As a fearless pile of buzzard bait encased in armor, you pilot your trusty steed - who happens to be an ostrich, by the way - in an effort to impale your opponents - who also happen to be riding ostriches - before they can lance you. Other dangers include a pterodactyl who periodically arrives to thin out the ranks of on-screen warriors if things are taking too long, and platforms that disappear under your feet, plunging you into a sea of molten lava. (Atari [under license from Williams Electronics], 1983)

Joust is an incredibly fun and addictive game with a loyal cult following, and Atari did it "joust-ice". Perhaps the reason this game is so fondly remembered is its weird and utterly unique mix of anachronisms - knights with armor and lances, riding ostriches and avoiding pterodactyls?!

Rating:  Four quarters - a couple of minor irritants, but mostly a compelling and addictive game.

Reviewed by Earl Green
theLogBook.com editor/webmaster