Jetpack

About

Jetpack is a DOS-era platformer where you navigate maze-like levels using a jetpack and phase shifter. Your goal is to gather green emeralds while dodging hazards like rocks, force fields, and teleport pads. The jetpack requires fuel collected via tanks or grids, adding resource management to the mix. Levels are filled with ladders, ice patches, conveyor belts, and destructible bricks, demanding precise timing and planning. A local multiplayer mode lets up to eight players take turns on the same machine, though the core experience remains single-player focused. The game stands out for its level editor and active community contributions, with extra levels still hosted by Adept Software. Registered versions include 100 built-in levels, each paired with a hintbook offering screenshots and tips. Released in 1993 as shareware, it’s now free to play, preserving its quirky charm. Its blend of platforming and puzzle-solving earned it a cult following, with retro fans praising its tight controls and reusable level design. The simplicity of its mechanics ensures it’s easy to pick up but tough to master.