The Olympic games have given us unique breakdancing and a French pole vault many of us will never forget. For those of us who still crave the thrill of the race, the tension of the jump, and the glory of victory, there's a way to keep the adrenaline pumping—right from your gaming setup. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or just someone looking to experience a bit of digital athleticism, here’s a rundown of some classic track and field-inspired games that’ll make you feel like a champion all over again.
1. Track & Field (1983) - The OG of Athletic Gaming
Let’s kick things off with the granddaddy of them all—Track & Field. Released by Konami in 1983, this arcade classic set the standard for sports video games. With its simple yet addictive button-mashing mechanics, players could compete in events like the 100m dash, long jump, and javelin throw. Sure, you might have blistered your fingers smashing those buttons, but it was all worth it for the bragging rights. Today, you can relive this experience on various retro gaming platforms or even through emulators on your PC.
2. Decathlon (1983) - Bruce Jenner’s Decathlon
If you’re looking for a game that’s more comprehensive, Decathlon by Activision is a must-play. Also released in 1983, this game put players through the grueling ten events of the decathlon. From sprints to pole vaults, each event tested your timing and endurance (not to mention your joystick’s durability). It was a game that truly captured the all-around athleticism required for the sport. Available on classic Atari consoles or through modern retro collections, Decathlon remains a test of both skill and perseverance.
3. Daley Thompson’s Decathlon (1984) - The Ultimate Button Masher
Inspired by the real-life Olympic champion, Daley Thompson’s Decathlon took the button-mashing formula to a new level. Released in 1984, this game was notorious for its demanding control scheme, where rapid pressing of buttons was the key to victory. From running events to throwing the discus, every aspect of this game was designed to push your reflexes to the limit. It’s a perfect example of old-school gaming’s charm, and it’s still a blast to play on retro gaming platforms.
4. Summer Games (1984) - The Epyx Classic
Developed by Epyx, Summer Games was one of the first games to offer a wide range of Olympic-style events. Released in 1984, this game featured eight events, including swimming, diving, and gymnastics, each with its unique control scheme. The game stood out for its variety and the way it captured the feel of the Olympics in a home console format. Today, Summer Games is a great way to experience the nostalgia of the mid-80s gaming scene, available on platforms like the Commodore 64 and its modern equivalents.
5. Olympic Gold: Barcelona ’92 (1992) - The 16-Bit Glory
Fast forward to the early 90s, and we have Olympic Gold: Barcelona '92 on the Sega Genesis. This game brought the thrill of the Olympics into the 16-bit era, offering a more sophisticated and visually appealing experience. It featured seven events, including the hammer throw, archery, and the 110m hurdles, with each event capturing the excitement of the games. If you’re a fan of the Genesis or just love the look and feel of early 90s gaming, Olympic Gold is a fantastic way to dive back into the world of athletic competition.
Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or someone looking to experience the digital thrill of track and field, these titles offer a perfect way to keep the adrenaline going. So, fire up your emulator, and relive the glory days of athletic gaming.