Overview
Flap to fly. Pop their balloons. Balloon Fight adapted Joust’s flying combat into a charming Nintendo package. Players floated through single-screen arenas, bouncing off platforms and ceiling while attacking enemies from above. The floaty physics and bonus stages created a distinctly Nintendo feel despite the obvious inspiration.
Fast facts
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1.
- Programmer: Satoru Iwata.
- Inspiration: Joust (Williams).
- Players: One or two simultaneous.
Gameplay mechanics
| Action |
Function |
| A button |
Flap to gain altitude |
| B button |
Also flap (rapid press) |
| Direction |
Horizontal movement |
| Attack |
Hit enemies from above |
Balloon system
| State |
Effect |
| Two balloons |
Full flight capability |
| One balloon |
Reduced lift |
| No balloons |
Death |
| Pop enemy balloon |
Enemy parachutes down |
Enemies
| Enemy |
Behaviour |
| Balloon enemies |
Float and pursue |
| Parachuting enemies |
Must finish off |
| Respawning enemies |
Return from pipes |
| Fish |
Grabs from water below |
Stage hazards
| Hazard |
Threat |
| Water |
Fish pulls you under |
| Bumpers |
Electric sparks |
| Pipes |
Enemy respawn points |
| Ceiling/floor |
Bounce off |
Balloon Trip mode
| Feature |
Detail |
| Side-scrolling |
Endless mode |
| Obstacles |
Electric sparks |
| Balloons |
Collect for points |
| Goal |
Distance survival |
Iwata connection
| Fact |
Significance |
| Programmer |
Early Satoru Iwata work |
| At HAL |
Nintendo partnership |
| Career |
Later became Nintendo president |
vs Joust comparison
| Aspect |
Balloon Fight |
Joust |
| Flight |
Balloons |
Flapping bird |
| Attack |
Pop balloons |
Lance |
| Tone |
Cute |
Medieval |
| Feel |
Floaty |
Weighty |
See also