Jetpack (computer game)

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Jetpack
Jetpack level editor
Developer(s) Adam Pedersen (Adept Software)
Publisher(s) Software Creations
Release date(s) 1993
Genre(s) Platform game
Mode(s) Single player, Multiplayer
Rating(s) ESRB: unrated
Platform(s) MS-DOS
Media Floppy disk (1)
Input Keyboard, Joystick

Jetpack is a platform game currently available as freeware, originally published as shareware by Software Creations in 1993. The object of all of the levels is to collect all of the treasure scattered around the level. When that has been accomplished, a door will open, which the player must get to in order to advance to the next level.

The player is aided in his quest by a jetpack (Jetpack Model L1069-E) and a built in phase shifter, which allows tunneling through all but the strongest rocks. 8 different enemies, ranging from robots and bats to giant balls and missiles, impede the hero in his quest. The environments, which usually consist of mazes of bricks, also feature vines, ladders, ice, boxes, pillars, and conveyor belts. Other obstacles include jagged rocks, force fields, and undestroyable bricks. In order to keep his jetpack running, the player has to collect tanks of fuel.

The game included a simple level editor. The editor was one of the best points of the game. Thousands of levels were made on it. Some can be downloaded from the website of Adept Software.

The game is reminiscent of Lode Runner, as both games involve collecting treasure, avoiding monsters, and temporarily removing blocks. Jetpack was released in several variations, including a Christmas special and a version designed for children.

The author intended to release a sequel in 2000, as can be seen by quitting the game. Two messages state: "Back to reality..." and "Download Jetpack 2 in 2000". This game was not released and it is unknown if production was even started. However, the official website has a banner to give the game creator donations, which states: "Donations will help fund future development on projects like Jetpack 2.".

In the official jetpack version there are 100 levels divided in batches of 10 ranging from easy to very difficult. Each tenth level is a special 'treasure level' where the player can collect large amounts of treasure for a lot of extra points.

The developers also released a hintbook containing screenshots and a short piece of advise for every level.

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