Gypsy Juggler

Meadows Games’ Gypsy Juggler, released in 1978, presents a unique twist on the popular ball and paddle gameplay found in games like Breakout. The player controls a paddle at the bottom of the screen, attempting to keep a series of eggs aloft by bouncing them back into play. Successfully juggling more eggs simultaneously increases the scoring potential; one egg earns five points, while juggling four yields a score of 200. The game’s simple control scheme—a single stick for movement and one button—belies its increasing challenge as the number of eggs in play grows. Players must maintain focus to avoid letting any eggs drop, which results in a loss of life. The monochrome graphics display the action on a horizontal screen with a resolution of 256 x 224 pixels, refreshed at 60 Hz. Gypsy Juggler utilizes two S2650 processors—one for gameplay and one for sound—and discrete circuitry to generate its audio. It’s a straightforward but engaging experience offering a nostalgic taste of early arcade action.