Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Simulator
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Wii
- Developers: Epyx
- Publishers: IBM
Jumpman (1983): A Classic Platformer That’s Still Fun Today
Jumpman is a platform game written by Randy Glover and released by Epyx in 1983. Originally developed for the Atari 8-bit family, versions were also released for the Commodore 64, Apple II, IBM PC, and ColecoVision.
The game is simple but addictive, with challenging levels and tight controls. Players control Jumpman, a small, blue character wearing a red hat and overalls. Jumpman must jump and climb his way through a series of levels, avoiding enemies and collecting keys to open doors.
Jumpman was one of the first platformers to feature multiple levels, and its innovative gameplay helped to define the genre. The game was also one of the first to use a joystick, which gave players more precise control over Jumpman’s movements.
Jumpman was a critical and commercial success, and it has been praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of a joystick. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.
Gameplay
Jumpman is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Jumpman as he jumps and climbs his way through a series of levels. The goal of each level is to reach the exit door, which is typically located at the top of the screen.
Jumpman can jump, climb ladders, and shoot enemies. He can also collect keys to open doors. The game features a variety of enemies, including spiders, bats, and ghosts.
The levels in Jumpman are challenging, but they are also fair. The player must carefully time their jumps and climbs in order to avoid falling or being hit by enemies. The game also features a number of secret areas that can be accessed by finding hidden passages.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Jumpman are simple but effective. The characters and backgrounds are all rendered in a colorful, cartoonish style. The game’s music is also catchy and memorable.
Controls
Jumpman is controlled using a joystick. The joystick controls Jumpman’s movement and jumping. The player can also press the fire button to shoot enemies.
Legacy
Jumpman is a classic platformer that helped to define the genre. The game’s challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of a joystick have made it a favorite of retro gamers for decades.
Jumpman has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it remains popular with retro gamers today. The game is also available on modern platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
Conclusion
Jumpman is a classic platformer that’s still fun to play today. It’s simple but addictive, with challenging levels and tight controls. If you’re a fan of retro games, you owe it to yourself to check out Jumpman!
Tips for Playing Jumpman
Here are a few tips for playing Jumpman:
- Take your time and learn the levels. The levels in Jumpman are challenging, but they are also fair. The player must carefully time their jumps and climbs in order to avoid falling or being hit by enemies.
- Use the joystick to control Jumpman’s movement and jumping. The joystick gives players more precise control over Jumpman’s movements than the keyboard.
- Shoot enemies when they are close to you. Jumpman can shoot enemies by pressing the fire button. The player should shoot enemies when they are close to Jumpman in order to avoid being hit.
- Collect keys to open doors. Keys are scattered throughout the levels in Jumpman. The player must collect keys in order to open doors and progress through the game.
- Find secret areas. The levels in Jumpman feature a number of secret areas that can be accessed by finding hidden passages. These secret areas often contain power-ups or extra lives.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to master Jumpman and become a platforming pro!
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
