Joust

Joust is a fixed-screen action game in which the player controls a lance-wielding knight mounted on a flying ostrich. Each wave takes place across a single arena of floating rock platforms suspended above lava. The player moves horizontally and repeatedly flaps the ostrich’s wings to rise, hover, or slow its descent; flying beyond either side of the screen causes the knight to reappear from the opposite edge.

Combat occurs by colliding with enemy knights riding buzzards. The rider whose lance is higher at the moment of impact wins the joust, while opponents meeting at the same height rebound from one another. The three enemy ranks are Bounders, Hunters, and Shadow Lords, which become progressively more aggressive and valuable. Bounders tend to wander around the arena, Hunters actively pursue the player, and Shadow Lords fly quickly and attempt to gain the superior height before attacking.