Joust

Joust is an arcade game released in 1982 by Williams Electronics, and was subsequently ported to the Atari 2600 in 1983. The game is set in a medieval fantasy world where the player controls a knight atop a flying ostrich, and must fight other knights in a tournament to become the champion.

The game has unique and innovative gameplay, combining elements of platformers and fighting games. The player controls the knight atop the ostrich, and must fight other knights by flying around the scenery and hitting them with the lance. The objective is to cause the enemy knight to be defeated and turn into an egg, which must be collected before it turns back into a knight. Additionally, the player must avoid obstacles in the scenery, such as fast-moving enemies and floating platforms that can disappear.

One of the most interesting features of Joust is the cooperative game mode, where two players can play together instead of competing against each other. This means players can work as a team to defeat enemies and win the game, making Joust a social and fun game to play with friends.

The game features simple but effective graphics that are well animated and colorful, and the game's soundtrack is lively and exciting. The gameplay is challenging and engaging, and easy to learn but difficult to master completely.

Joust is considered an Atari 2600 classic and is one of the most influential games in the platformer genre. It was well received by critics and the general public, and its success led to several sequels and imitators. Joust is also remembered for its unique and innovative gameplay, which continues to inspire many platform and fighting games to this day.

John Newcomer, Bill Pfutzenreuter, Jan Hendri

1982