Joust (USA, Europe)

What is Joust (USA, Europe)?

Joust (USA, Europe) is a thrilling arcade-style action game originally developed for the Atari Lynx handheld system. Set in a medieval fantasy arena, players control a knight riding a flying ostrich, battling enemy knights mounted on buzzards across floating platforms above molten lava. The goal is to defeat waves of foes using strategic aerial collisions while avoiding deadly hazards. Known for its unique physics-based combat and competitive two-player mode, Joust delivers fast-paced, skill-based challenges that test reflexes and timing.

Game Features

• Unique aerial combat: Use momentum and positioning to unseat enemy knights by striking from above
• Dynamic physics system: Realistic flight mechanics require careful flap timing to maintain altitude
• Two-player cooperative mode: Team up with a friend for shared-screen competitive battles
• Progressive difficulty: Face increasingly aggressive enemies including lava trolls and pterodactyls
• Strategic power-ups: Collect eggs to earn bonus points and temporary advantages
• Persistent high scores: Compete for the top spot on the leaderboard

How to Play Joust (USA, Europe)?

1. Movement: Use arrow keys or WASD to steer your ostrich left and right
2. Flap wings: Press Z key (Button A) to make your ostrich flap upward – time flaps carefully to maintain flight
3. Attack: Collide with enemies while your lance is positioned higher than theirs to knock them off their mount
4. Collect eggs: Fly over defeated enemies' eggs before they hatch to earn points
5. Avoid hazards: Stay above the rising lava and evade enemy attacks
6. Survive waves: Clear all enemies to advance to harder levels with new threats

Critical mechanics:

• Altitude advantage: You must be higher than an enemy during collision to win jousts
• Egg management: Uncollected eggs hatch into faster, more dangerous enemies
• Platform bouncing: Land on platforms to regain stamina and plan attacks

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I touch the lava?
Falling into the lava instantly costs one life. Stay airborne and use platforms strategically to avoid sinking.

How do I defeat the pterodactyl?
The pterodactyl appears if a level takes too long. Only vulnerable when its mouth is open, strike it mid-flight for massive points.

Can I play with two players simultaneously?
Yes! In two-player mode, both knights compete on the same screen. Work together or engage in friendly competition – but avoid colliding with each other.