Daley Thompson's Decathlon RatingClassic!

Daley Thompsons DecathlonBuild muscles in your fingertips and win the Decathlon!
Year : 1984
Publisher :Ocean Software Ltd.
Developer : Paul Owens
Format : ZX Spectrum 48k
Play this game!Reviewed by Malc

Daley Thompson, the gold decathlon winner at the 1980 and 1984 Olympic games features in this sporting epic from Ocean Software.

Daley Thompsons DecathlonFeaturing ten events from the Olympics, you guide Daley through 2 days. The first day features the 100 metres, Long Jump, Shot-put, High Jump and 400 metres.

Starting off with the 100 metres is easy enough. Control is by either tapping two keys alternately as fast as you can, or waggling the joystick from left to right. The long jump is slightly trickier, the method being to run towards the sand and press a third key to obtain the correct distance to make the jump.

Day two features 100 metre hurdles, Discus, Pole-Vault, Javelin and 1500 metres.

Hurdling proves tricky, requiring quick fingers and good co-ordination to jump the hurdles.

The most gruelling event to your fingers and wrist however is the 1500 metres. This is one event where you  think the race is never going to end!

The main character doesn't resemble Daley in any way shape or form, but the game itself remains a classic even to this day.

Video Games Menu

Inlays

Front

Daley Thompsons Decathlon

Rear

Daley Thompsons Decathlon

 

Conversions

Amstrad CPC

Daley Thompsons Decathlon

Nice conversion with colourful graphics and sound effects. Lacks the charm of the Spectrum version, but at least the main character resembles Daley.

Commodore 64

Daley Thompsons DecathlonExcellent music on the C64 version, atmospheric sound effects and superb scrolling. The main play area is rather small but overall a really good conversion!