Kangaroo

Atari 5200 version of Kangaroo

Kangaroo is an action/platform game developed by Sun Electronics and first released in arcades in 1982. It was also ported to Atari computers and game consoles shortly after. In the game, players control a kangaroo with boxing gloves attempting to rescue her baby which has been captured by monkeys. Gameplay is similar to Donkey Kong with players needing to climb a series of ladders and platforms while dodging obstacles.

Baby Roo is being held captive in a cage at the top of the screen with the Mother Kangaroo begining at the bottom. Players need to guide Mother Kangaroo up the ladders and platforms until she reaches the top and can rescue Baby Roo. The monkeys, of course, will be attempting to stop Baby Roo from being rescued; they will climb along the platforms and drop or throw apples at the player. If hit by an apple, Mother Kanagaroo falls and a life is lost; players can dodge the apples by either ducking or jumping. Also, the Mother Kangaroo isn't completely defenseless and is wearing a pair of boxing gloves; this allows players to attempt to punch monkeys and the apples they throw. However, if players take too long to reach the top a giant ape appears and attempts to steal Mother Kangaroo's boxing gloves; if it's successful, players are temporarily defenseless (the boxing gloves do regenerate after a period of time). Each level also has a time limit; when time runs out, players lose a life and will need to start the level again.

Kangaroo features 4 different game screens, each with a different platform and ladder layout. Once players complete all screens, the game repeats with higher difficulty. Bonus points can be acquired on each level by collecting various types of fruit. The fruit doesn't appear on the screen automatically; if the player jumps up and punches one of the bells that appear, it will ring and the fruit appears scattered throughout the screen.