Background:Joust is an action platforming game released by Williams Electronics in 1982. It was a very novel game, different from its competitors due to lack of shooting elements and lots of frantic, platforming action.
 
Gameplay: Players immediately take the roles of the turbulent knights. Player one is a flying ostrich, while player two is a short stork. The joystick is used to move, and the action button is used to flap. Colliding causes you to collide frequently and lose your balance, resulting in an early, painless death.  Two can play simultaneously. The goal is to kill all the enemies on screen. This is accomplished through stomping them on their fragile heads. There are four types of enemies, and those are Bounders, Hunters, hidden Pterodactyls, and Shadow Lords. Bounders are quite slow and have difficulty turning. Dismount one to get its egg. If not quick enough, it becomes a hunter. Hunters move with precision, as they can change their direction midair, as well as attack you at a high speed.  Not killing its egg births a shadow lord. Shadow Lords are amazingly accurate and re-spawn very quickly, so abruptly intercepting them is key.  After beating several enemies, you get an egg wave stage. It allows for points. There are also several strategies for the game. The first is using the gap in platforms, which allows for interception and safety. The second is strategic, timed flapping. Turning around, followed by intense flapping, allows for instant hovering. Using this lets you get the drop on enemies easily and also allows you to increase your elevation without getting abruptly attacked.  8/10

Graphics: For 1982, the graphics are impressive. The birds prance exquisitely, as they have clearly defined flight patterns and interesting walking animations. The knights are stunning, with acute visual flair and fancy little, detailed movements. The background and foreground is lively, with animated lava and detailed platforms.   10/10

Sound: The sounds are lovely. Ostriches gallop, condors flap, eggs drop, and lances slash, all with appropriate sound effects. While the game lacks background music, the sounds more than make up for it. Every attack, movement, and action is refurbished with expertise use of charming audio.   8/10

Addictiveness: The game is alluring. Playing it and mastering it helps draw many to it, encouraging you to try and try again. Its controls are precise, and add much novelty.  The obstacles are inviting.  8/10

Story: It has no story. You're just knights exploring a cave. 1/10

Depth: The game has quite a bit, actually. Several strategies are required, and change the game when applied. 7/10

http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Joust/Walkthrough


Difficulty: The game is hard. Spastic sprinting and frantic flying will get you killed. 8/10


Overall: Joust is quite the enjoyable game. Play it if you want a challenge, a pleasant distraction, or a grand old time.  9.6/10 

Excellent review for the source material. I can't imagine one being much more thorough. Keep it up man.

Thanks for the acknowledgement. I appreciate your kindness.