Overview and Gameplay
Mounted on a flying ostrich-like steed, you battle enemy knights across single-screen arenas where height decides every collision. Joust is the 1988 NES conversion of Williams Electronics’ 1982 arcade game, developed for Nintendo hardware by HAL Laboratory. Defeat riders by meeting them with your lance above theirs, then collect the eggs they leave before new enemies hatch.
Waves introduce faster Bounders, Hunters, and Shadow Lords, while collapsing platforms, exposed lava, the Lava Troll, and time-pressuring Pterodactyls increase the danger. Score comes from defeating enemies, collecting eggs in sequence, and catching falling eggs in midair. Extra lives are awarded as the score rises.
Controls And Mechanics
- Use the directional pad to steer across the horizontally wrapping arena.
- Tap A for an individual wing flap or hold B for continuous flapping.
- Attacks occur through positioning rather than a separate attack button.
- Game A provides the easier setting, while Game B is intended for experienced players.
- Two players can compete simultaneously, clear enemies together, or knock each other from their mounts.
Version Notes
The USA release uses the title Joust and includes revised title, copyright, menu, and presentation graphics compared with the earlier Japanese Famicom release.
Release And Credits
- NES release: 1988
- Developer: HAL Laboratory
- Publisher: HAL America
- Original platform: Arcade
