International Karate+ is a 2D karate fighting game, but with three combatants instead of two. Taking control of one of the three karate experts, players must fight against the other two in timed rounds. The other two karate experts are fighting against each other as well, creating a three way fight situation.

Each fighter starts with an empty gauge that can record up to five points. Every time a fighter makes a successful attack on either of the two other fighters he earns a point in his gauge, as well as a score depending on the technique. The first fighter to get five full points is the winner of the round, but the fighter with the second highest point total can continue to fight in the next round. If none of the fighters are able to score five points before the timer runs down then the two fighters with the highest point totals move on to the next round, while the third fighter is dropped. In the case of a point tie the fighter with the higher cumulative score is the winner.

Between rounds players can engage in a mini-game which involves holding a shield and deflecting balls bouncing into the screen from both directions. Players can hold the shield facing either direction and at one of three heights. The goal is to deflect as many balls as possible without letting one slip through.

In two-player games two players can fight against each other at the same time, with the third fighter being controlled by the computer. The rules are the same as in the one-player game. ~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide