Overview
Flap to fly. Pop their balloons. Balloon Fight adapted Joust’s flying combat into a charming Nintendo package. Players floated through single-screen arenas, bouncing off platforms and ceiling while attacking enemies from above. The floaty physics and bonus stages created a distinctly Nintendo feel despite the obvious inspiration.
Fast facts
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1.
- Programmer: Satoru Iwata.
- Inspiration: Joust (Williams).
- Players: One or two simultaneous.
Gameplay mechanics
| Action | Function |
|---|
| A button | Flap to gain altitude |
| B button | Also flap (rapid press) |
| Direction | Horizontal movement |
| Attack | Hit enemies from above |
Balloon system
| State | Effect |
|---|
| Two balloons | Full flight capability |
| One balloon | Reduced lift |
| No balloons | Death |
| Pop enemy balloon | Enemy parachutes down |
Enemies
| Enemy | Behaviour |
|---|
| Balloon enemies | Float and pursue |
| Parachuting enemies | Must finish off |
| Respawning enemies | Return from pipes |
| Fish | Grabs from water below |
Stage hazards
| Hazard | Threat |
|---|
| Water | Fish pulls you under |
| Bumpers | Electric sparks |
| Pipes | Enemy respawn points |
| Ceiling/floor | Bounce off |
Balloon Trip mode
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Side-scrolling | Endless mode |
| Obstacles | Electric sparks |
| Balloons | Collect for points |
| Goal | Distance survival |
Iwata connection
| Fact | Significance |
|---|
| Programmer | Early Satoru Iwata work |
| At HAL | Nintendo partnership |
| Career | Later became Nintendo president |
vs Joust comparison
| Aspect | Balloon Fight | Joust |
|---|
| Flight | Balloons | Flapping bird |
| Attack | Pop balloons | Lance |
| Tone | Cute | Medieval |
| Feel | Floaty | Weighty |
See also