Play Circus Games | Commodore 64 Online Game (1988)

'Circus Games,' written by Michael Hedley and published by Tynesoft in 1984 for the Commodore 64, is a collection of mini-games inspired by circus-themed activities. The game features five distinct events: High Dive, Trampoline, Tightrope, Clowns, and Water Ski Jump. Each event requires players to master unique controls and mechanics, ranging from timing jumps to balancing on a tightrope, offering a variety of challenges.

The High Dive event tasks players with climbing a ladder and diving into a small pool, requiring precise timing to achieve a perfect dive. Trampoline involves bouncing on a trampoline to reach greater heights while maintaining balance. Tightrope challenges players to cross a rope without falling, using careful movements to avoid losing balance. Clowns is a shooting gallery-style game where players aim at moving targets, and Water Ski Jump involves timing a jump off a ramp while skiing on water.

The game's visuals are simple but colorful, capturing the whimsical atmosphere of a circus. Each event is accompanied by cheerful music and sound effects, enhancing the lighthearted tone. The controls vary between events, with some relying on joystick movements and others requiring precise button presses, adding to the diversity of gameplay.

'Circus Games' was designed for both single-player and two-player modes, allowing for competitive or cooperative play. The two-player mode alternates turns, with players competing to achieve higher scores in each event. This feature adds replayability, as players can challenge each other to improve their performance across the mini-games.

Overall, 'Circus Games' is a straightforward yet entertaining collection of mini-games that captures the fun and challenge of circus-themed activities. Its variety of events and accessible gameplay made it a notable title for the Commodore 64 during its release.