Jack and the Beanstalk is a ZX Spectrum game published by Thor Computer Software in 1984. It was written by Chris Kerry, assisted by his brother, Steve.

Jack and the Beanstalk was a “number one” game back in the day, and I never really understood why… The game has incredibly unforgiving gameplay with no margin for error (walk one pixel off the prescribed path and you’re dead) and playing it seems to result in little but frustration…

Jack and the Beanstalk contains five screens; some half decent graphics (the giant on screen four is quite nicely drawn), and very sparse sound. Colour clash is noticeable and the sprites flicker badly.

The aim of the game? To collect “riches” from the castle and not wake the giant while you’re doing it. Also to steal the Golden Goose from under the nose of the giant, then find some way to dispatch him.

Chris Kerry‘s ‘Jack and the Beanstalk‘-themed games ran for three titles on the ZX Spectrum. There was this, The House Jack Built, and Giant’s Revenge. All three were released in 1984 by Thor, and in that specific order.

Note: Jack and the Beanstalk supported the Currah Microspeech. With the Currah plugged into the back of a Spectrum the game would feature synthesised speech throughout. That said: having tested it during the writing of this piece I have to say that the speech is barely intelligible at best.

More: Jack and the Beanstalk on World of Spectrum