Joust 64

Joust is a platforming game where the player controls a yellow knight riding a flying ostrich (player 1) or a stork (player 2) from a third-person perspective. The player navigates around the game world, which consists of rock platforms floating above a flat island surrounded by lava, via two-way joystick and a button. Home console versions, however, use game controllers with directional pads and analog sticks. The joystick controls the horizontal direction that the knight travels, while pressing the button flaps the ostrich’s wings.

The rate at which the player repeatedly presses the button directly determines the bird's ascension, allowing the character to fly upward, hover, or slowly descend. When traveling off the screen to either side, the character will continue its path reappearing from the opposite side.

Joust was developed by Williams Electronics, with John Newcomer as the lead designer. The development also included programmer Bill Pfutzenreuter, artists Janice Woldenberg-Miller and Python Anghelo, and audio designers Tim Murphy and John Kotlarik. The game features amplified monaural sound and raster graphics on a 19-inch color CRT monitor. Like other Williams arcade games, Joust was programmed in assembly language.

A pack of three AA batteries provide power to save the game's settings and high scores when the machine is unplugged from an electrical outlet. Anghelo stenciled the cabinet artwork on a wooden frame, and designed artwork for promotional materials. One such flyer features archaic English, which was also incorporated into the game's onscreen instructions and game-over message.

A few months after its release, Joust topped the United States Play Meter arcade charts in January 1983; a feat it repeated on the RePlay upright arcade cabinet charts from January to February 1983. It was among the thirteen highest-grossing arcade games of 1983 in the United States, which made it a "Most Played Video Game" nominee for the Amusement & Music Operators Association's annual awards. The game was met with acclaim by contemporary video game publications. Roger Sharpe of trade magazine Play Meter lauded the gameplay and described it as a "solid performer" that encourages repeat play.

He praised the audiovisuals, noting that the such level of quality has become William's standard. Sharpe further described the presentation as a surprising and imaginative combination of elements. Electronic Games staff described it as "tremendously popular". Olivier Chazoule of French magazine Tilt rated the arcade game favorably, noting the two player gameplay and fantasy setting.

Williams released an arcade sequel, Joust 2: Survival of the Fittest, in 1986. The company planned to sell an arcade conversion kit, and to increase the kit's saleability, attached a sequel to one of its games to the project. While updated technology allowed Joust 2 to feature improved audio-visuals and new gameplay elements, it sold significantly fewer units than its predecessor. Soon after the original's release, players began to competitively aim for the highest score. Twin Galaxies, who officiated and tracked competitive high scores for players, recorded high scores for Joust and its sequel into the 2000s.

Since its release, developers have both copied and built upon Joust's design. Publishers released clones on several systems, including Ostron and Winged Warlords for the ZX Spectrum in 1983 as well as the 1980s shareware Glypha for the Macintosh. Ultimate Play the Game's 1983 Jetpac as well as Nintendo's 1983 Mario Bros. and 1984 Balloon Fight have elements reminiscent Joust's gameplay.