Combat School (joystick)

Konami’s Combat School, released in 1988, delivers a unique blend of sports challenges and military training exercises for up to two players. The game structures its gameplay around seven distinct events designed to test recruits' physical and mental fortitude under the strict supervision of a drill sergeant. Success requires completing each event within a time limit, ranging from navigating an obstacle course filled with jumps and monkey bars to precision shooting at targets in a firing range. Failure to qualify in certain events results in a brief but demanding chin-up penalty, adding another layer of challenge. The competition culminates in a final test: a hand-to-hand fight against the drill sergeant or, in two-player mode, against each other – with only the victor earning passage. Completing all training stages unlocks a mission to rescue the U.S. President from armed terrorists, presenting a side-scrolling action gauntlet demanding mastery of previously learned skills. Controlling your recruit utilizes a joystick for movement and jumping/shooting actions. The game’s distinctive style and challenging events offer an engaging experience that diverges from typical sports titles while retaining a familiar Konami feel.