Jumpman is Epyx’s 1983 platform game about collecting and defusing bombs across 30 levels. It is not Mario: Nintendo used “Jumpman” as the original name for the Donkey Kong hero who later became Mario. The name can refer to both, so this guide focuses on Epyx’s standalone game.
What is the Epyx Jumpman game?
Epyx describes Jumpman as an action-strategy platformer. You play a bomb-disposal expert trying to save Jupiter’s headquarters from sabotage by the Alienators. The game’s 30 levels are spread across three buildings, and its randomized progression means the order of challenges can vary.
The basic loop is to move through each level, collect bombs, and defuse them while navigating platforms, ladders, and ropes. Falling is a central danger, and hazards include “smart darts” that home in on you when they are aligned with your position. Players can choose their movement speed at the start, adding a practical choice about how quickly to negotiate the courses.
Is Epyx’s Jumpman the same as Mario?
No. Epyx’s Jumpman is a separate game. Nintendo’s history of the company says the hero in Donkey Kong was originally called Jumpman before he was renamed Mario. That historical character name is not the title of Epyx’s bomb-defusing platform game.
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Which versions are available?
Epyx names Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, and Apple II among the platforms on which Jumpman appeared. The current Steam listing is titled “Jumpman (C64/MSDOS)” and includes both the Commodore 64 and MS-DOS versions. It identifies Epyx, Inc. as developer and Pixel Games UK as publisher. Steam displays June 1, 1984 as its release date, while the listing also says the game was originally released in 1983; treat the later date as storefront metadata, not as a correction to the original release year.
What does the Steam release include?
Steam describes five modes: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Grand Loop, and Randomizer. It also lists round-robin play for up to four players. Its C64-specific convenience features include saving and loading, controller support, control remapping, and image scaling and smoothing. The C64 version is described as supporting most modern game controllers, but the listing does not name a required device or a particular compatible model.
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Can a modern PC run the Steam version?
The Steam page’s game requirements list Windows 7 as the minimum operating system and Windows 10 as recommended, with x86 and x64 processor entries respectively. Separately, Steam says its client has required Windows 10 or later since January 1, 2024. That distinction matters: the game’s legacy minimum entry does not override the current Steam client requirement. Storefront requirements and availability can change, so check the listing before buying or installing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is a new Jumpman game announced?
Epyx marks the title “Licensable” and says it would like to introduce modern audiences to an updated Jumpman and Jumpman Jr. This indicates licensing availability and expressed interest, not a confirmed development plan, release date, or announced new game. The Steam listing says its release is used under official license from Code 10 Digital Ltd and Bridgestone Multimedia Group; it also identifies the Epyx logo as a registered trademark of Bridgestone Multimedia Group.
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