Circus Games

Summary
A series of circus themed minigames including "Trick Riding", where the rider performs tricks like standing on the horse, while the horse canters around the arena (see Vaulting).

Game Design
Side view.

Gameplay


The game consists of four games (Trick Riding, Tightrope, Trapeze, Tiger Training) that can be played either individually or together in the "International Competition" for a spot in the Highscore list. Up to four human or computer players can compete. The computer player's level can be selected. Chosen accordingly, the computer's performance shows how it should look like, which can be very helpful in the beginning. DOS Version: The game can be played with keyboard or joystick. You might want to check or change the setup; standard is arrow keys for LEFT/RIGHT/UP/DOWN and SPACE for FIRE.

Trick Riding Mechanics
CONTROLS: FIRE to jump on horse LEFT/RIGHT to keep balance UP to stand DOWN to sit DOWN + FIRE (sitting) handstand RIGHT or LEFT + FIRE (sitting) jump down on side of horse and up again RIGHT or LEFT + FIRE (standing) spin around UP + FIRE (standing) somersault



Jump on the horse as it passes you with FIRE. The horse will now canter around the arena. You can check the position in the round on the "radar" in the right corner. To keep balance on the horse, you have to press LEFT and RIGHT. If arrows appear in the "Balance Meter" on the top of the screen, quickly press the key for the opposite direction. When the arrows reach the end of the meter, you'll fall down. There are three rounds. To get the most points, perform the tricks in the right round:

1. ROUND: Jump down both sides (L/R + FIRE w/sitting), stand up (UP) 2. ROUND: Handstand (DOWN + FIRE w/sitting), somersault (UP + FIRE w/standing) 3. ROUND: Spin left and right (L/R + FIRE w/standing) and handstand (DOWN + FIRE w/sitting).

Sometimes you have to hold the keys for a bit, to perform successfully. You can, time permitting, perform a trick more than once. You got three lives. Falling down means no points for this round.

Differences between Releases
In some versions (Armstrad, ZX Spectrum), the trick riding event is more of an obstacle course.

On the Internet Archive's MS-DOS Library, FIRE is replaced by SPACE.

Trivia
There is another game called "Circus Games" for DOS (astudio, 1988?) with much simpler graphics and a 2008 Game for the Wii. Both do not seem to include horses.

Additional Media
Manual for DOS, Commodore and Amiga versions from gamesdatabase.org (PDF) Manual for Armstrad version from gamesdatabase.org (PDF)

System Requirements & Compatibility
Can be played online as part of the Internet Archive's MS-DOS Library. (FIRE is replaced by SPACE)