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Jet Force Gemini

2025-09-28T17:52:42Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:6D6A:B4B1:27FB:630D:

{{Short description|1999 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Jet Force Gemini
| image = Jet Force Gemini box.jpg
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[Rare (company)|Rare]]
| publisher = Rare
| director = Lee Schuneman Paul Mountain
| producer = [[Chris Stamper]]
| designer = Martin Wakeley
| composer = [[Robin Beanland]] [[Graeme Norgate]] Alistair Lindsay
| platforms = [[Nintendo 64]]
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|October 11, 1999|EU|October 29, 1999}}
| genre = [[Third-person shooter]], [[Platform game|platform]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Jet Force Gemini''''' is a 1999 [[third-person shooter]] game developed and published by [[Rare (company)|Rare]] for the [[Nintendo 64]]. The game follows the story of three members of a galactic law enforcement team as they try to stop a horde of [[Drone (bee)|drones]] led by an [[Insectoids in science fiction|insectoid]] called Mizar. It features a [[Single-player video game|single-player]] mode where the player must explore a galaxy and save Tribals, a race of survivors who have been enslaved and imprisoned by Mizar, and places strong emphasis on shooting large numbers of enemies while dodging their attacks. The game includes a [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] mode where two to four players can compete in traditional [[deathmatch (video games)|deathmatch]] games.

Inspired by 80s [[arcade game]]s and more recent titles of the time, such as ''[[Super Metroid]]'' and ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', ''Jet Force Gemini'' blends elements of both [[shoot 'em up]] and [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] games. Works such as ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'', ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'' and ''[[Battle of the Planets]]'' were major influences. The game received generally positive reviews from critics. Praise was given to its detailed graphics and life-span, while criticism was targeted at its confusing controls and insistence on having to save every Tribal to fully complete the game. In 2015, ''Jet Force Gemini'' was included as part of the ''[[Rare Replay]]'' video game compilation for [[Xbox One]]. The game was rereleased via the [[Nintendo Classics]] service in 2023.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Jet Force Gemini screeny.jpg|thumb|left|While in aiming mode, the [[player character]] is translucent and a [[Reticle|crosshair]] is visible. [[Health (gaming)|Health]] and ammunition information is displayed on the left side of the screen.]]
''Jet Force Gemini'' is a [[third-person shooter]] with [[shoot 'em up]] and [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] elements, in which the player controls the [[player character]] from a [[Virtual camera system|third-person]] perspective in a 3D environment.<ref name="GameSpot review" /> The game places strong emphasis on shooting large numbers of enemies while dodging their attacks.<ref name="IGN gameplay"/> Weapons have no magazine restrictions and include grenades, a pistol, a machine gun, a sniper rifle, a flamethrower, and rocket launchers, among others.<ref name="NP Guide Weapons"/> Although much of the game is spent in battle, the player has the ability to jump, hang from ledges, swim, and fly using [[jet pack]]s, when needed.<ref name="NP Guide Control"/> In combat, the player is free to set on a manual aiming system with the targeting camera fixed behind the character's head. When using this technique, a [[Reticle|crosshair]] appears on screen and the player character becomes translucent so that players can aim and shoot with finesse.<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/> By contrast, when walking around, the game plays similar to a 3D [[Platform game|platformer]].<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/>

In the game's [[Single-player video game|single-player]] mode, the player must explore a galaxy that is composed of 15 [[Nonlinear gameplay|nonlinear]] worlds.<ref name="NP Guide Flight Plan"/> Each world is composed of a series of [[level (video gaming)|stages]] with areas interconnected by different types of doors. Most doors open automatically, but some require a special action to be unlocked. For example, some doors require the player to defeat all the enemies in the area, while others may require a specific key.<ref name="NP Guide Items"/> Although the player has a certain amount of [[Health (gaming)|health]] which decreases when attacked by enemies, health-recovery [[Gemstone|gems]] and ammunition crates can be collected throughout the world to increase the player's resources. [[Power-up]]s can be found to expand the player's health and ammunition capacity.<ref name="NP Guide Items"/>

While progressing, the player can take control of three different characters: Juno, Vela, and Lupus. Each character has a special ability that allows them to uncover areas which the other characters cannot reach. Juno can walk through [[magma]] safely, Vela can swim underwater indefinitely, and Lupus can hover for a short period of time. Therefore, choosing the right character for the right stage is critical in order to complete the game.<ref name="IGN gameplay"/> Initially, the game forces the player to use the three characters individually until they reach a meeting point. Once they reach the meeting point, all of the worlds can be tackled with any character in any order. The overall objective of the game is to explore all the galaxy to collect several starship parts and save a large number of Tribal survivors. Tribals can potentially be killed by weaponsfire, requiring the player to restart the encounter in order to save them.<ref name="IGN game guide"/> The player must collect all 12 ship parts and 282 Tribals to access the final stage.<ref name="NP Guide Flight Plan"/>

In addition to the single-player mode, ''Jet Force Gemini'' features a [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] mode where two to four players can compete in traditional [[Deathmatch (gaming)|deathmatch]] games.<ref name="IGN review" /> Options such as the weapons available, the winning condition, and time limit can be changed to match player preference.<ref name="NP Guide Battle Mode"/> Some multiplayer aspects, such as levels and characters, must be unlocked by finding the corresponding secret in the game's single-player mode.<ref name="NP Guide Battle Mode"/><ref name="NP Guide Characters"/> Players can unlock [[Racing video game|racing]] mini-games that are played from an [[Video game graphics#Top-down perspective|overhead]] perspective,<ref name="NP Guide Races"/> as well as a firing range challenge, where players must shoot numerous targets while the game automatically follows a predefined path.<ref name="NP Guide Target"/> ''Jet Force Gemini'' features a no [[Split screen (computer graphics)|split-screen]] [[Cooperative video game|co-operative]] mode where a second player may take control of Floyd, a floating robot that automatically follows the main player character in the single-player mode.<ref name="IGN review" />

==Plot==
''Jet Force Gemini'' revolves around the galactic law enforcement team Jet Force Gemini, composed of twin siblings Juno and Vela and their [[wardog]] mascot Lupus. The game begins with the three characters in orbit around the planet Goldwood after barely escaping the destruction of the entire Jet Force fleet at the hands of the [[Insectoids in science fiction|insectoid]] Mizar, who has been capturing and enslaving the native Tribals on Goldwood. When their ship is boarded by several of Mizar's [[Drone (bee)|drones]], the three decide to abandon their ship and go off on their own separate paths to stop the invasion. Along the way, Juno finds and reconstructs Floyd, a small floating robot who defects from Mizar and agrees to aid the team. After traversing various planets, the heroes find themselves reunited at Mizar's Palace and confront Mizar, who escapes to a nearby asteroid and sets course to impact with Earth. To help the heroes, the Tribals' leader King Jeff provides them with an ancient starship that can quickly catch up to Mizar's asteroid, asking them to rescue all the Tribals throughout the galaxy in exchange.

After rescuing all the Tribals and restoring the starship with several needed parts, the team, along with King Jeff, departs to the asteroid and battle Mizar. To everyone's surprise, Mizar is revealed to be a robot controlled by King Jeff's jealous brother, Barry, who apologizes for letting things get out of hand. With time running out until the asteroid strikes Earth, Floyd offers to carry a warhead into the asteroid's core and destroy it. The team hesitantly agrees and flees in the starship shortly before Floyd sacrifices himself to destroy the asteroid. On Earth, the Jet Force Gemini team is given the highest honors for their accomplishments.

==Development==
''Jet Force Gemini'' was developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]]'s ''[[Blast Corps]]'' team.<ref name="IGN October games"/> Work on the game began in 1997 with lead engineer Paul Mountain, who had previously worked on ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''.<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/> The inspirations of the game ranged from 80s [[Arcade game|arcade]] classics to more recent titles of the time.<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/> The free-roaming nature of [[Nintendo]]'s ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' influenced the scale and the openness of some of the backgrounds and settings, while the collecting and upgrading of weapons were inspired by ''[[Super Metroid]]''.<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/> Mountain revealed that "the behaviour of the bad guys was a mixture of arcade space shooter formations and [[Quake (video game)|''Quake'']]-style 'attack and cover' mechanics".<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/> According to him, "I suppose, in short, we were inspired by all the good stuff we'd played and enjoyed playing."<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/> ''Jet Force Gemini'' borrowed elements from non-video game sources. Lead artist Lee Musgrave admitted, "There are elements of ''[[Star Wars]]'' in there, ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'', ''[[Dune (franchise)|Dune]]'', ''[[Battle of the Planets]]'', even ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'' – it was a real mix of everything and anything 'space' related."<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/>

Most of the characters in the game were named after stars and constellations, such as [[Mizar]] and [[Vela (constellation)|Vela]].<ref name="Rare interview"/> Originally, the protagonists Juno and Vela were designed as younger and more cartoon-like with large heads, but they were ultimately changed to a more mature version because Nintendo expressed concerns over a game starring two children killing a large number of creatures.<ref name="N64 investigation"/> The game's controls were one of the main concerns during development. The idea was to retain a character-based game, where players could see the character they were playing while keeping the tightness and accuracy of [[first-person shooter]]s.<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/> Rare initially attempted to automate the change of view and targeting mode based on the context of the action, but this idea was eventually replaced with a manual system. According to Mountain, "The solution we ended with is a beautiful thing. It feels very old-school to me; difficult, unforgiving, but ultimately precise."<ref name="retro nintendo life 1"/>

Because several members of the team enjoyed [[Racing video game|racing]] games and had worked on ''Diddy Kong Racing'', they decided to include the futuristic Ant racing mini-game in the campaign mode and the top-down arcade racing games in the multiplayer mode.<ref name="retro nintendo life 2"/> Developers initially considered the possibility to use the 4[[Megabyte|MB]] Nintendo 64 [[Nintendo 64 accessories#Expansion Pak|Expansion Pak]],<ref name="IGN Exp pak"/> but the idea was eventually dropped.<ref name="retro nintendo life 2"/> According to Mountain, "we wanted to deliver the same experience to all players and were confident that we could do this using the standard 4MB of RAM on the console."<ref name="retro nintendo life 2"/> This led to some confusion as the box cover for the original release stated that it did support such a feature. Nintendo provided a quick-fix to the mislabeled covers by providing stickers declaring its [[Rumble Pak]] compatibility and fixed later printings of the boxes.<ref name="IGN JFG Box"/>

==Release==
In May 1999, a playable demonstration of the game was presented at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] in Los Angeles, California.<ref name="Edge e3 1999"/> A more complete version of the game was showcased at [[Nintendo Spaceworld]] in Japan in August 1999, alongside Rare's ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' and ''[[Perfect Dark]]''.<ref name="Spaceworld 99"/> The game was originally intended to be released in North America on August 31, 1999, but was pushed back to September 27, 1999, to give the developers more time to polish up the game.<ref name="IGN JFG Delayed"/> It was then pushed back even further to October 11, 1999, due to manufacturing delays.<ref name="IGN Oct Gemini"/> In Europe, the game was released on October 29, 1999,<ref name="Edge review" /> and on December 1, 1999, in Japan.<ref name="JP release date" /> The Japanese release of ''Jet Force Gemini'' was localized as {{Nihongo|''Star Twins''|スターツインズ}} because Nintendo felt that the Japanese pronunciation of the Western title, "''Jetto Fōsu Jeminai''", was too difficult to pronounce.<ref name="IGN Star Twins"/> Although [[4Licensing Corporation|4Kids Entertainment]] obtained the rights to merchandising ''Jet Force Gemini'' and ''Perfect Dark'' toys, movies, and other recreational products, the company did not produce any merchandise.<ref name="IGN Rare Toys"/>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 80/100<ref name="metacritic" />
| Allgame = 4/5<ref name="Allgame review" />
| Edge = 9/10<ref name="Edge review" />
| GI = 7.75/10<ref name="Game Informer review" />
| GameRev = B<ref name="GameRev review" />
| GSpot = 8.8/10<ref name="GameSpot review" />
| IGN = 8.1/10<ref name="IGN review" />
| N64 = 93%<ref name="N64 review" />
| NGen = 3/5<ref name="NGen review"/>
| NLife = 7/10<ref name="NintendoLife review" />
| NP = 9/10<ref name="Nintendo Power review" />
| rev1 = ''[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]''
| rev1Score = 1.5/4<ref name="The Cincinnati Enquirer review" />
}}

''Jet Force Gemini'' received generally positive reviews from critics.<ref name="metacritic"/> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' described it as "a straightforward blaster at heart",<ref name="Edge review" /> while [[AllGame]] claimed that it "pays homage to [[Third generation of video game consoles|8-]] and [[Fourth generation of video game consoles|16-bit]] games with its emphasis on high-intensity action and level design that requires skill with the controller."<ref name="Allgame review" /> Writing for ''[[IGN]]'', journalist [[Matt Casamassina]] remarked that, although ''Jet Force Gemini'' has some flaws and could be more polished, it is "still one of Nintendo 64's most original games and it has much more good going for it than it does bad."<ref name="IGN review"/> In a mixed review, ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' felt that the game was bloated with too many features and that it may exhaust players before it is over, concluding that the game would have been "twice as good" if "Rare had cut all the tedious parts".<ref name="NGen review"/>

The game's graphics and surround sound effects were received very positively.<ref name="IGN review" /><ref name="GameRev review"/><ref name="N64 review"/><ref name="Edge review" /> Casamassina described its sound effects as "dead-on and crystal clear" and its soundtrack as "some of the very best ever put into a Nintendo 64 game",<ref name="IGN review"/> while ''[[GameRevolution]]'' said that the game "goes for a more operatic feel than the generic video game [[techno]]."<ref name="GameRev review"/> Graphically, the game was highlighted for its "visually stunning" settings, "state-of-the-art" animations, and special lighting,<ref name="Nintendo Power review" /> with ''[[Game Informer]]'' remarking that the game's "enormous" explosions help intensify the action.<ref name="Game Informer review" /> Despite the praise, some critics observed occasional [[frame rate]] drops when the action increases or when the game is played in non-[[widescreen]] mode.<ref name="IGN review"/><ref name="GameRev review" /> ''Edge'' also criticized the camera for refusing to move in some situations, requiring players to enter the aiming mode to manually center it behind the player character.<ref name="Edge review" />

Although ''Jet Force Gemini'' was generally praised for its challenging [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]], included mini-games and length,<ref name="Game Informer review" /><ref name="GameSpot review"/><ref name="N64 review" /> some critics reacted negatively to the game's insistence on having to save every Tribal to fully complete the campaign mode.<ref name="GameRev review"/><ref name="IGN review"/> Casamassina felt that this task was "far too tedious to truly be enjoyed."<ref name="IGN review"/> In contrast, ''[[N64 Magazine]]'' stated that revisiting previous stages with new weapons was fun and extends the game's lifespan.<ref name="N64 review" /> Critics agreed its controls were complex and confusing and that they were clunky during multiplayer.<ref name="IGN review"/><ref name="GameRev review"/><ref name="Allgame review" /><ref name="Game Informer review" /><ref name="GameSpot review"/> In a negative review, ''[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]'' explained that the game is frustrating because players are required to constantly change from using the analog stick to the C buttons of the [[Nintendo 64 controller]] when switching to combat mode.<ref name="The Cincinnati Enquirer review" /> ''[[GameSpot]]'' said that the controls remain responsive at all times, but acknowledged that the alternation between the two control styles may frustrate some players.<ref name="GameSpot review"/>

In a retrospective review, ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' stated that ''Jet Force Gemini'' is "a really enjoyable game" with "its fair share of flaws that tend to hinder the experience a little too much. That being said, it's certainly an incredibly fun title, at its best, that will definitely raise a few smiles."<ref name="NintendoLife review"/>

==Legacy==
After the release of ''Jet Force Gemini'', work on a [[Game Boy Color]] version of the game started, but the project was ultimately cancelled.<ref name="GBC intro"/> According to former Rare designer and producer Martin Wakeley, ''Jet Force Gemini'' on the Game Boy Color "was the only occasion I can remember Rare outsourcing anything. It was being done by [[Bits Studios]] and was nearly done last time I saw it, I'm not sure what happened to it."<ref name="GBC Bits Studios"/> The game would be a shooter played from an [[Isometric projection|isometric]] perspective and would follow Juno and Lupus searching for Vela after a signal is broadcast from an unknown planet.<ref name="GBC intro"/> The game was never officially announced by either Rare or Nintendo.<ref name="GBC intro"/>

In 2000, ''Jet Force Gemini'' was ranked by IGN at number 20 in their list of The Top 25 N64 Games of All Time.<ref name="IGN list"/> In 2009, ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' ranked it the 93rd best game available on Nintendo platforms. The staff called it Rare's "big hope" due to the highly anticipated but delayed Nintendo 64 game ''Perfect Dark''.<ref name="Top Nintendo games"/> Subsequent games developed by Rare have featured [[cameo appearance]]s of ''Jet Force Gemini'', including ''[[Kameo: Elements of Power]]'', ''[[Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise]]'', and ''[[Banjo-Tooie]]''.<ref name="GS Banjo Tooie guide"/> Players may also dress their character up as Juno, Vela, and Lupus in ''[[Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition]]'' through the use of a [[downloadable content]] pack.<ref name="Minecraft skins"/> The game is included as part of the ''[[Rare Replay]]'' video game compilation for [[Xbox One]], with support for dual-analog controls being added post-release.<ref name="Rare Replay review"/> The game was also re-released via the [[Nintendo Classics]] service on November 30, 2023 in Japan, and on December 7, 2023 in western regions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/11/switch-online-is-expanding-the-n64-library-with-rares-jet-force-gemini|title=Switch Online Is Expanding The N64 Library With Rare's Jet Force Gemini|first=Liam|last=Doolan|website=Nintendo Life|date=November 21, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=



<ref name="NP Guide Control">{{Cite book |title=Jet Force Gemini Official Nintendo Player's Guide |chapter=Play Control |pages=6–9 |date=1999 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |asin=B000G8L1AE}}</ref>

<ref name="NP Guide Weapons">{{Cite book |title=Jet Force Gemini Official Nintendo Player's Guide |chapter=Weapons of Choice |page=15 |date=1999 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |asin=B000G8L1AE}}</ref>

<ref name="NP Guide Items">{{Cite book |title=Jet Force Gemini Official Nintendo Player's Guide |chapter=Items of Interest |page=10 |date=1999 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |asin=B000G8L1AE}}</ref>

<ref name="NP Guide Flight Plan">{{Cite book |title=Jet Force Gemini Official Nintendo Player's Guide |chapter=Mission Flight Plan |pages=12–14 |date=1999 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |asin=B000G8L1AE}}</ref>

<ref name="NP Guide Battle Mode">{{Cite book |title=Jet Force Gemini Official Nintendo Player's Guide |chapter=Battle Mode Options |page=113 |date=1999 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |asin=B000G8L1AE}}</ref>

<ref name="NP Guide Characters">{{Cite book |title=Jet Force Gemini Official Nintendo Player's Guide |chapter=Gallery of Characters |pages=114–115 |date=1999 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |asin=B000G8L1AE}}</ref>

<ref name="NP Guide Races">{{Cite book |title=Jet Force Gemini Official Nintendo Player's Guide |chapter=Races |pages=124–116 |date=1999 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |asin=B000G8L1AE}}</ref>

<ref name="NP Guide Target">{{Cite book |title=Jet Force Gemini Official Nintendo Player's Guide |chapter=Target Shoot |page=127 |date=1999 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |asin=B000G8L1AE}}</ref>



<ref name="N64 investigation">{{Cite magazine |title=Jet Force Gemini |magazine=[[N64 Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing]] |issue=31 |pages=64–67 |date=August 1999}}</ref>

<ref name="Edge e3 1999">{{Cite magazine |title=Jet Force Gemini |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing]] |issue=73 |pages=61 |date=July 1999}}</ref>

<ref name="Edge review">{{Cite magazine |title=Jet Force Gemini |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing]] |issue=77 |pages=84–85 |date=Autumn 1999}}</ref>

<ref name="Nintendo Power review">{{Cite magazine |title=Jet Force Gemini |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |issue=125 |page=120 |date=October 1999}}</ref>

<ref name="NGen review">{{Cite magazine |title=Jet Force Gemini |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |issue=59 |page=116 |date=November 1999 |first=Jeffrey Adam |last=Young}}</ref>

<ref name="N64 review">{{Cite magazine |title=Jet Force Gemini |magazine=[[N64 Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing]] |issue=34 |pages=50–57 |date=November 1999 |first=Martin |last=Kitts}}</ref>

<ref name="Game Informer review">{{Cite magazine |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url=https://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=3228 |title=Jet Force Gemini |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=October 1, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000604222343/http://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=3228 |archive-date=June 4, 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>



<ref name="IGN game guide">{{Cite web |access-date=February 7, 2013 |url=http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/3862/gamebasics.html |title=Jet Force Gemini Game Guide |website=[[IGN]] |first=Jeremy |last=Conrad |date=April 14, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625225103/http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/3862/gamebasics.html |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN gameplay">{{Cite web |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/123/123862p1.html |title=Jet Force Gemini |access-date=February 22, 2011 |date=September 22, 1999 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004534/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/123/123862p1.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN October games">{{Cite web |access-date=March 2, 2011 |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071043p1.html |title=N64 Games of October |website=[[IGN]] |date=October 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004718/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071043p1.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Spaceworld 99">{{Cite web |access-date=February 19, 2017 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/28/rare-brings-e3-to-spaceworld |title=Rare Brings E3 to Spaceworld |website=[[IGN]] |date=August 17, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221215744/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/28/rare-brings-e3-to-spaceworld |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="retro nintendo life 1">{{Cite web |access-date=February 8, 2011 |url=http://retro.nintendolife.com/news/2010/06/feature_the_making_of_jet_force_gemini_part_one |title=Feature: The Making of Jet Force Gemini - Part One |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=June 3, 2010 |first=Damien |last=McFerran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714185934/http://retro.nintendolife.com/news/2010/06/feature_the_making_of_jet_force_gemini_part_one |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="retro nintendo life 2">{{Cite web |access-date=February 8, 2011 |url=http://retro.nintendolife.com/news/2010/06/feature_the_making_of_jet_force_gemini_part_two |title=Feature: The Making of Jet Force Gemini - Part Two |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=June 3, 2010 |first=Damien |last=McFerran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714190006/http://retro.nintendolife.com/news/2010/06/feature_the_making_of_jet_force_gemini_part_two |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Rare interview">{{Cite web |url=http://www.rareware.com/affairs/tepid/jfgteam.html |title=The Tepid Seat - The Jet Force Gemini Team |website=[[Rareware]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818175835/http://www.rareware.com/affairs/tepid/jfgteam.html |archive-date=August 18, 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Exp pak">{{Cite web |access-date=February 8, 2011 |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/067/067176p1.html |title=Rare Undecided About 4MBs |website=[[IGN]] |date=April 4, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316142722/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/067/067176p1.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN JFG Box">{{cite web |access-date=February 8, 2011 |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071167p1.html |title=Nintendo Fixes JFG Box |website=[[IGN]] |date=October 12, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316142801/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071167p1.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN JFG Delayed">{{Cite web |access-date=February 8, 2011 |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/068/068517p1.html |title=Jet Force Gemini Delayed |website=[[IGN]] |date=June 18, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316142806/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/068/068517p1.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Oct Gemini">{{Cite web |access-date=February 8, 2011 |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/069/069415p1.html |title=October Gemini |website=[[IGN]] |date=August 9, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316142844/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/069/069415p1.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Star Twins">{{Cite web |access-date=February 8, 2011 |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071299p1.html |title=Star Twins: News From Japan |website=[[IGN]] |date=October 15, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316142851/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071299p1.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Rare Toys">{{Cite web |access-date=February 8, 2011 |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/074/074253p1.html |title=Rare Toys |website=[[IGN]] |date=January 24, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316142907/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/074/074253p1.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="metacritic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/jet-force-gemini/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-64 |title=Jet Force Gemini |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023121300/http://www.metacritic.com/game/nintendo-64/jet-force-gemini |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Allgame review">{{Cite web |access-date=November 20, 2013 |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18828&tab=review |title=Jet Force Gemini - Review |website=[[AllGame]] |first=Scott |last=McCall |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113211312/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18828&tab=review |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot review">{{Cite web |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jet-force-gemini-review/1900-2544594/ |title=Jet Force Gemini Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=October 12, 1999 |first=Nelson |last=Taruc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030628163622/http://www.gamespot.com/n64/action/jetforcegemini/review.html |archive-date=June 28, 2003 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN review">{{Cite web |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/09/jet-force-gemini |title=Jet Force Gemini |website=[[IGN]] |date=October 8, 1999 |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008012446/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/153/153862p1.html |archive-date=October 8, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameRev review">{{Cite web |access-date=February 7, 2013 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/jet-force-gemini |title=Jet Force Gemini Review |website=[[GameRevolution]] |date=November 1, 1999 |first=Johnny |last=Liu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717102124/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/jet-force-gemini |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="The Cincinnati Enquirer review">{{Cite web |access-date=January 1, 2006 |url=http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/jetforcegemini.html |title=Poor controls shoot down Jet Force Gemini |website=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=November 6, 1999 |first=James |last=Bottorff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060101063631/http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/jetforcegemini.html |archive-date=January 1, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="NintendoLife review">{{Cite web |access-date=November 20, 2013 |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/jet_force_gemini |title=Review: Jet Force Gemini |date=August 24, 2013 |first=Andy |last=Green |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031082552/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/jet_force_gemini |archive-date=October 31, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN list">{{Cite web |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/14/the-top-25-n64-games-of-all-time-16-20 |title=The Top 25 N64 Games of All Time: #16-20 |website=[[IGN]] |date=June 13, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004641/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/080/080843p1.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GS Banjo Tooie guide">{{Cite web |access-date=February 10, 2011 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/guides/video/banjotooie/p8_02.html |title=Banjo Tooie Game Guide |website=[[GameSpot]] |first=Nelson |last=Taruc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628232747/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/guides/video/banjotooie/p8_02.html |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Minecraft skins">{{Cite web |access-date=August 14, 2013 |url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/08/22/minecraft-xbox-360-skin-pack-2-due-august-24/ |title=Minecraft Xbox 360 Skin Pack 2 due August 24 |website=[[VG247]] |first=Brenna |last=Hillier |date=August 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825000508/http://www.vg247.com/2012/08/22/minecraft-xbox-360-skin-pack-2-due-august-24/ |archive-date=August 25, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Top Nintendo games">{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Feature: 100 Best Nintendo Games: Part One |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7188/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-one/ |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |first=Tom |last=East |date=February 17, 2009 |access-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102063247/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7188/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-one/ |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Rare Replay review">{{Cite web |access-date=August 5, 2015 |url=http://kotaku.com/rare-replay-the-kotaku-review-1721781195 |title=Rare Replay: The Kotaku Review |website=[[Kotaku]] |date=August 3, 2015 |first=Stephen |last=Totilo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805180634/http://kotaku.com/rare-replay-the-kotaku-review-1721781195 |archive-date=August 5, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GBC Bits Studios">{{Cite web |access-date=November 17, 2018 |url=https://www.dromble.com/2012/10/01/crash-lab-life-after-rareware-and-free-radical/ |title=Crash Lab: Life after Rareware and Free Radical |website=Dromble.com |first=Emily |last=Rogers |date=October 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624093204/https://www.dromble.com/2012/10/01/crash-lab-life-after-rareware-and-free-radical/ |archive-date=June 24, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GBC intro">{{Cite web |access-date=November 17, 2018 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/01/26/see-opening-moments-jet-force-gemini-game-boy-color-game/ |title=See The Opening Moments Of The Jet Force Gemini Game Boy Color Game |website=[[Siliconera]] |first=Jenni |last=Lada |date=January 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331113333/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/01/26/see-opening-moments-jet-force-gemini-game-boy-color-game/ |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="JP release date">{{Cite web |access-date=March 26, 2023 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/1999.html |title=NINTENDO64全発売ソフト一覧(1999年) |language=ja |trans-title=List of all NINTENDO64 software releases (1999) |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104030459/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/1999.html |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

}}

==External links==
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000823090053/http://www.rare.co.uk/recent/games/jetforce/ |date=23 August 2000 |title=Official website }}

{{Rare}}

{{Portal bar|1990s|United Kingdom|Video games}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Good article}}

[[Category:1999 video games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Game Boy Color games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Military science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 64 games]]
[[Category:Nintendo games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Classics games]]
[[Category:Rare (company) games]]
[[Category:Third-person shooters]]
[[Category:Video games about insects]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games about zombies]] 
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Graeme Norgate]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Robin Beanland]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:3D platformers]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games about dogs]]
[[Category:Video games set in outer space]]

Anticipation (video game)

2025-09-28T17:35:50Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:6D6A:B4B1:27FB:630D: mdy > dmy

{{Short description|1988 video game}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Anticipation
|image = anticipation nes.jpg
|caption = North American cover art
|developer = [[Rare (company)|Rare]]
|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
|designer =
|composer = [[David Wise (composer)|David Wise]]
|released = {{vgrelease|NA|December 1988<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Availability Update |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]]|volume=7 |issue=9 |date=December 17, 1988 |page=13 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/c3/ComputerEntertainer_US_Vol.7_09.pdf#13}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://nparchive.wordpress.com/2015/07/31/nintendo-power-5/#jp-carousel-721|title=The Complete NES Game Pak Directory (special edition)|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=March–April 1989|page=A1|access-date=2023-03-09|archive-date=2023-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331230229/https://nparchive.wordpress.com/2015/07/31/nintendo-power-5/#jp-carousel-721|url-status=dead}}</ref>|EU|25 October 1989}}
|genre = [[Board game]]
|modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
|platforms = [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]
}}

'''''Anticipation''''' is a [[Digital_tabletop_game#Video_games_emulating_board_games|video board game]] developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]] and released by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES) in 1988. It is playable in either [[single-player]] or [[multiplayer]] mode, with up to four players competing against each other and/or computer-controlled opponents.

==Gameplay==
[[File:AnticipationUSNovember1988.jpg|175px|left|thumb|Example of a drawing puzzle, to which the answer is "[[top hat]]"]]

Before the game begins, the number of human and computer players must be chosen, as well as the difficulty setting. There must always be at least one human player, and the total number of players (human plus computer opponents) can be no more than four. Players use the controllers to buzz in during the game; if more than two players are competing, they may double up on two controllers. Anticipation is not compatible with the [[NES Four Score and Satellite]] multiplayer adapters.<ref>{{Harvnb|Scullion|2019|page=23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1990 |title=New Games & Licensees Keep NES On Top! |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |last=Harris |first=Steve |page=52 |issue=9 |publisher=Sendai Publications}}</ref>

''Anticipation'' combines gameplay elements from ''[[Pictionary]]'' and ''[[Trivial Pursuit]]'' board games. The player is represented by one of four game pieces on a board: a pair of pink [[High-heeled footwear|high-heeled shoes]], a [[bugle]], an [[ice cream cone]], and a [[teddy bear]]. The game slowly draws a picture, and the first person to buzz in may try to guess it. A die counts down from six to zero while the picture is being drawn. As soon as a player buzzes in, the die and the drawing both freeze and the player has 25 seconds to spell out the answer. Making two mistakes, or running out of time, locks the player out; the drawing and the die countdown both resume, and the other players can then buzz in.

Four categories are in play per level, each corresponding to one of the four colors on the board (blue, green, pink, yellow). Correctly solving a puzzle credits the player with its color and moves his/her token by the number of spaces shown on the die; the next puzzle is played in the category for the color on which it lands. If no one solves a puzzle, a new one is played in the same color. Once a player has collected all four colors on a level, the token rises to the next higher level. The first player to complete every level wins the game.

There are three levels on the Easy and Medium difficulty settings, and four on the Hard and Very Hard settings. From the third level on, the board includes gray "Feature Squares." Landing on one of these causes the player's token to fly around the board until a button is pressed; a puzzle is then played in the color that was hit. The fourth level has the same layout as the third, but with several "Drop-Out Squares," or gaps where spaces have been removed. Landing on a Drop-Out Square causes the player to fall back down to the corresponding position on the third level, but he/she retains credit for the colors of any solved fourth-level puzzles and must collect the others to climb back up.

===Difficulty settings===
On the easier difficulty settings, the players are initially shown a pattern of dots, which the game slowly connects to draw the picture. The category is shown on-screen, and a string of blanks is displayed to indicate the number of words and letters in the correct answer. These aids are gradually eliminated on the higher-level boards, and are not present at all on the harder difficulty settings.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{cite book |last1=Scullion |first1=Chris |title=The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System |date=2019 |publisher=[[White Owl (books)|White Owl]] |location=Havertown |isbn=9781526737793}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/anticipation|name=''Anticipation''}}

{{Rare}}

[[Category:1988 video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System-only games]]
[[Category:Nintendo games]]
[[Category:Party video games]]
[[Category:Rare (company) games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games scored by David Wise]]

R.C. Pro-Am

2025-09-28T17:35:02Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:6D6A:B4B1:27FB:630D: mdy > dmy

{{short description|1988 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = R.C. Pro-Am
| image = RC Pro Am cover.jpg
| alt = Cover art depicting three radio-controlled cars racing
| caption = North American NES cover art
| developer = [[Rare (company)|Rare]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]] (NES) [[Tradewest]] (Genesis)
| platforms = [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Arcade video game|arcade]], [[Sega Genesis]]
| designer = Tim Stamper Chris Stamper
| programmer = Paul Proctor (NES) Steve Patrick (Genesis)
| composer = [[David Wise (composer)|David Wise]]
| released = '''NES'''{{vgrelease|NA|February 1988|EU|15 April 1988}} '''Genesis'''{{vgrelease|NA|1992}}
| genre = [[Racing video game|Racing]], [[Vehicular combat game|vehicular combat]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| arcade system = [[PlayChoice-10]]
}}
'''''R.C. Pro-Am''''' is a [[racing game]] developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. It was released in North America in February 1988, and then in Europe on 15 April. Presented in an overhead [[isometric graphics in video games and pixel art|isometric perspective]], a single player races a [[radio-controlled car]] around a series of tracks in [[vehicular combat game|vehicular combat]]. Each track qualifies its top three racers for the next track. Collectible [[power-up]] items improve performance, hazards include rain puddles and oil slicks, and missiles and bombs can temporarily disable opponents. Originally titled ''Pro Am Racing'', it was [[porting|ported]] to the [[Sega Genesis]] in 1992 as '''''Championship Pro-Am''''', an [[enhanced remake]] with enhanced graphics and additional features. ''R.C. Pro-Am'' spawned two sequels: ''[[Super R.C. Pro-Am]]'' in 1991, and ''[[R.C. Pro-Am II]]'' in 1992.

As one of Rare's first successful NES games, ''R.C. Pro-Am'' was well-received for its visuals, sound, gameplay, and enjoyability. Its overhead perspective distinguishes it from earlier first-person racing games. It inspired subsequent games such as ''[[Super Off Road]]'', ''[[Rock n' Roll Racing]]'', and the ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series. It has appeared in many "top games of all time" lists and is regarded as one of the best of the NES library. It was re-released in Rare's 2015 ''[[Rare Replay]]'' compilation for the [[Xbox One]], and on the [[Nintendo Classics]] service on February 21, 2024.

==Gameplay==
''R.C. Pro-Am'' is a [[racing video game]] in which a player races a [[radio-controlled car]] against three opponents around a track from an overhead [[isometric graphics in video games and pixel art|isometric perspective]].<ref name="FunClub5">{{cite magazine|date=February–March 1988|title=''R.C. Pro-Am''|url=https://archive.org/stream/NintendoFunClubMagazines/Nintendo%20Fun%20Club%20News%20Issue%205%20%28February-March%201988%29#page/n3/mode/2up|location=[[Redmond, WA]]|publisher=Nintendo of America|volume=1|issue=5|pages=4–5|magazine=[[Nintendo Fun Club News]]}}</ref><ref name="Davison">{{cite magazine |last=Davison |first=John |title=25 Years of Rare |magazine=GamePro |date=June 2, 2010 |access-date=August 1, 2011 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/215329/25-years-of-rare/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225180552/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/215329/25-years-of-rare/|archive-date=2010-12-25}}</ref> The horizontal [[control pad]] buttons steer left or right, and the other buttons accelerate, fire weapons, and pause the game. Across 32 tracks, the top three of four racers qualify for each next race or reach a [[game over]]. Two [[continue (video games)|continue]]s can restart the previous race, losing all points. Each track gives a trophy, and a high score yields larger "High Score Trophies", leading up to the "Super Trophy".<ref name="R.C. P-A Manual">{{cite manual | type=booklet | url=http://www.neshq.com/games/r/rcproam/rcproam-man01.pdf | title=R.C. Pro-Am Instruction Manual | publisher=[[Nintendo of America]]}}</ref>

Twelve unique track configurations are repeated indefinitely. The original box art claims that the game contains "32 tracks of racing thrills"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/nes/rc-pro-am/cover-art/gameCoverId,36516/|title = R.C. Pro-Am (1988) NES box cover art}}</ref> but the 24th track is unofficially the last because it is the largest. Each track after 24 is a repeat from track 1, but with additional features.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}} At track 32, all computer-controlled opponents run at maximum speed and cannot be beaten without weapons. The game has no formal end; players eventually run out of weapons and are eliminated from the race.

[[File:NES R.C. Pro Am.png|thumb|The player, represented by the red truck in the center, leads the race while about to collect a "bonus letter" and a [[roll cage]].]]

Track items are collectable by driving over them. "Tune-up items" include turbo acceleration, "hotter engines" for higher top speed, and "super sticky tires" for traction and cornering;<ref name="FunClub5" /> these additional abilities are displayed on the "track conditions" screen between races.<ref name="R.C. P-A Manual"/>{{rp|6}} Collectable weapons can temporarily disable other vehicles; missiles stop opponents from the front, and bombs from the rear. Collectable ammunition appears as a star, and carries over to the next race.<ref name="R.C. P-A Manual"/>{{rp|8}}<ref name="FunClub5" /> Collectable [[roll cage]]s protect cars from crash damage,<ref name="R.C. P-A Manual"/>{{rp|8}} stationary zippers give cars an extra speed boost,<ref name="FunClub5" /> and bonus letters give large point bonuses and an upgraded car when all letters spelling "NINTENDO" ("CHAMPION" in the Genesis and ''Rare Replay'' versions) are collected. The standard truck upgrades to a faster 4-Wheeler and then to the fastest Off Roader.<ref name="R.C. P-A Manual"/>{{rp|7}} Hazards include oil slicks which spin cars out of control, water puddles and rain [[squall]]s slow them down, pop-up barriers crash cars, and skulls decrease ammunition. Excessive use of projectile weaponry makes the yellow car accelerate to 127 mph, which cannot be matched by the player.<ref name="FunClub5" />

The [[Sega Genesis]] version, ''Championship Pro-Am'', features some gameplay differences from the NES version. Players race against five other vehicles instead of three, but must still place in the top three to move to the next track. Race records are saved, and players are prompted to enter a name before the game starts.<ref name="GENinstman">{{cite manual | type=booklet | title=Championship Pro-Am Instruction Manual |publisher=[[Tradewest]] |location=[[Corsicana, TX]] |year=1992}}</ref>

== Background and release ==
The game development company Ultimate Play the Game was founded by brothers [[Tim and Chris Stamper]], along with Tim's wife, Carol, from their headquarters in [[Ashby-de-la-Zouch]] in 1982. They began producing video games for the [[ZX Spectrum]] throughout the early 1980s.<ref name=best>{{cite web|title=The Best of British - Ultimate|url=http://www.crashonline.org.uk/51/ultimate.htm|publisher=Crash|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref> The company was known for secrecy about operations and upcoming projects. Little was known except that they worked in "separate teams": one team worked on programming and the other concentrated on other aspects such as sound or graphics.<ref name=best/> This company later evolved into [[Rare (company)|Rare]],<ref name="IGN history">{{cite web|access-date=17 May 2012 |url=http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/894/894511p1.html |title=IGN Presents the History of Rare |work=[[IGN]] |date=29 July 2008 |first=Rus |last=McLaughlin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805122442/http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/894/894511p1.html |archive-date=5 August 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> which in 1987 developed ''Pro-Am Racing'' and renamed it to ''R.C. Pro-Am''.<ref name="FunClub3">{{cite magazine|date=Autumn 1987|title=''Pro-Am Racing''|url=https://archive.org/stream/NintendoFunClubMagazines/Nintendo%20Fun%20Club%20News%20Issue%203%20%28Fall%201987%29#page/n13/mode/2up|location=[[Redmond, WA]]|publisher=Nintendo of America|volume=1|issue=3|page=15|magazine=[[Nintendo Fun Club News]]}}</ref>

It was released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES) by [[Nintendo]] in February 1988 in North America,<ref>{{cite web|title=NES Games|url=http://nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/nes_games.pdf|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|page=10|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317023021/http://nintendo.com/doc/nes_games.pdf|archive-date=March 17, 2007|access-date=July 17, 2008}}</ref> and in Europe on 15 April.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April 2011|title=retrodiary: 1 April – 28 April|url=https://archive.org/stream/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_088#page/n15/mode/2up|location=[[Bournemouth]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|issue=88|page=17|issn=1742-3155|oclc=489477015|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]}}</ref> It was converted to the Sega Genesis as ''Championship Pro-Am'', released by [[Tradewest]] in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|title=Championship Pro-Am|url=http://www.gamespot.com/genesis/driving/championshipproam/index.html|website=[[GameSpot]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326072658/http://www.gamespot.com/genesis/driving/championshipproam/index.html|archive-date=March 26, 2010|access-date=August 2, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Its music was composed by [[David Wise (composer)|David Wise]], known for his work on ''[[Cobra Triangle]]'' and the ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' series.<ref name="Nagata">{{cite web |last=Nagata |first=Tyler |title=Game music of the day: ''R.C. Pro-Am'' |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |date=September 21, 2010 |access-date=July 20, 2011 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/game-music-of-the-day-rc-pro-am/a-201009211650825040 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


''R.C. Pro-Am'' received preview coverage in the Fall 1987 issue of ''[[Nintendo Fun Club News]]'' – the company's predecessor to ''[[Nintendo Power]]''.<ref name="FunClub3" /> A more in-depth review in the proceeding Winter 1987 issue said that "this game is a must for RC Car (radio-controlled) owners".<ref>{{cite magazine|date=December 1987|title=Sneak Peeks – ''Pro Am Racing''|url=https://archive.org/stream/NintendoFunClubMagazines/Nintendo%20Fun%20Club%20News%20Issue%204%20%28Winter%201987%29#page/n11/mode/2up|location=[[Redmond, WA]]|publisher=Nintendo of America|volume=1|issue=4|page=12|magazine=[[Nintendo Fun Club News]]}}</ref> It is the cover feature of the February–March 1988 issue, with a full walkthrough.<ref name="FunClub5" /> In ''Nintendo Power''{{'}}s premiere issue in July 1988, ''R.C. Pro-Am'' is listed 6th on its "Top 30" NES games list, and as the top "Dealer's Pick".<ref>{{cite magazine|date=July–August 1988|title=Top 30|url=https://archive.org/details/NintendoPower1988-2004|location=[[Redmond, WA]]|publisher=Nintendo of America|issue=1|pages=[https://archive.org/details/NintendoPower1988-2004/page/n105 103]–104|issn=1041-9551|oclc=18893582|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]}}</ref> It went down to the 8th position in September 1988,<ref>{{cite magazine|date=September–October 1988|title=Top 30|url=https://archive.org/stream/NintendoPower1988-2004/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20002%20%28September-October%201988%29#page/n99/mode/2up|location=Redmond, WA|publisher=Nintendo of America|issue=2|page=103|issn=1041-9551|oclc=18893582|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]}}</ref> and 12th in November.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=November–December 1988|title=Top 30|url=https://archive.org/stream/NintendoPower1988-2004/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20003%20%28November-December%201988%29#page/n103/mode/2up|location=Redmond, WA|publisher=Nintendo of America|issue=3|page=103|issn=1041-9551|oclc=18893582|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]}}</ref>

==Reception and legacy==
{{Video game reviews
| Allgame = 4.5/5<ref name="Allgame">{{cite web |last=Couper |first=Chris |title=''R.C. Pro-Am'' – Review |publisher=[[Allgame]] |access-date=July 20, 2011 |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11931&tab=review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216004400/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=11931&tab=review |archive-date=February 16, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| CVG = 90%<ref name="CVG">{{cite journal |title=Complete Games Guide |journal=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=16 October 1989 |issue=Complete Guide to Consoles |pages=46–77 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/98/CompleteGuideToConsoles_UK_01.pdf#page=46}}</ref>
}}

Worldwide, 2.3 million copies of ''R.C. Pro-Am'' were sold. This unqualified success made Rare into a major developer for the Nintendo Entertainment System.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Rare unlocked the secrets of the NES|url=https://www.gamestm.co.uk/uncategorised/how-rare-unlocked-the-secrets-of-the-nes/page/3/|date=2010-04-29|work=[[GamesTM]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811190545/https://www.gamestm.co.uk/uncategorised/how-rare-unlocked-the-secrets-of-the-nes/|archive-date=August 11, 2017|access-date=2017-07-17|page=3|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' called it "a compelling, innovating approach to car racing video games". Bill Kunkel found that it was distinguished from earlier racing games such as [[Sega]]'s ''[[Enduro Racer]]'', [[Nintendo]]'s ''[[Mach Rider]]'', and [[Atari]]'s ''[[Pole Position]]'' by going from a more standard "pseudo-first-person" view to an isometric perspective. He praised its simplicity and controls, comparing them to that of an actual radio-controlled car. He criticized its lack of a two-player feature and for the instruction booklet's vagueness. He concluded by lauding its graphics and sound, saying that they "help make this the best game of its kind ever produced in any electronic game format".<ref name="CGW">{{cite magazine|last=Kunkel|first=Bill|date=December 1988|title=Video Gaming World: Start Your Engines|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_54|location=[[Anaheim, CA]]|publisher=Golden Empire Publications|issue=54|page=[https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_54/page/n64 65]|issn=0744-6667|oclc=150247674|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]}}</ref> ''[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]'' listed ''R.C. Pro-Am'', along with ''[[Cobra Triangle]]'', as Rare's most notable NES games.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dawley|first1=Heidi|last2=Eng|first2=Paul M.|date=May 29, 1995|title=''Killer Instinct'' For Hire|url=http://www.businessweek.com/archives/1995/b3426108.arc.htm|url-status=dead|location=[[New York City]]|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.]]|issn=0007-7135|oclc=1537921|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107131629/http://www.businessweek.com/stories/1995-05-28/killer-instinct-for-hire|archive-date=November 7, 2012|access-date=August 4, 2011|newspaper=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]}}</ref>


The game has continued to receive positive reviews. [[Allgame]]'s Chris Couper stated that ''R.C. Pro-Am'' is among the best NES games, due to its realistic nature. He praised its challenge and sound.<ref name="Allgame" /> ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' saw the game as a precursor to ''[[Micro Machines (video game)|Micro Machines]]'' by [[Codemasters]], and compared the action and variety of items to the later ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series. They hailed it as one of Rare's best early products, stating: "Radio-controlled car racing in videogame form was pretty much perfected here".<ref>{{cite magazine|date=May 2004|title=Nintendo's Greatest Games|url=https://archive.org/stream/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_004#page/n17/mode/2up|location=[[Bournemouth]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|issue=4|page=19|issn=1742-3155|oclc=489477015|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]}}</ref> The 2009 book ''Vintage Games'' compared it to ''[[Spy Hunter]]'', noting its emphasis on collecting power-ups and weapons and not just on racing, saying that the trend of combining racing with vehicular combat would reappear in future games such as ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' and ''[[Rock n' Roll Racing]]''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Loguidice |first1=Bill |last2=Barton |first2=Matt |title=Vintage Games |publisher=[[Focal Press]] |location=[[Burlington, MA]] |isbn=978-0-240-81146-8 |year=2009 |page=202 |chapter=14 – ''Pole Position'' (1982): Where the Raster Meets the Road}}</ref> Later in 2010, as part of Rare's 25th anniversary, the magazine said that it was Rare's first successful NES game and one of the first games to combine racing and [[Vehicular combat game|vehicular combat]]. Readers ranked it 22nd in a list of top 25 Rare games.<ref name="RG Rare 25 list">{{cite magazine|last=Hunt|first=Stuart|date=December 2010|title=A Rare Glimpse|url=https://archive.org/stream/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_084#page/n27/mode/2up|location=[[Bournemouth]]|publisher=Imagine Publishing|issue=84|pages=28–43|issn=1742-3155|oclc=489477015|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]}}</ref> In 2016, VintageGamer.com praised it for still being enjoyable and challenging 28 years after its release.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vintagegamer.com/ |title=Whaa — Coming Soon |access-date=2019-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421193712/http://vintagegamer.com/ |archive-date=2019-04-21 |url-status=live }}</ref>


''R.C. Pro-Am'' has appeared many times on various "best games" lists. A survey by ''[[GamePro]]'' in 1990 ranked it the 10th-best sports video game.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=January 1991|title=Sport Pro-Shots – #10: ''R.C. Pro-Am''|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_018_January_1991|location=[[Peterborough, NH]]|publisher=IDG Communications/Peterborough, Inc.|issue=18|pages=[https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_018_January_1991/page/n135 118], 122|issn=1042-8658|oclc=19231826|magazine=[[GamePro]]}}</ref> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' placed it the 52nd best console video game of all time in 1997.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=100 Best Games of All Time |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=100 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1997|page=128}} Note: Contrary to the title, the intro to the article explicitly states that the list covers console video games only, meaning PC games and arcade games were not eligible.</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'' placed it number 84 on its "Top 100 Games of All Time" list in August 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top 100 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |issue=100 |date=August 2001 |issn=1067-6392 |oclc=27315596 |publisher=Sunrise Publications |location=[[Eden Prairie, MN]]}}</ref> ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' magazine placed it as the 8th greatest NES game ever, saying that it is "way more fun than ''real'' remote-control cars, which never seemed to be equipped with missile capabilities".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Killingsworth|first=Jason|date=November 25, 2008|title=Top 10 NES Games of All Time|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2008/11/top-10-nes-games-of-all-time.html|magazine=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725235219/http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2008/11/top-10-nes-games-of-all-time.html|archive-date=July 25, 2011|access-date=August 1, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[IGN]] placed it the 13th-best NES game of all time, citing its player popularity and good sales. Executive Editor Craig Harris said that it was one of the first games to introduce the concept of vehicular combat, inspiring other games such as ''[[Super R.C. Pro-Am]]'', ''[[R.C. Pro-Am II]]'', and the ''Mario Kart'' series.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |title=Top 100 NES Games – 13. ''R.C. Pro-Am'' |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 1, 2011 |url=http://www.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/13.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821092626/http://www.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/13.html |archive-date=August 21, 2011 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[1UP.com]] listed it as the 14th best NES game, citing its good graphics and gameplay elements, though the difficulty level was too high. As with other retrospectives, the website staff listed the game as inspiration for future series such as ''[[Super Off Road]]'' and ''Rock n' Roll Racing''.<ref>{{cite web |author=1UP Staff |title=The Top 25 NES Games |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=August 1, 2011 |url=http://www.1up.com/features/top-25-nes-games?pager.offset=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019205408/http://www.1up.com/features/top-25-nes-games?pager.offset=2 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 }}</ref> In a retrospective at Rare's 25th anniversary, ''GamePro'' listed ''R.C. Pro-Am'' as one of Rare's best games, calling the release "one of Rare's finest moments".<ref name="Davison" /> Rare began work on a follow-up game for the [[Nintendo 64]], called ''Pro-Am 64'', which changed direction and became ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Watts|first=Martin|title=Month Of Kong: The Making Of Diddy Kong Racing|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/month_of_kong_the_making_of_diddy_kong_racing|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=28 February 2016|date=23 February 2014}}</ref> The NES version of ''R.C. Pro-Am'' is one of the 30 games in the [[Xbox One]] compilation ''[[Rare Replay]]''.<ref name="Xbox Wire - Rare Replay">{{cite news|url=http://news.xbox.com/2015/06/16/xbox-rare-celebrates-its-30th-anniversary-with-a-massive-30-game-collection/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404195316/http://news.xbox.com/2015/06/16/xbox-rare-celebrates-its-30th-anniversary-with-a-massive-30-game-collection/|title=Rare Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary with a Massive 30-Game Collection|work=Xbox Wire|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was re-released for the [[Nintendo Switch]] via the [[Nintendo Classics]] service on 21 February 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/classic-rare-games-have-been-added-to-nintendo-switch-online/|title=Classic Rare games have been added to Nintendo Switch Online|last=Robinson|first=Andy|website=Video Games Chronicle|date=February 21, 2024|access-date=February 21, 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
* ''[[Eliminator Boat Duel]]''

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MobyGames|id=/rc-pro-am|name=''R.C. Pro-Am''}}

{{Rare}}
{{Xbox Game Studios}}

{{good article}}

[[Category:1988 video games]]
[[Category:Microsoft franchises]]
[[Category:Nintendo arcade games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Nintendo games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Classics games]]
[[Category:PlayChoice-10 games]]
[[Category:Radio-controlled car racing video games]]
[[Category:Rare (company) games]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Tradewest games]]
[[Category:Vehicular combat games]]
[[Category:Video games about toys]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games scored by David Wise]]
[[Category:Video games with isometric graphics]]

Jetpac

2025-09-28T17:02:15Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:6D6A:B4B1:27FB:630D:

{{Short description|1983 video game}}
{{About|the 1983 video game||Jetpack (disambiguation)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Jetpac
| image = Jetpac Coverart.png
| caption = ZX Spectrum cover art
| developer = [[Ultimate Play the Game]]
| publisher = Ultimate Play the Game
| designer =
| programmer = [[Stamper brothers|Chris Stamper]]
| artist = [[Stamper brothers|Tim Stamper]]
| engine =
| platforms = [[ZX Spectrum]], [[BBC Micro]], [[VIC-20]]
| released = '''ZX Spectrum'''{{vgrelease|UK|May 1983<ref name=pcg1>{{citation| title=PSST is this the Ultimate? | journal=[[Personal Computer Games]] | date=June 1983 | issue=1 | page=5 | url=https://archive.org/stream/personalcomputergames-magazine-01/PersonalComputerGames_01#page/n6/mode/1up }}</ref>}} '''VIC-20'''{{vgrelease|UK|1983<ref name="JetpacPCG_VIC20">{{cite journal|title=Coming Soon... |journal=[[Personal Computer Games]] |issue=2 |date=November 1983 |page=7| url=https://archive.org/stream/personalcomputergames-magazine-02/PersonalComputerGames_02#page/n8/mode/1up}}</ref>}} '''BBC Micro'''{{vgrelease|UK|1984<ref name=JetpacCVG_BBC>{{cite journal|title=Jetpac review, BBC Micro version |journal=[[Computer and Video Games]] |issue=38 |date=December 1984 |page=36|url=https://archive.org/stream/computer-video-games-magazine-038/CVG038_Dec_1984#page/n35/mode/1up}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Shooter game|Shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}
'''''Jetpac''''' is a [[Shooter game|shooter video game]] developed and published by [[Ultimate Play the Game]] and released for the [[ZX Spectrum]] and [[VIC-20]] in 1983 and the [[BBC Micro]] in 1984. It is the first game to be released by Ultimate Play the Game, the company which later became [[Rare (company)|Rare]]. The game follows Jetman as he must rebuild his rocket using a [[jet pack]] in order to explore different planets, while simultaneously defending against hostile aliens. It was written by Ultimate co-founder [[Stamper brothers|Chris Stamper]] with graphics designed by his brother, [[Stamper brothers|Tim Stamper]]. Reviewers praised ''Jetpac''{{'}}s presentation and gameplay, and it won "Game of the Year" at the [[Golden Joystick Awards]] in 1983.

''Jetpac'' has since been included as an unlockable minigame in 1999's ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' and as part of the 2015 compilation ''[[Rare Replay]]''. It was later included in a game compilation on the [[ZX Spectrum Vega]]. It spawned two direct sequels and a 2007 remake, ''[[Jetpac Refuelled]]'', which was released for the [[Xbox Live Arcade]] service.

==Gameplay==
[[Image:Jetpac.gif|thumb|left|Three rocket sections need to be assembled before Jetman can leave this planet.]]

The game world is presented in a horizontal [[wraparound (video games)|wraparound]] and consists of three platforms which Jetman can manoeuvre onto. Jetman must assemble his rocket (which spawns in pieces scattered around the map), and then fill it with fuel before taking off to the next planet, where the procedure is broadly repeated with alternate procedures.<ref name=interface/> In addition, the player has to defend themselves from the planet's aliens, and for bonus points collect valuable resources which occasionally fall from above.<ref name=crash03/>

After the first level, the rocket stays assembled and just requires refuelling. However, every four levels, the rocket resets (giving the player an extra life) and the replacement has to be built before it can be refuelled for takeoff.<ref name=interface/> Each new model has a new design with a higher number written on it, although the core gameplay remains unchanged.<ref name=crash03/> The enemies change forms each level (cycling back to the first after eight levels) and each alien has a different pattern of movement which means they can be dealt with in a different manner.<ref name=cvg/>

==Development==
[[Image:ZX Interface 2 connected to ZX Interface 1.jpg|thumb|Jet Pac ROM inserted to ZX Interface 2]]

Ultimate Play the Game was founded by brothers [[Tim and Chris Stamper]], along with Tim's wife, Carol, from their headquarters in [[Ashby-de-la-Zouch]] in 1982. They began producing multiple video games for the [[ZX Spectrum]] throughout the early 1980s.<ref name=best>{{cite web|title=The Best of British - Ultimate|url=http://www.crashonline.org.uk/51/ultimate.htm|publisher=Crash|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref> The company were known for their reluctance to reveal details about their operations and then-upcoming projects. Little was known about their development process except that they used to work in "separate teams"; one team would work on development whilst the other would concentrate on other aspects such as sound or graphics.<ref name=best/> While developing ''Jetpac'', the Stamper brothers closely studied the burgeoning Japanese gaming market and had started to practice developing games for their then-upcoming console, the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]], later predicting that the ZX Spectrum had a limited lifespan.<ref name=sabre>{{cite journal|title=The Ultimate Hero: The Complete History of Sabreman|journal=Retro Gamer|date=February 2010|issue=73|page=27|url=http://scans.bytemaniacos.com/en/retro_gamer/Retro_Gamer_Issue_073.pdf|access-date=23 August 2015|publisher=Imagine|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004151212/http://scans.bytemaniacos.com/en/retro_gamer/Retro_Gamer_Issue_073.pdf|archive-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>

''Jetpac'' was one of the few Spectrum games also available in a [[read-only memory|ROM]] format for use with the [[ZX Interface 2|Interface 2]], allowing "instantaneous" loading of the game when the normal method of cassette loading took minutes.<ref name=interface>{{citation | title=Interface Games are Fast but not Furious | journal=[[Sinclair User]] | issue=24 | pages=54–55 | publisher=[[EMAP]] | date=March 1984 | url=https://archive.org/stream/sinclair-user-magazine-024/SinclairUser_024_Mar_1984#page/n53/mode/2up }}</ref> The game was also able to run on the 16K version of the Spectrum.<ref name=best/>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| CVG = ZX: 9/10<ref name=cvg>{{ citation | journal=[[Computer and Video Games]] | title = Jetpac - Review | date=January 1983 | issue=21 | pages=136 | publisher=[[Future Publishing]] | url=https://archive.org/stream/computer-video-games-magazine-021/CVG021_Jul_1983#page/n135/mode/1up }}</ref> 
BBC: 9/10<ref name=JetpacCVG_BBC/>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name=EuroG/>
| CRASH = Highly recommended<ref name="crash03"/>
| rev1 = ''Home Computing Weekly''
| rev1Score = 4/5<ref>{{citation | url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=HomeComputingWeekly/Issue016/Pages/HomeComputingWeekly01600015.jpg | title=Reaction games across the Spectrum - Jet Pac | journal=Home Computing Weekly | date=June 1983 | issue=16 | page=15 }}</ref>
| award1Pub = [[Golden Joystick Awards]]
| award1 = "Game of the Year" (1983)<ref name=goldenjoy>{{cite journal|title=C&VG's Golden Joystick Awards 1983|journal=[[Computer and Video Games]]|date=June 1985|issue=29|url=https://archive.org/stream/Computer_Video_Games_Issue_029_1984-03_EMAP_Publishing_GB/Computer__Video_Games_Issue_029_1984-03_EMAP_Publishing_GB#page/n14/mode/1up|access-date=13 January 2012|page=15|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]}}</ref>
}}

The game sold over 300,000 copies and generated £1 million in revenue for Ultimate Play the Game, which enabled the Stamper brothers to gain a foothold in the early video gaming market.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nuttall |first1=Nick |title=Nintendo puts British firm on big game map|url=https://archive.org/details/NewsUK1995UKEnglish/Apr%2020%201995%2C%20The%20Times%2C%20%2365246%2C%20UK%20%28en%29/page/n5/mode/2up|page=7|access-date=10 May 2024 |work=The Times |issue=65246 |date=20 April 1995}}</ref><ref name=history>{{cite journal|title=1983: A Spaceman's Odyssey - The History of Jetman|journal=Retro Gamer|date=November 2011|issue=96|page=50|url=http://scans.bytemaniacos.com/en/retro_gamer/Retro_Gamer_Issue_096.pdf|access-date=22 August 2015|publisher=Imagine|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927142453/http://scans.bytemaniacos.com/en/retro_gamer/Retro_Gamer_Issue_096.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2015}}</ref>

The game was critically acclaimed. ''[[Crash (magazine)|Crash]]'' praised the graphics and presentation, citing that they were of "the highest standard" and added that it was "difficult to find any real faults" with the game.<ref name=crash03>{{cite journal|title=Jetpac review |journal=Crash Magazine|date=April 1984|issue=4|page=65|url=https://archive.org/stream/Crash_No._03_1984-04_Newsfield_GB#page/n63/mode/2up/search/jetpac|access-date=3 August 2015}}</ref> ''[[Computer and Video Games|CVG]]'' similarly praised the graphics, stating that the presentation was "superb" and the gameplay was considered addictive.<ref name=cvg/> In a retrospective review, Chris Wilkins of [[Eurogamer]] noted that the colourful graphics and sound effects were advanced for the time, but what truly made for a "faultless" experience was its simple gameplay.<ref name=EuroG>{{cite web|last1=Wilkins|first1=Chris|title=Jetpac review|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/jetpac-review|website=Eurogamer|access-date=3 August 2015|date=25 October 2007}}</ref>

''ZX Computing'' praised the game's playability and replay value, stating that ''Jetpac'' was "a very well put together piece of software".<ref>{{citation | url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8308/Pages/ZXComputing830800106.jpg | title=The soft touch - Jet Pac | journal=ZX Computing | date=August 1983 | issue=8 | pages=106–107 }}</ref> The game was number one in the first Spectrum sales chart published by ''CVG''.<ref>{{ citation | url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=C+VG/Issue023/Pages/CVG02300037.jpg | journal=[[C+VG]] | title = Chart Toppers | date=September 1983 | issue=23 | pages=37 | publisher=[[Future Publishing]] }}</ref>
The ZX Spectrum version was voted number 73 in the ''[[Your Sinclair]] Readers' Top 100 Games of All Time'' in 1993<ref>{{citation |url=https://archive.org/stream/your-sinclair-93/YourSinclair_93_Sep_1993#page/n57/mode/1up |title=Readers' Top 100 Games of All Time |publisher=[[Future plc]]|journal=[[Your Sinclair]] | date= September 1993 | issue=93 | page=11}}</ref> and was voted the 14th best game of all time by the readers of ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' for an article that was scheduled to be in a special ''Your Sinclair'' tribute issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/50bestspeccygames94.htm |title=The 50 Best Speccy Games Ever! |publisher=ysrnry.co.uk |date=November 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912235003/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/50bestspeccygames94.htm |archive-date=2015-09-12 }}</ref> The game won the title "Game of the Year" at the 1983 [[Golden Joystick Awards]].<ref name=goldenjoy/>

==Legacy==
After the game's release, ''Jetpac'' was parodied in a long-running ''[[Crash (magazine)|Crash]]'' comic strip named ''Lunar Jetman''. The strip, designed by John Richardson, lasted from July 1984 to October 1991 and gained popular reception from readers. To develop the comic, photographs had to be processed manually on a photomechanical tone and then transferred to paper, being fully colourised in the late 1980s.<ref name=history/>

''Jetpac'' was followed by two sequels: ''[[Lunar Jetman]]'' (1983) and ''[[Solar Jetman]]'' (1990). The latter was not released for the ZX Spectrum, and a version for the Commodore 64 was finished but never released following disappointing sales of the original [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] version.<ref>{{cite web|title=Solar Jetman - 1991 storm|year=1991 |url=http://www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/solar-jetman/|publisher=Games That Weren't|access-date=3 August 2015}}</ref>

Since its release, ''Jetpac'' has been included in a number of other games developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]]. The game is playable in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', where it can be unlocked to play in [[Cranky Kong]]'s laboratory after obtaining 15 Banana Medals. Beating Cranky Kong's high score rewards the player with the Rareware Coin, which is necessary to beat the game. The game was retained in the April 2015 [[Virtual Console]] re-release of ''Donkey Kong 64'' on the [[Wii U]], despite the property being owned by Microsoft since its 2002 acquisition of Rare.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/n64/action/donkeykong64/hints.html |title=Donkey Kong 64 |publisher=CNET |work=GameSpot |access-date=30 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060613215708/http://uk.gamespot.com/n64/action/donkeykong64/hints.html |archive-date=13 June 2006 }}</ref> An [[Video game remake|enhanced remake]] of ''Jetpac'', entitled ''[[Jetpac Refuelled]]'', was released on the [[Xbox Live Arcade]] in March 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/j/jetpacrefuelledxboxlivearcade/default.htm |title=Jetpac Refuelled |publisher=Microsoft |work=Xbox.com |access-date=25 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222031535/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/j/jetpacrefuelledxboxlivearcade/default.htm |archive-date=22 February 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Microsoft's [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2015|E3 2015]] press conference unveiled the compilation title ''[[Rare Replay]]'', which has a selection of thirty games from Rare's lifetime game library, including the original ''Jetpac'' and its two sequels and remake, making the ''Jetman'' series the most represented in the collection.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.xbox.com/2015/06/xbox-rare-celebrates-its-30th-anniversary-with-a-massive-30-game-collection|title=Rare Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary with a Massive 30-Game Collection|work=Xbox News|date=15 June 2015|access-date=19 August 2015}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Spoken Wikipedia|date=2024-05-03|EN-Jetpac-article.ogg}}
* {{WoS game|id=0009362}}
* {{moby game|id=/jetpac}}
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150128112951/http://www.robsoftcloud.net/Ultimate/games/jetpacintro.shtml ''Jetpac'']}} at Ultimate Wurlde
*[https://jetpac.ee/ ''Jetpac'']

{{Ultimate Play the Game}}
{{Rare}}
{{Golden Joystick GOTY}}

[[Category:1983 video games]]
[[Category:BBC Micro and Acorn Electron games]]
[[Category:VIC-20 games]]
[[Category:Europe-exclusive video games]]
[[Category:Rare (company) games]]
[[Category:Microsoft franchises]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:ZX Spectrum games]]
[[Category:Shooter games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year winners]]
[[Category:Video games about extraterrestrial life]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]