Joust (1992-)

• Developer: Williams Electronics

• Publisher: Shadowsoft

• Genre: Action

Joust for the Atari Lynx was developed by Williams Electronics and released in 1992, with Shadowsoft serving as publisher. The game was a handheld adaptation of the classic 1982 arcade title by Williams, bringing the unique flying combat gameplay to the Lynx. This version aimed to replicate the original arcade experience while taking advantage of the Lynx’s color display and smooth sprite handling. It was not ported to other systems in this form, making it a distinctive entry in the Lynx library.

In Joust, players control a knight riding a flying ostrich, battling waves of enemy knights on buzzards. Its inspiration came directly from the arcade original, which emphasized cooperative multiplayer action, precision flying, and strategic positioning. Players defeat enemies by colliding with them at a higher elevation and collecting eggs dropped by vanquished foes. The game requires quick reflexes and spatial awareness, as players navigate platforms, avoid hazards, and respond to increasingly complex enemy attack patterns.

Gameplay on the Lynx preserved the arcade’s side-view perspective, with responsive controls for flapping, diving, and lateral movement. The Lynx hardware enabled smooth animation of flying mounts and enemies, as well as vibrant environments that kept each screen visually engaging. Audio included looping background effects and short sounds for flapping wings, enemy defeats, and egg collection, adding intensity to the fast-paced action without distracting from gameplay. Multiplayer functionality allowed two players to cooperate or compete via the Lynx link cable, maintaining the social aspect that defined the arcade original.

Joust did not have a prequel or direct sequel on the Lynx, though the arcade series continued on home consoles and computers. Promotion was modest, appearing in Shadowsoft catalogues and magazine previews that highlighted its faithful adaptation of the arcade gameplay and multiplayer capabilities. Reception was generally positive, with critics praising the responsive controls, fluid animation, and addictive mechanics, though some noted that the small screen occasionally made it difficult to track multiple characters. Over time, the Lynx version of Joust has been remembered as a successful portable recreation of an iconic arcade experience.

Images from MobyGames