Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe
Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe — frequently asked questions
- Is Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe on Steam?
- No. Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe is not distributed on Steam, so there is no Steam Charts or SteamDB player count for it. Its live popularity is tracked here via Twitch viewership instead.
- What platforms is Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe on?
- Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe is available on ColecoVision, Atari 2600, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum, Atari 5200, DOS, Apple II, Sega Master System/Mark III, Commodore 64, IBM PC, Master System.
- When did Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe release?
- Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe was first released on December 31, 1984.
About Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe
PANAMA JOE, That’s what they call him ‘round these parts; though no one knows his real name or where he comes from. But one thing’s for sure, PANAMA JOE’s a daredevil from the word “go!” No risk’s too great if the reward’s large enough. Winning. That’s what’s the most important to him. And more times than not, that’s exactly what he does. Because he’s tough, clever – resourceful. And sometimes, downright pig-headed! Though occasionally (ah-hum), he’s been known to get in over his head. Luckily, he’s got a knack for getting himself out of hot water as quickly as he gets into it! Let’s hope MONTEZUMA’S REVENGE is one of those times.
Summary via IGDB.
Game details
- Platforms
- ColecoVision, Atari 2600, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum, Atari 5200, DOS, Apple II, Sega Master System/Mark III, Commodore 64, IBM PC, Master System
- Developer
- Parker Brothers
- Publisher
- BCI Software
- Game modes
- Single player
- Themes
- Action
Details via IGDB.
Reception
Every version compared
Prices, contemporary reception and the studio credited for each release
| Platform | Year | Loose | Complete | Sealed | Period reviews | Built by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atari 2600 | 1984 | $75 | $246 | — | Graphics ★★★ · Play-Action ★★★½ | JWDA |
Also released on: ColecoVision · Atari 8-bit · Commodore C64/128/MAX · ZX Spectrum · Atari 5200 · DOS · Apple II · Sega Master System/Mark III · Commodore 64 · IBM PC · Master System. We haven’t priced or authenticated those versions yet.
Collector value & authenticity
Atari 2600 · PriceCharting sold data · Verified 2026-10-06
Release record
| Territory | Label | Catalog # | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America Parker Brothers | Standard | PB5760 | Rare |
Also released in South America by Conector.
Source: Catalog numbers, label types, rarity, controllers and player counts: AtariAge 2600 software database
- Region
- NA
- Released
- 1984
- Controller
- Atari Joystick
- Players
- 1
- Authenticity
- Med
Parker Brothers' trimmed-down 2600 version of a classic platformer, scarce because it arrived late.
Robert Jaeger designed and programmed Montezuma's Revenge, which Parker Brothers published on several systems in 1984. The 2600 cartridge, released in October 1984 and credited to JWDA, is 8K and has half the levels of the other versions.
The game later found a second life in AI research: general learning algorithms that handled many Atari 2600 games struggled with Montezuma's Revenge until researchers made progress on it in 2018.
How it was made
The original game was designed and programmed by Robert Jaeger. The 2600 conversion is credited to JWDA and was published by Parker Brothers.
What the press said at the time
| Computer Entertainer Vol. 3 No. 6 | September 1984 | Graphics ★★★ · Play-Action ★★★½ |
“However, the game compares very well to others for this system, offering plenty of challenge. Especially now, with fewer new games being released for the 2600, this would make a great addition to your collection.”
“That's right, now everyone who owns an Atari computer, 2600, 5200 or ColecoVision not only can have a chamber-exploration contest, but a state-of-the-art one as well.”
Computer Entertainer rated graphics first and play action second, from four symbols (excellent) to one (poor) — stars in most years, diamonds in 1986–87 — comparing each game only with other games for the same system.
Cartridge & preservation record
Program size 8 KB, measured from the preserved dump.
Catalogue number as recorded for the physical release.
How the Atari 2600 version differs
The 2600 cartridge is 8K and has half as many levels as the other versions.
Also on other platforms
Apple II · Atari 5200 · Atari 8-bit · ColecoVision · Commodore 64 · IBM PC · Master System · ZX Spectrum
| Atari 2600 | JWDA |
| Atari 8-bit | Robert Jaeger (original programmer) |
| Atari 5200 | Base Two (Bob Halliday and Charlie Sebor) |
- Master System. The 1988 Master System port keeps the basic gameplay and level layout but improves the graphics and sound and adds features.
- IBM PC. The self-booting IBM PC version uses a CPU-based speed loop, so it runs too fast to play on 286 and later machines.
- ZX Spectrum. Released as Panama Joe, a cassette version developed separately in the UK.
Before you buy
Medium risk. No fakes are documented. The box and manual carry much of a complete copy's value, so check that both are present. Compare the Parker Brothers label against AtariAge's scans and ask for a board photo through the dust door.
Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe screenshots
Watch on YouTube
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