Arcade classics: Bomb Jack

Bomb Jack

This fabulous little game first appeared in arcades in 1984. Developed by Tehkan (now Tecmo) it was so addictive, but if you weren't careful was over in a flash.
The star of the game is Jack, and you have to jump him around various tourist spots to 'defuse' bombs that have been planted there.
Various enemies try to foil your efforts, from birds and mummies to orbs and a little flying saucer that became my personal nemesis.
To win bonus points, you could defuse the bombs in 'fuse order' and if you combined that with a few well timed B's (bonuses), you could really rack up the score.
Playing the game like this triggered the bonuses faster, but I was never that good at it!
If you managed to collect a P, all the enemies became frozen, and you could collect them for extra points - starting with that flying saucer to get it off the screen.
Manage to catch yourself an E (extra) and you gained an extra life, which you'd need as the game speeded up.
Eventually the levels would begin to repeat themselves, with more enemies moving faster - and the flying saucer became near impossible to avoid as it locked directly on to you.
As great as Bomb Jack was, it took a great toll on my joy sticks which my Dad would often snap as he tried to jump and catch elusively high bombs.
I've played this game in various different guises since - but none come close to being as fun - or frustrating - as the original.

Watch levels 1 to 6 being played by an expert - not me I hasten to add!