Introduction
Released in 1984 by Atari, Return of the Jedi is the second arcade game in Atari’s original Star Wars trilogy. Unlike its vector-based predecessor Star Wars (1983), this game employed raster graphics and an isometric perspective to recreate key action scenes from the final film in the trilogy. With fast-paced vehicle levels and movie-accurate audio, it aimed to deliver a cinematic experience in arcade form.
Development and History
- Developer: Atari, Inc.
- Publisher: Atari, Inc.
- Release Date: 1984
- Platform: Atari System 1 (raster graphics)
Following the success of Star Wars (1983), Atari returned to the Star Wars universe with a bold visual shift for Return of the Jedi. Instead of reusing the vector graphics engine, the team opted for colorful raster graphics and an isometric viewpoint to better capture the diverse environments of Endor and the Death Star.
The game was developed by a team including Dennis Harper (programmer), Susan G. McBride (graphics), and Earl Vickers (audio). It stood apart from its predecessor in both visuals and gameplay. In 1985, Atari would later release The Empire Strikes Back as a conversion kit for the original Star Wars arcade cabinet.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Return of the Jedi consists of multiple scrolling levels based on famous scenes from the movie. Players control different vehicles and characters across three key sequences:
Key features:
- Speeder Bike Chase: Navigate Endor's forest as Princess Leia, avoiding trees and blasting scout troopers
- Millennium Falcon Escape: Fly through the Death Star’s core, dodging obstacles and escaping the explosion
- AT-ST Walker Sequence: Control Chewbacca in a hijacked walker, blasting enemy machines and turrets
- Isometric perspective with multi-directional scrolling
- Raster graphics allowed for colorful environments and animated character sprites
- Digitized sound samples from the movie, including character voice lines and music
- One-player game, joystick-controlled with a fire button
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Though not as iconic as the vector-based Star Wars arcade game, Return of the Jedi still holds a unique place in arcade history.
- Noted for its ambitious graphical shift and film-accurate sound
- Often remembered for its challenging speeder bike level and intense Death Star escape
- The change in perspective and gameplay style received mixed reactions from arcade fans
- Featured in various Star Wars arcade compilations and emulated on home systems like Atari Anthology
- Its release marked the midpoint of Atari’s arcade Star Wars trilogy, preceding The Empire Strikes Back (1985)
Fun Facts
- The Millennium Falcon level features a side view instead of isometric, briefly changing perspective
- Voice clips included lines from Han Solo and Princess Leia, rare for the time
- Players often had difficulty with the fast-scrolling trees in the Endor level
- The arcade flyer promoted it as “the most exciting adventure in the galaxy”
- Atari never developed an arcade game based on the prequel trilogy
Conclusion
Return of the Jedi delivered a bold departure from its predecessor with a new graphical style and vehicle-focused gameplay. While not as commercially successful as the original Star Wars arcade game, it remains a fascinating and nostalgic entry in Atari’s 1980s lineup, capturing the spirit of the final film with energy and color.