Joust (USA)

In Joust, players control a brave knight riding a flying ostrich or stork, engaging in thrilling aerial battles. Your primary objective is to defeat all enemy knights, typically riding buzzards, in each wave of the game.

The combat mechanics in Joust are quite unique: you must attack enemies from above. If your lance makes contact with an opponent at a higher vertical position, the opponent will be defeated and turn into an egg. Conversely, if you collide from below or at the same level, you might bounce off or even be defeated yourself. There are various types of enemies with distinct behaviors, including the Bounder, Hunter, and Shadow Lord, each requiring different tactical approaches.

The game environment features floating platforms and a dangerous lava pit at the bottom. Falling into the lava will result in losing a life, unless a giant hand quickly grabs you and pulls you back to safety. When an enemy is defeated, they transform into an egg that falls to the ground. Your task is to collect these eggs before they hatch into new enemies. Collecting all eggs in a wave grants a significant bonus score.

Joust also supports a two-player mode, allowing you to cooperate or compete with a friend. The game controls are straightforward: use the D-pad on the NES controller to move left/right and the A button to flap your wings and ascend. The game's difficulty gradually increases with each wave, requiring players to possess quick reflexes and strategic thinking to progress.