Jackal

Game review

In Jackal, players take control of a jeep armed with machine guns and grenades. The primary mission is to infiltrate enemy territory, rescue prisoners of war, and defeat enemy forces. The game stands out for its cooperative gameplay aspect, allowing two players to play simultaneously, which was a notable feature at the time. This cooperative mode adds an extra layer of strategy and enjoyment, as players must work together to navigate through enemy lines and coordinate their attacks.

The gameplay revolves around navigating the jeep through various levels, each filled with a variety of enemy soldiers, tanks, and fortifications. Players must maneuver skillfully to avoid enemy fire and obstacles while engaging in combat. The jeep's weapons can be upgraded by rescuing prisoners, enhancing the players' firepower and increasing their chances of survival.

One of the game's distinguishing features is its boss battles. At the end of each level, players face a challenging boss enemy, requiring them to use all their skills and tactics to prevail. These boss battles are not only tests of the players' combat abilities but also of their strategic thinking, as each boss has unique weaknesses and attack patterns.

Jackal was well-received for its action-packed gameplay and cooperative play feature. The game's ability to balance straightforward shoot-'em-up mechanics with strategic elements made it appealing to a wide range of players. Its conversion from the arcade to DOS was successful in retaining the excitement and challenge of the original game.