The Activision Decathlon
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The Activision Decathlon – Before Button Mashing Became a Health Risk
The Activision Decathlon is the 1984 Commodore 64 conversion of Activision's athletics game, based on David Crane's original design. Up to four players can contest all ten events in sequence or practise them individually: the 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 metres, 110-metre hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500 metres. Running events demand fast, steady joystick movement, while jumps and throws add a precisely timed fire-button press to set the angle or release point. Each performance earns points according to its time, height or distance, and the highest combined score wins the decathlon. The C64 edition retains the multiplayer rivalry and demanding physical controls that made the game famous, while adding colourful presentation, animated athletes and crowd effects suited to Commodore hardware.
Game Overview
About the Game
The Activision Decathlon is the 1984 Commodore 64 conversion of Activision's athletics game, based on David Crane's original design. Up to four players can contest all ten events in sequence or practise them individually: the 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 metres, 110-metre hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500 metres. Running events demand fast, steady joystick movement, while jumps and throws add a precisely timed fire-button press to set the angle or release point. Each performance earns points according to its time, height or distance, and the highest combined score wins the decathlon. The C64 edition retains the multiplayer rivalry and demanding physical controls that made the game famous, while adding colourful presentation, animated athletes and crowd effects suited to Commodore hardware.
Game Manual
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews · 8
Contemporary average 82% · range 60–100%
C&VG
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Commodore Horizons
Reviewed by Activision full-price release
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Home Computing Weekly
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Personal Computer Games
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Your Commodore
Reviewed by KM. Activision full-price release
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Your Commodore
Reviewed by Gordon Hamlett. Firebird budget release
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Your Commodore
Reviewed by Tony Hetherington. Firebird budget release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Julian Rignall, Paul Sumner & Steve Jarratt. Firebird budget release
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