Karate Fighter is a 80's classic game remake. Uses gameplay elements found in both side-scrolling 2D platformers and fighting games.

The player is introduced to the unnamed hero as he ascends a mountain into Takuma's fortress to rescue Princess Makiko. As the player directs the hero into the fortress, various foes appear and attempt to stop him. Once in a fighting stance, the player punches and kicks at each enemy, while trying to dodge their attacks. The player's health, shown by a bar on the bottom of the screen, loses a notch for every hit taken, though health is recovered slowly by not engaging in combat. Should the player lose all his health, the game is over, requiring the player to start again. The enemy's health bar is shown on the screen as well; once theirs is drained, the player has defeated him and can progress forward.

In addition to human enemies, Takuma occasionally sends his trained hawk to attack the player, which can be deflected with well-timed punches or kicks. There are some environmental hazards that the player can come upon, such as an open cliffside or a falling portcullis, which end the game immediately if not avoided. Throughout the game, cut scenes are shown, displaying such scenes as Takuma ordering his men to attack the player, and Makiko nervously awaiting her fate.

Eventually, the player will reach and face Takuma in a final conflict. Once Takuma is defeated, the player is able to rescue Makiko. If the player gets too close while still in his fighting stance, the princess will kill him in one blow. Once Makiko is freed, she and the player leave the fortress together.