Jumping Jack

Paul Burger

Jumping Jack, for the unexpanded VIC, Atari 400/800, Commodore 64, and TI-99/4A is a challenging game that makes full use of your computer's color and sound capabilities. Each game can be played through several levels. The Atari version has nine skill levels. This is a game that can be enjoyed by all age groups.

Jack is running across platforms and climbing down ladders to get to the bottom of the screen. Sounds easy enough, right?

There's just one problem: these platforms are not very sturdy at all, and at any time they can collapse in certain places. You must be ready to press the space bar causing Jack to jump. If your timing is right, Jack will clear the hole and land safely on his feet. If not, Jack will fall into the collapsed section of the platform.

If you are not quite quick enough on the space bar, you still have a chance to clear the hole. Here's how: If the space bar is pressed immediately after Jack gets over the hole, you can make a saving jump. However, Jack must be over the hole while in the air to get points for jumping the hole, so no points are scored for using a saving jump to get over a hole. This method can also be used to jump two holes in a row. Simply make a saving jump as described above for the first hole, and Jack will fly over the second hole (this scores points only for the second hole, however.)