Introduction

Joust is one of the most unique and memorable arcade games from the golden age of gaming. Released in 1982 by Williams Electronics, Joust stands out for its innovative mechanics, cooperative and competitive multiplayer gameplay, and whimsical theme. Players take control of knights riding flying ostriches, battling enemies in a fast-paced, gravity-defying arena. Let’s dive into the history, gameplay, and lasting legacy of this timeless arcade classic.

The History of Joust

Joust was designed by John Newcomer, who sought to create a game that broke away from the popular space shooter genre of the time. Inspired by medieval combat and the idea of unique mounts, Joust introduced a fresh concept that captivated arcade audiences. Its success cemented Williams Electronics’ reputation as a leader in innovative arcade game design.

Key Facts:

• Release Year: 1982
• Developer: Williams Electronics
• Designer: John Newcomer
• Platform: Arcade cabinets, later ported to home consoles

Cultural Impact: Joust was groundbreaking in its introduction of cooperative gameplay that could also become competitive, fostering unique interactions between players. Its quirky theme and accessible mechanics made it a hit in arcades worldwide.

Gameplay and Objectives

In Joust, players control a knight riding a flying ostrich, flapping their way across a lava-filled arena. The objective is to defeat waves of enemy knights while avoiding hazards like lava trolls and pterodactyls. Players must land on enemies from a higher position to defeat them while collecting eggs dropped by vanquished foes.

Gameplay Features:

• Unique Movement: Players must flap their mounts’ wings to control altitude, adding a challenging yet intuitive mechanic to the gameplay.
• Enemies: The arena is populated by enemy knights riding buzzards, divided into three types:
• Hazards: Players must avoid lava pits, lava trolls that pull knights into the lava, and the fearsome pterodactyl that appears if a wave takes too long to complete.
• Multiplayer Mode: Two players can team up to clear waves, but they can also collide and inadvertently knock each other out, adding an element of strategy and rivalry.

Tip for Players: Focus on maintaining height superiority over enemies, as this ensures your attacks will land successfully while avoiding their counters.

Unique Features and Innovations

Joust stood out from other arcade games of its era due to its fresh approach to combat, physics-based flying mechanics, and emphasis on cooperative gameplay.

Key Innovations:

• Physics-Based Flight: The flap mechanic required players to master timing and rhythm to control their altitude, creating a unique challenge that was simple to understand but hard to master.
• Cooperative and Competitive Gameplay: The two-player mode encouraged teamwork, but friendly fire and shared resources could lead to playful competition.
• Dynamic Arena: The shifting platforms and environmental hazards, like rising lava, kept gameplay engaging and unpredictable.

Strategies for High Scores

• Master Flapping: Practice controlling your mount’s altitude with precision to outmaneuver enemies and avoid hazards.
• Clear Waves Quickly: Defeat enemies before the pterodactyl appears, as it’s difficult to kill and can derail your progress.
• Team Tactics: In multiplayer mode, communicate with your partner to divide the arena and avoid collisions.

Fun Facts

• Original Idea: Designer John Newcomer initially considered other mounts, such as horses or dragons, but chose ostriches for their humor and uniqueness.
• Hidden Easter Egg: If you score over 9,999,999 points, the game resets to zero, a rare occurrence for even the best players.
• Cultural References: Joust has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and other games, solidifying its status as a cultural icon.

Conclusion

Joust remains a timeless arcade classic that combines originality, charm, and challenging gameplay. Its unique mechanics and emphasis on cooperative play have left a lasting legacy in the world of gaming. Whether you’re reliving the magic of the golden age of arcades or discovering it for the first time, Joust offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s as fun today as it was in 1982.

Explore More

Love arcade classics? Check out our guides on Miss Pac-Man, Defender, and Asteroids to learn more about the games that defined a generation.