Jumping Jackie | Game for Atari 2600

INSPIRATION

The gameplay of Jumping Jackie for the Atari 2600 is inspired by the original Jumping Jack for the ZX Spectrum; however, it is not a direct port of the original game. Jumping Jackie for the Atari 2600 was developed with both the strengths and limitations of the Atari 2600 hardware in mind. While the core concept of the original game remains largely intact, numerous modifications have been made. As in the original, you help Jackie jump through moving holes to reach the top of the screen. You must think quickly and act fast.

GAMEPLAY 

Jackie has just married Jack, but now Jack, the Jumping Jack from the house of ZX Spectrum, has disappeared. Jackie suspects he might have run away to his ex-girlfriend. To find him, she needs to turn into the Jumping Jackie and jump higher and higher. However, her new mother-in-law, the Giga Mouse, keeps causing trouble and making things even more difficult.

HOW TO PLAY

Basics

• You need to jump higher and higher to reach the next floor. The only way up is through the holes. If you hit the floor instead of a hole, it will harm you.
• You can run in both directions. The longer you keep running, the faster you go.
• There are five levels, each one more challenging than the previous one. The floors on each level are a different colour ranging from easy to hard. Once you reach the top floor on the fifth level, you have won.

Controls

• RESET switch / Joystick 1 Fire - Starts / restarts the game
• SELECT switch - Chooses game difficulty (if Jackie is red, it gets harder).
• Works before the game starts.
• Joystick 1 Left - Jackie runs left
• Joystick 1 Left - Jackie runs right
• Joystick 1 Fire - Jackie jumps

Game Modes

White Mode (for rookies)

• Lose a life only if Jackie falls all the way to the bottom.
• The Giga Mouse always moves in the same predictable pattern – no surprises here.
• Jackie just chills and waits patiently if you pause; she won’t take off without you.
• Floors speed up on the last two levels.

Red Mode (for pros)

• Lose a life every time Jackie falls – no mercy!
• The Giga Mouse goes wild and changes floors randomly – stay sharp!
• Jackie gets antsy; if you go idle, she’ll start moving on her own.
• Floors move fast on every level.