Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: Atari 8-bit
- Publishers: Synapse Software Corporation
Claim Jumper (1982): The Gold Rush Arcade Classic
Claim Jumper is a 1982 arcade game developed by Bally Midway. It is a two-player game in which the players control cowboys in a Western town during the gold rush. The goal of the game is to collect gold bars and deposit them in your bank before your opponent does.
The game is played on a single screen, which is divided into two halves. Each player has their own half of the screen, and they can only move within their own half. Gold bars randomly spawn on the screen, and the players must collect them by walking over them.
Once a player has collected a gold bar, they must take it to the assay office. The assay office is located in the center of the screen, and it converts gold bars into money. The players can then deposit their money in their bank, which is located in the corner of their half of the screen.
The first player to deposit ten bundles of money in their bank wins the game.
Gameplay
Claim Jumper is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. The game is fast-paced and chaotic, and there is a lot to keep track of. The players must constantly be aware of their surroundings, and they must be able to react quickly to changing situations.
One of the most important things to keep in mind in Claim Jumper is the location of the gold bars. The gold bars spawn randomly on the screen, so the players must be constantly scanning the screen for them. Once a player has spotted a gold bar, they must quickly move to collect it before their opponent does.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the location of the assay office and the bank. The players must be able to quickly and efficiently move between these two locations in order to convert their gold bars into money and deposit their money in the bank.
The players can also shoot each other in Claim Jumper. If a player is shot, they will be stunned for a few seconds. This gives the other player an opportunity to collect some gold bars or deposit some money in the bank.
Strategy
There are a few different strategies that players can use to win at Claim Jumper. One strategy is to focus on collecting gold bars. This strategy is risky, because the other player can easily shoot you and steal your gold bars. However, if you are able to collect enough gold bars, you can quickly build up a lead over your opponent.
Another strategy is to focus on shooting your opponent. This strategy is less risky than focusing on collecting gold bars, but it is also less effective. If you are able to shoot your opponent multiple times, you can prevent them from collecting gold bars and depositing money in the bank.
The best strategy for Claim Jumper is to find a balance between collecting gold bars and shooting your opponent. You need to be able to collect enough gold bars to build up a lead over your opponent, but you also need to be able to shoot your opponent to prevent them from catching up.
Reception
Claim Jumper was a popular arcade game in the early 1980s. It was praised for its fast-paced and chaotic gameplay, and it was also one of the first arcade games to feature two-player cooperative play. Claim Jumper was also a commercial success, selling over 10,000 arcade cabinets.
Claim Jumper has been ported to a number of different home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System. The home versions of the game were not as well-received as the arcade version, but they were still popular with fans of the game.
Claim Jumper is still considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s. It is a fun and challenging game that is perfect for a quick dose of Wild West action.
Legacy
Claim Jumper has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s fast-paced and chaotic gameplay has been imitated by many other games, and its two-player cooperative play has become a staple of the arcade genre. Claim Jumper is also one of the first games to feature a Western setting, and it helped to popularize the genre.
Claim Jumper is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a fun and challenging game that is perfect for a quick dose of Wild West action.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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