Overview
Drive in, rescue soldiers, drive out. Jackal combined vehicular combat with rescue missions as players navigated jeeps through hostile territory. Free prisoners from camps, load them into your jeep, deliver them to helicopters, and upgrade your weapons. Two-player cooperative play doubled the chaos and the firepower.
Fast facts
- Developer: Konami.
- Also known as: Top Gunner (US arcade).
- Players: Two simultaneous.
- Style: Vertical scrolling shooter.
Gameplay mechanics
| Action |
Function |
| Drive |
Eight-directional movement |
| Machine gun |
Forward fire |
| Grenades/missiles |
Arced weapon |
| Rescue |
Pick up POWs |
Rescue system
| Step |
Process |
| Find buildings |
Destroy to free POWs |
| Collect POWs |
Load into jeep |
| Reach helipad |
Deliver for extraction |
| Weapon upgrade |
Rescue rewards |
Weapon progression
| Upgrade |
Effect |
| Grenade |
Starting weapon |
| Rocket |
Straight fire |
| Spread rocket |
Multiple projectiles |
| Full power |
Maximum destruction |
Enemy types
| Threat |
Behaviour |
| Soldiers |
Infantry attacks |
| Tanks |
Armoured vehicles |
| Helicopters |
Air support |
| Turrets |
Fixed positions |
| Bosses |
Stage-end battles |
Two-player cooperation
| Benefit |
Effect |
| More firepower |
Combined attacks |
| Rescue efficiency |
Split duties |
| Continue support |
Help struggling partner |
NES adaptation
| Change |
Detail |
| Scrolling |
Vertical maintained |
| Graphics |
Scaled for hardware |
| Music |
Distinctive NES sound |
| Difficulty |
Adjusted |
See also