Jetpack (computer game)
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| Jetpack | |
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| Developer(s) | Adam Pedersen (Adept Software) |
| Publisher(s) | Software Creations |
| License | Freeware |
| Platform(s) | MS-DOS |
| Release date | 1993 |
| Genre(s) | Platform game |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multiplayer |
| Media | Floppy disk (Shareware) Download (Freeware) |
| Input methods | Keyboard, Joystick |
Jetpack is a platform game currently available as freeware, originally published as shareware by Software Creations in 1993. The object of the levels is to collect all of the green emeralds 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. There is a single player, and a multi player mode. The multi player mode supports up to eight players, where players can take turns.
The player is aided in his quest by a jetpack (Jetpack Model L1069-E) and a built in phase shifter, which allows tunneling through certain walls. There are eight different enemies, ranging from robots and bats to giant balls and missiles, all of which impede the hero in his quest. The environments, which usually consist of mazes of bricks, also feature vines, gold, ladders, ice, boxes, pillars, and conveyor belts. Other obstacles include jagged rocks, force fields, teleports, and indestructible bricks. In order to keep his jetpack running, the player has to collect fuel, by means of single/double tanks, or fuel grids.
The game includes a simple level editor. The editor is arguably one of the main reasons the game was, and is still so popular. Thousands of levels were made on it, some of which can be downloaded from Adept Software's website. The registered game features 100 pre-built levels. The developers also released a hintbook containing screenshots and a short piece of advice for every level.
After many delays the author has begun development of a sequel to the game. Updates on the progress can be found on the Jetpack HQ blog: http://www.jetpackhq.com/
[edit] Monsters
There are many monsters in Jetpack. The main character cannot harm or destroy any of the monsters, but can trap them in crevices and blocks.
- Trackbot - This robot heads along the ground towards the player, and can use ladders and teleports.
- Steel ball - Steel balls travel horizontally, and bounce off walls. However, they can also fall if there aren't blocks underneath them.
- Springs - Springs bounce up and down.
- Missiles - Missiles head around spinning 90° when they hit walls.
- Spikes - Spikes travel at an angle and bounce off of walls.
- Flitzer - These blue blobs move around randomly, and can't go through walls.
- Batbot - Batbots fly towards the player,
- Homer - Homers head directly towards the player and can go through walls.
[edit] Versions
Jetpack was released in several variations, including a Christmas version, where the player became Santa and ran around collecting presents instead of emeralds. The Christmas version was almost exactly the same, with different levels and a few more festive sprites. There was also a version designed for younger children.
