Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge (1988)
Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge is a platformer video game developed and published by Ocean Software in 1988. The game is based on the Olympic decathlon and features the British decathlete Daley Thompson. The player controls Thompson as he competes in a variety of Olympic events, including the 100-meter dash, long jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, and 1500-meter run.
The game was released on a variety of home computers, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and Atari ST. It was also released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge is a side-scrolling platformer game. The player controls Thompson as he runs, jumps, and throws his way through a variety of Olympic events. The game is divided into ten levels, each of which represents a different event. The player must complete each event within a certain time limit in order to progress to the next level.
The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn. The player uses the joystick to move Thompson left and right, and the fire button to jump and throw. The player can also use the joystick to control the direction and power of Thompson’s throws.
The game’s physics are realistic and challenging. Thompson’s movements are affected by gravity and momentum, and he must carefully time his jumps and throws in order to succeed. The game also features a variety of obstacles, such as hurdles, walls, and water hazards.
Events
The ten events in Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge are:
- 100-meter dash
- Long jump
- High jump
- Pole vault
- Shot put
- Discus throw
- Javelin throw
- 1500-meter run
Each event is unique and requires the player to use different skills and strategies. For example, the 100-meter dash is a test of speed and reaction time, while the long jump is a test of timing and accuracy. The pole vault is a test of strength and coordination, while the shot put is a test of power and precision.
Graphics and sound
The graphics in Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge are colorful and detailed. The game’s backgrounds are varied and interesting, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and motivating.
Legacy
Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge is considered to be one of the best Olympic video games ever made. The game’s challenging gameplay, realistic physics, and charming graphics have made it a favorite among retro gamers. The game has also been praised for its accurate representation of the Olympic decathlon.
Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge has been ported to a variety of modern platforms, including the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii. The game is also available on mobile devices.
Conclusion
Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge is a classic platformer game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, realistic physics, and charming graphics have made it a favorite among retro gamers. The game is also a great way to learn about the Olympic decathlon.
Whether you’re a fan of Olympic sports, platformer games, or retro gaming, Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge is a game that you should definitely check out.
Review Score
7/10