Daley Thompson's Decathlon
Computer Game
1984 (released)
1984 (released)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This game was published by Ocean Software, a British programming firm who had big hits in the 1980s and 90s. Based on the big hit Konami game <i>Track and Field</i>, it simulates the gruelling event won by the athlete Daley Thompson in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. The game was split into two days, the first involving the 100 metres, long jump, shot-put, high jump and 400 metres, the second being 100 metres hurdles, discus, pole-vault, javelin and 1500 metres. This game was know by players as a "Joystick Killer", because playing the events involved constant vigorous waggling of the joystick, or fast repetitive pressing of keys on the keyboard. The cassette-based software took several minutes to load, unlike the near instantaneous cartridge or today's optical discs, which meant a long wait in anticipation before being able to play.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
|
| Title | Daley Thompson's Decathlon (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Injection moulded case holding magnetic tape on two reels, with printed paper label adhered to one side. Offset lithography on paper, folded. Injection moulded plastic. |
| Brief description | Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer game 'Daley Thompson's Decathlon', by Ocean Software Ltd, 1984. |
| Physical description | Black plastic compact cassette holding two reels with magnetic tape. Printed paper label adhered to one side with title and name of manufacturer. Folded printed paper insert, with title on spine and front cover, with illustration of Daley Thompson running towards the Olympic Rings logo. Plastic pivoted cassette case, with transparent cover and black back. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Mass produced |
| Credit line | Given by Alex Carter |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | This game was published by Ocean Software, a British programming firm who had big hits in the 1980s and 90s. Based on the big hit Konami game <i>Track and Field</i>, it simulates the gruelling event won by the athlete Daley Thompson in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. The game was split into two days, the first involving the 100 metres, long jump, shot-put, high jump and 400 metres, the second being 100 metres hurdles, discus, pole-vault, javelin and 1500 metres. This game was know by players as a "Joystick Killer", because playing the events involved constant vigorous waggling of the joystick, or fast repetitive pressing of keys on the keyboard. The cassette-based software took several minutes to load, unlike the near instantaneous cartridge or today's optical discs, which meant a long wait in anticipation before being able to play. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.57:1 to 3-2011 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | July 20, 2011 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
