Summary
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
Jogger (1983)
Jogger is a simple but addictive arcade game released in 1983 by Bally Midway. The player controls a jogger who must run through a forest, avoiding obstacles and collecting power-ups. The game is notable for its simple graphics and gameplay, but it is surprisingly challenging and rewarding.
Gameplay
The player controls the jogger with a joystick. The jogger can run left or right, and jump over obstacles. The player must avoid obstacles such as trees, rocks, and logs. The player can also collect power-ups, such as speed boosts and invincibility stars.
The game is played in a single-screen format. The player must run from the left side of the screen to the right side of the screen to complete the level. The game gets progressively more difficult as the player progresses, with more obstacles and faster enemies.
Development
Jogger was developed by Bally Midway, a company that was known for its arcade games in the 1980s. The game was designed by Dave Needle and programmed by Ed Rotberg. Jogger was one of the first arcade games to use a trackball controller, which allowed players to control the jogger’s movement with greater precision.
Release
Jogger was released in arcades in 1983. The game was a commercial success, and it was ported to several home computers, including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
Reception
Jogger was well-received by critics and players alike. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, and its challenging difficulty. Jogger was also praised for its innovative use of a trackball controller.
Jogger has been cited as an influence on later arcade games, such as Paperboy and Spy Hunter. The game is also considered to be one of the first examples of the “endless runner” genre, which has become popular in recent years with games such as Temple Run and Subway Surfers.
Legacy
Jogger is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay and challenging difficulty make it a great choice for a quick burst of retro gaming. Jogger is also a significant historical artifact, as it was one of the first arcade games to use a trackball controller and one of the first examples of the “endless runner” genre.
Tips and tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed at Jogger:
- Use the trackball controller to precisely control the jogger’s movement.
- Stay in the center of the screen to avoid obstacles.
- Collect power-ups to help you progress through the game.
- Don’t give up! Jogger is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding.
Conclusion
Jogger is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay and challenging difficulty make it a great choice for a quick burst of retro gaming. Jogger is also a significant historical artifact, as it was one of the first arcade games to use a trackball controller and one of the first examples of the “endless runner” genre. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then you owe it to yourself to check out Jogger.
Review Score
7/10
