Circus Charlie (level select, set 2)
Circus Charlie (level select, set 2) - Action Classic
Circus Charlie (level select, set 2) is an arcade action game released in 1984 by Konami. It launched in North America through Centuri in March 1984 and in Japan the following month. This particular ROM set includes a level select feature, letting players jump directly to any of the six circus-themed minigames without having to progress sequentially. The game is a classic single-screen platformer that tests timing and reflexes across a series of colorful, fast-paced stages.
The player controls Charlie, a circus clown, through six distinct minigames. Each stage presents a different challenge: jumping across swinging trapezes, balancing on rolling balls, diving through flaming hoops, and more. The core mechanic involves precise jumping and movement to avoid obstacles and reach the end of each course. A time limit adds pressure, and missing a jump or hitting an obstacle costs a life. The level select option in this version makes it easy to practice specific stages or play them in any order.
For retro gaming fans, Circus Charlie represents an era when arcade games were all about simple, tight gameplay loops. It's not deep or fancy, but the variety of minigames keeps things fresh during a short play session. Compared to other arcade platformers of the early 1980s, it stands out for its circus theme and the focus on different physical challenges each round. While rarely considered a masterpiece, it is a fun, honest game that captures the spirit of the arcade scene. The level select variant makes it even more accessible for quick bursts of play.
How to Play Circus Charlie (level select, set 2) Online
Getting Started
When you start Circus Charlie (level select, set 2), the first thing you see is a title screen. Press Start to begin. If you want to use the level select, press the Select button (V key) on the title screen to bring up a stage choice menu. You can then pick any of the six minigames using the D-Pad and confirm with A (X key). Without using level select, the game proceeds linearly from stage 1.
Each stage is short and focused. You control Charlie moving left or right, with the goal of reaching the right edge of the screen without falling or hitting obstacles. Use the A button to jump and time your leaps carefully. Some stages require you to bounce on moving platforms, others to dodge fire or balance on a ball. The B button does not appear to be used in this game; all interaction relies on movement and jumping.
The game keeps a timer counting down. If it reaches zero or you lose all lives, it is game over. The stages loop after completing all six, with increased difficulty. Focus on learning each stage's rhythm. There are no continues, so try to collect bonus items that appear occasionally, and remember that the level select option is always available from the title screen to practice any stage you find tough.
Circus Charlie (level select, set 2) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Z: Button 3
- A: Button 4
- Q: Button 5
- E: Button 6
- Enter: Start / 1P
- V: Coin / Insert
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