Super Mario Bros. Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
Joust
Co-op
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1987 (originally 1982) |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | HAL Laboratory |
| Publisher | HAL Laboratory |
| Players | 1–2 players (co-op) |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 7 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, Joust is a platformer developed by HAL Laboratory. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1982.
It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man.
HAL Laboratory also made Kirby's Adventure, Adventures of Lolo and Adventures of Lolo 2 for the NES.
Joust supports up to 2 players, including cooperative play, which makes it a strong pick for playing with a friend.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want a game to beat together with a friend
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Joust is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Joust cheats & codes
20 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | SXXKKZVI |
|---|---|
| Start With 1 Life | PEOGLAIA |
| Start With 9 Lives | ZEOGLAIE |
| Turbo Flying | PASGKGAA |
| Heavens Above? | GXVKOZSP |
| Start On Last Level Reached | GXSKTASA
GXSKGASA
GXVGGASA |
Joust walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Joust.
If you like Joust, the Matrix also picks…
Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Ice Climber Classic Co-op
Kirby's Adventure Classic
Super Mario Bros. 2 Classic
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers Classic Co-op
Mappy Classic
City Connection Classic
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Joust FAQ
When did Joust come out on the NES?
Joust was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987; the original game dates back to 1982.
Who made Joust?
It was developed by HAL Laboratory.
Is Joust multiplayer?
Yes. Joust supports up to 2 players, including co-op play.
How long does Joust take to play?
As a platformer, Joust typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Joust on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.