Jackal (video game)

Jackal is an overhead run and gun shooter arcade game released by Konami in 1986. It was subsequently ported to various home platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

The game puts the player in control of a jeep, often referred to as a "Jackal," tasked with rescuing prisoners of war (POWs) held captive in enemy territory. Players navigate through vertically scrolling levels, battling enemy soldiers, tanks, helicopters, and other military vehicles.

The primary objective is to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters and rescue the POWs by using the jeep's machine gun and grenades to destroy obstacles and eliminate threats. Rescued POWs are loaded onto the jeep, and upon reaching a designated extraction point, the POWs are evacuated by helicopter.

The game features a cooperative two-player mode, allowing two players to control separate jeeps simultaneously. Each jeep has its own health bar and weapons, and players can coordinate their efforts to overcome challenges more effectively. Power-ups can be collected throughout the levels to enhance the jeep's weaponry, such as increasing the firing rate of the machine gun or the power of the grenades.

Jackal is noted for its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and cooperative multiplayer experience. Its simple controls and addictive gameplay made it a popular arcade title and a well-regarded game on the NES. The game contributed to the popularity of the run and gun genre.