

Playing as Jinborov Karnovski – the fire‑breathing ex‑circus strongman often just called Karnov – feels like stepping into a retro comic strip. The NES version keeps his mysterious Central Asian roots from the arcade flyer and later Karnov’s Revenge, while the pixel art adds a gritty charm. Design and audio came from Data East, but the programming was handled by SAS Sakata, giving the game a distinct feel from its arcade sibling. Red orbs scattered through the stages let you boost his fireball attack, eventually letting three blazing projectiles fly at once.

A notable twist on the NES is the two‑hit health system: a single hit turns Karnov blue before he falls, adding tension to each jump. The classic Super Fireball becomes a Spike Bomb, and the Trolley is swapped for a handy Shield. Levels four and eight diverge from the arcade layout, and the climactic showdown pits you against a three‑headed dragon instead of the original wizard. Unlike the Famicom’s limited continues and grim Game‑Over montage, the NES offers unlimited continues and even a hidden continue cheat (Select + Start), keeping the action going long after the first defeat.

Storyline

Karnov, the fire‑breathing ex‑circus strongman, is the hero of the NES title Karnov. He journeys through nine distinct levels, hunting for the ultimate treasure while battling a bizarre roster of foes. Enemies include sword‑wielding monks, dinosaurs, djinn, hopping fish men, gargoyles, tree monsters, will‑o‑wisps, rock creatures, centipede women, and even ostrich‑riding skeleton warriors.

Each stage ends with a boss that drops a fragment of a treasure map. Collecting all nine pieces is the key to reaching the final prize. In the arcade version the last guardian is the Wizard, but the NES version swaps it for a massive three‑headed dragon.

When the map is complete, Karnov can claim the ultimate treasure that has driven his quest from the start, wrapping up a colorful adventure that blends classic platforming with a wildly eclectic monster gallery.