Space Walk

Midway’s Space Walk, released in 1978, offers a competitive twist on the classic ball and paddle formula. Designed for two players, each controls a spring-loaded platform reminiscent of the earlier game Clowns. One player's platform begins slightly elevated compared to their opponent's, creating an immediate asymmetry to the gameplay. A spaceman periodically emerges from one side of the screen and leaps toward the platforms, setting off a frantic chase for control. The core mechanic revolves around capturing the spaceman before your opponent does. If a player’s platform is clear when the spaceman lands, he transforms into a rocket. This provides a brief opportunity to aim and launch the rocket towards a target at the top of the screen, earning 500 points if successful. Successfully launching a rocket adds a unique strategic element beyond simply preventing your opponent from scoring. If both players have figures on their platforms when the spaceman lands, the game continues in a similar fashion to Clowns until one player manages to capture him or both miss the spaceman entirely. Missing the spaceman results in its disappearance from the screen accompanied by a distinct sound effect.