Games Computing


Decathlon

Publisher: Activision
Machine: Atari 2600

 
Published in Games Computing #5

Decathlon (Activision)

This is a very tiring game on the wrist as you have to move the joystick left and right to make the athlete run. One to four people can play this game, but you can practice a heat on your own. This game is an Olympic Games appetiser.

The first heat you come up against is the 100 metres; you have just a single attempt on this, to sprint from start to finish, by shooting out of the starting blocks and giving it all you have by moving the joystick left and right. Long jump is next, three attempts to jump as far as you can, run, and then just before the scratch line press the fire button to jump. If you cross the scratch line disqualification for that attempt is enforced.

In the shot-put contestants put the shot three times; run up to the scratch line and press fire. The high jump event is next; you have three attempts at each height and your turn ends when the same height is missed three times. The 400 metres race is next; as in the 100 metres sprint move the joystick as fast as possible. The faster the race is completed, the more points you will earn. For the 110 metres hurdles, ten hurdles have to be jumped over, you are not disqualified for knocking one over, but it does slow you down so possible points are lost. The discus throw is like the shot-put, because you run up to the scratch line and press fire.

Decathlon

Pole vaulters may attempt each height three times; your turn ends when all three attempts fail at the same height. Plant the pole by pressing fire and continue moving the joystick as you fly through the air, then release the pole at the peak of your vault by pressing fire. Three throws are allowed in the javelin event and the final heat is the 1500 metres race, each decathlete gets one chance in in this exhausting event.

At the start of the game an athlete carries a torch around the track and a musical tribute can be heard when you reach 1,000 points. A good instruction booklet is provided which includes the section which states the number of points you have to achieve to be awarded a bronze, silver or gold medal. Also tips from an Activision designer are included.

Although after a while your wrist aches, overall this is a good game for any would-be athlete who dreams of taking part in the Olympics.