Jumpman Junior Explained

Jumpman Junior
Developer:Epyx
Publisher:Epyx
Designer:Randy Glover
Platforms:Atari 8-bit, ColecoVision, Commodore 64
Released:1983: Atari 8-bit, C64
1984: ColecoVision
Genre:Platform
Modes:Single-player

Jumpman Junior is a platform game written by Randy Glover and published by Epyx in 1983 for the Atari 8-bit computers and Commodore 64.[1] In 1984, a port was released for ColecoVision in Australia, France, Germany, Italy and the UK. It is a follow-up to Jumpman (1983). While Jumpman has 30 levels, Jumpman Junior has 12–all of which are different from the previous game. The game was reduced in scope so it could be released in cartridge form.

Gameplay

Jumpman Junior has the same gameplay as Jumpman but with new levels. The goal is to disarm the bombs before they explode. To reach the bombs the player must navigate up platforms, ladders, and ropes by jumping and climbing.[2] Each level has a different theme and different obstacles. There are 12 levels and 8 game speeds.[2]

Reception

Antic liked the "excellent" graphics, and faulted it only for the way it started over from the beginning after losing a life.[3] Electronic Games started its review by calling the original Jumpman "a genuine classic" with levels that were "a coherently-written collection of some of the most interesting play mechanics ever devised." They conclude that the new version is "so good—the playfields are reminiscent of the original, but are all new—that even veteran Jumpmen should check it out."[4] InfoWorld's Essential Guide to Atari Computers cited it as a standout among Epyx's arcade games.[5]

Computer and Video Games rated the ColecoVision version 89% in 1989.[6]

Legacy

In 2004, Jumpman Junior was re-released on the C64 Direct-to-TV.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Dillon. Roberto. Ready: A Commodore 64 Retrospective. 3 December 2014. Springer. 9789812873415. 29 August 2016. en.
  2. Book: Weiss. Brett. Classic Home Video Games, 1972-1984: A Complete Reference Guide. 20 December 2011. McFarland. 9780786487554. 29 August 2016. en.
  3. Faughn . David . March 1984 . Product Reviews . Antic.
  4. Jumpman Junior . Electronic Games . May 1984 .
  5. Book: Mace, Scott . InfoWorld's Essential Guide to Atari Computers . 1984 . Harper & Row . 1984 . 978-0-06-669006-3 . 75.
  6. Complete Games Guide . . 16 October 1989 . Complete Guide to Consoles . 46–77 .
  7. Web site: Commodore 64: 30 Games in One Joystick . Amazon .