Dolphin

About

Dolphin is an arcade action game where you control a sea creature navigating tight schools of seahorses while fending off a persistent squid. Players move their dolphin through underwater obstacles by timing jumps and rides on waves, with sound cues signaling safe paths. The squid chases relentlessly, forcing quick decisions to avoid collisions. Gameplay shifts when a seagull appears, snagging it grants points and resets the squid’s position, but requires precise timing. Both single player and two-player competitive modes are available, with the latter turning the ocean into a frantic race to outmaneuver each other’s dolphin. The game’s standout mechanics revolve around the squid’s shifting behavior and the "slip" tactic of reversing direction during waves to escape. Points come from touching targets, dodging hazards, and accuracy in navigating narrow openings. With peak scores reaching 8000 per squid and 800 per seagull, progression hinges on mastering rhythm and reflexes. Released in 1983, it’s a relic of early cartridge-era design, praised by retro enthusiasts for its clever use of limited Atari 2600 hardware to create dynamic chase sequences.