Jet Set Willy for Atari 8-bit computers | Review

August 25, 2024 • Updated: Mar 18, 2025 - 12:47 AM

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There is no doubt that “Jet Set Willy,” the iconic platform game originally created by Matthew Smith for the ZX Spectrum in 1984, has left an indelible mark on video game history for its challenging gameplay, simple yet ingenious graphics, and unique atmosphere. However, adaptations to other platforms – such as the Atari 8-bit version, published by Tynesoft in 1986 – have had mixed results, which to this day give rise to debate among fans.

A sequel to the hit game Manic Miner, this title puts players in the shoes of Willy, a millionaire caught in a peculiar situation: after throwing a wild party in his mansion, his strict wife Maria forbids him to rest until he has cleaned up the mess. Thus begins an odyssey in which Willy must navigate more than 60 rooms filled with traps and psychedelic enemies, collecting objects to meet his spouse’s demands.

The original Atari XL/XE version of Jet Set Willy is remembered for both its merits and its flaws. Visually, this port tries to stay faithful to the original design, but it faces the technical limitations of the hardware itself. Although the Atari 8-bit graphics use a vibrant color palette and feature complex level design, they do not necessarily surpass those of the ZX Spectrum. The sprites are simple, and although the animations are fluid, the detail in the backgrounds and interactive elements is modest compared to other systems. Still, the scenarios manage to convey the surreal and chaotic character that defines the game, offering a visual experience that, although not outstanding, is enough to maintain the player's interest.

Likewise, the gameplay on the Atari 8-bit is infamously difficult; an aspect that both attracts and frustrates players. The Tynesoft version has a critical bug: upon losing a life, Willy respawns in the same spot where he died; trapping the player in a loop until all lives are depleted. This problem, combined with controls that require pinpoint precision, as well as Willy's slower movement speed than in the Spectrum version, makes the game extremely difficult to enjoy.

The iconic 1984 platformer is notable for its high difficulty.

In fact, many gamers on forums like AtariAge have noted that the title is tragically “unplayable” due to these drawbacks. This level of difficulty, while frustrating, is part of the game’s appeal for those looking for a real platforming challenge. However, for less experienced gamers, this feature can be an insurmountable obstacle.

Despite the aforementioned problems, one memorable aspect of “Jet Set Willy” on the Atari 8-bit is its soundtrack, composed exclusively for this version by the legendary Rob Hubbard. Unlike other versions, such as the Commodore 64 version, which used classical tunes – such as Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” – the Atari version boasts an extremely catchy original score, which takes full advantage of the capabilities of the POKEY sound chip.

While some critics point out that the upbeat tone of the music doesn't quite fit with the bizarre atmosphere of Jet Set Willy, it is undeniable that the soundtrack elevates the gaming experience, partly compensating for the shortcomings in other aspects; to the point of being recognized as one of the most memorable tunes of the 8-bit era.

In 2007, Polish programmer Krzysztof "XXL" Dudek decided to create a revised version of "Jet Set Willy" for Atari, based on the ZX Spectrum original. Titled «Jet Set Willy 2007», fixed many of the bugs present in Tynesoft's adaptation, although it still failed to fully capture the magic of the game. Animations are smoother, on-screen objects are more recognizable, and rooms were added that were not in the previous version.

Twelve years later, Terrence "Tezz" Derby (USA) released «Jet Set Willy 2019»in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the original game. Developed from the ground up in collaboration with Avery "Phaeron" Lee and Lyren "Xuel" Brown, this version is considered the definitive version for the Atari 8-bit. Featuring high-resolution graphics, sprite updates, 50/60Hz displays, and fixes for all known bugs, this version captures the magic of the ZX Spectrum title while taking full advantage of the Atari XL/XE hardware. Additionally, the sound effects have been recreated to be faithful to the original, completing an adaptation that has been acclaimed by critics and gamers alike.

Despite being four decades old, Matthew Smith’s opus remains a challenge for classic gaming enthusiasts, requiring a lot of practice, an excellent memory, and absolute mastery of the controls to successfully complete. Ultimately, the evolution of “Jet Set Willy” on the Atari 8-bit is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the developers and fans who have worked to keep the essence of this classic alive. From Tynesoft’s troubled 1986 version to the refined 2019 version, the game has gone through multiple iterations that reflect both the technical challenges of the time and the passion to preserve the magic of a title with an unforgettable soundtrack.