Decathlon

Decathlon - the 1984 multi-event sports game for Commodore 64 from
Activision.

Compete across ten grueling track-and-field events, testing stamina and
timing through rapid joystick movement and precise button control.

Core loop
- select athlete and compete in decathlon sequence
- waggle joystick to build speed, press fire for jumps or throws
- earn points in each event toward an overall score
- beat the qualifying totals to win gold

Systems and items
- ten events - 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles,
discus, pole vault, javelin, 1500m
- stamina management - over-waggling can cost performance
- multiplayer - up to four players alternating
- record tracking - high scores and event records stored per session

Level design and feel
Minimalist stadium backgrounds with smooth animation and clear feedback
for distance and timing. Fast-paced and physically demanding, it became
famous for joystick punishment and crowd-cheering energy.

Why it is notable
- designed by David Crane, creator of “Pitfall!”
- pioneering multi-event athletics game later echoed by Epyx’s “Games”
- remembered for destroying countless joysticks due to frantic control

Tips
- short, rhythmic joystick strokes build better speed than wild flailing
- time jumps and throws by watching athlete’s leading leg or arm
- pace the 1500m—steady rhythm beats early sprinting

At a glance
Year - 1984
Developer - Activision
Design and programming - David Crane
Graphics - Activision team
Music - minimal sound effects and crowd noise
Publisher - Activision
Genre - Sports (Track and field)
Players - 1 to 4 alternating
Controls - Joystick in port 2