PacBilly

7800, hands-down. Leagues better than even the arcade version. Flapping is 10x better. In the arcade it's a chore. Anything that seeks to re-create the arcade experience is missing the mark. The 7800 version really ramps up the fun factor. And I know it's a matter of preference, but I actually prefer the 7800 graphics to the original. The best version of the game in everything but maybe sound. The C64 port was finally released this year, and it's far from perfect but well worth checking out.

Sorry if my wording was unclear. I only mean that the 7800 version is the best version. The C64 version is kind of a port of the Atari 8-bit version. To me, faithfulness to the arcade is immaterial if the arcade's gameplay is less fun. With games, everything else should bow down to the fun factor, and I think the 7800 is easily the best version in that regard. Also, and this is just a matter of preference, I prefer the proportions of the 7800 sprites to the arcade version's sprites.

The problem with the arcade version, to me, is that flapping is a chore. The birds are too heavy. Sure, I guess it adds a bit of challenge to the experience, but it isn't as fun. In the 7800 (and I assume the Atari 8-bit) version, the birds feel lighter. You're free to concentrate on what you're going to do next without worrying about flapping finger fatigue. Or thumb fatigue, of course, but it isn't as alliterative. And I've never been a fan of the way the birds look when on the ground in the arcade version.

Wow, am I just not remembering now bad the C64 port of Robotron was? I own it, but it's been AGES since I've played it. In fact I may have played the 7800 version more recently. I remembered they both support dual-joystick mode, which is nice. Donkey Kong was like molasses.

I'm posting this here because this video is as much about how the Atari 7800 version of Joust remains the very best version (better than even the arcade) as it is the C64 port. As I mention in the video, the 7800 port is the one by which all other versions should be judged. C64 Joust: How does it stack up?

Jack and Leonard Tramiel showcase the Atari ST in my latest episode of Kimpewter Cronikulls. Should probably only be viewed by those with a high tolerance for silliness. https://youtu.be/-5NMPVaOMXA