Lunar Jetman

Retro space shooter where Jetman battles alien bases with 48K RAM power

gameAction & Shooter shooter action science-fiction

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Our Verdict

Best for

Retro gamers craving authentic 1983 ZX Spectrum shooter experience

Skip if

Players seeking modern graphics, smooth controls, or current-platform ports

What is Lunar Jetman?

Lunar Jetman is a classic shooter released by Ultimate Play the Game in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum and later the BBC Micro. Players control Jetman as he destroys alien bases while defending Earth from a hostile alien race. The game was notable for requiring 48K of RAM, supporting the Currah Microspeech peripheral, and later appearing in Rare's 2015 Xbox One compilation Rare Replay, cementing its status as a beloved retro title.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

developerAshby Computers and Graphics Ltd.

publisherUltimate Play the Game

multiplayerSingle player, Multiplayer

release date1983-11-01

Key Features of Lunar Jetman

The game requires 48K of RAM, a first for Ultimate Play the Game titles of its era.

Supports the Currah Microspeech peripheral for spoken in-game alerts.

Features vibrant colour graphics on the ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro platforms.

Offers both single-player and multiplayer modes for competitive alien base destruction.

Jetman can destroy multiple alien bases while protecting Earth from invasion.

Includes a variety of alien enemy types with distinct movement patterns.

Was later bundled in the Rare Replay collection for Xbox One, preserving its legacy.

Provides responsive jetpack controls and precise shooting mechanics for skilled play.

Use Cases for Lunar Jetman

Retro Gaming Sessions

Play Lunar Jetman on classic hardware or emulators for nostalgic fun.

Arcade Competitions

Challenge friends in multiplayer mode to see who can clear the most alien bases.

Historical Game Study

Analyze early 80s game design and hardware constraints.

Speech Peripheral Demo

Showcase Currah Microspeech capabilities in a vintage gaming setup.

Pros & Cons of Lunar Jetman

Pros

Groundbreaking 48K RAM requirement
Supports speech peripheral for immersive audio
Vibrant colour palette on limited hardware
Both single and multiplayer options

Cons

Limited to vintage platforms, no modern ports
Controls can feel stiff by contemporary standards
Graphics, while colorful, are low resolution

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms can I play Lunar Jetman on today?

It originally ran on ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro and is now available via the Rare Replay collection on Xbox One.

Do I need the Currah Microspeech peripheral to play?

No, the game runs without it, but the peripheral adds spoken alerts if you have it.

Is there a multiplayer mode?

Yes, Lunar Jetman includes both single-player and multiplayer modes.

Who developed the game?

The game was written by Chris Stamper with graphics by Tim Stamper, under Ultimate Play the Game.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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