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Karnov is a side-scrolling action game released by Data East in 1987. It first launched on arcades, then was ported to home platforms like the NES. The protagonist is Jinborov Karnovski, or Karnov for short, a former Soviet circus strongman who can shoot fireballs. Players control Karnov through nine unique levels to hunt for a legendary treasure. Each stage is packed with monsters and obstacles, including sword-wielding monks, dinosaurs, elves, jumping fish-men, gargoyles, tree monsters, will-o'-the-wisps, rock creatures, centipede women, and ostrich-riding skeleton warriors. Karnov can walk, jump, and attack enemies with fireballs. Collecting red orbs upgrades his fireball attack, letting him fire up to three at once. Each level ends with one or more bosses; defeating them grants a treasure map piece. Finally, Karnov faces the powerful "Wizard" boss, who guards the final map fragment leading to the treasure. The game offers various items: jump boots boost jumping ability, ladders help climb high places, boomerangs deal heavy damage, the octagonal thunderbolt clears all on-screen enemies at once, glasses reveal hidden treasures, diving suits let you move fast underwater, wings allow flight in specific areas, shields block enemy attacks, collecting 50 K-cards gives an extra life, bombs destroy obstacles, and strength pills boost stamina and combat power. With its unique character design and rich gameplay, Karnov became one of the most popular action games of its era.