Released by Atari, Inc. in 1978, Human Cannonball is an early trajectory puzzle game for the Atari 2600. Players calibrate launch angles, barrel distance, and gunpowder charges to blast a circus performer across the screen and land safely inside a distant water tower.
How to Play
The game challenges you to perform trajectory calculations across eight distinct gameplay variations. Using the controller, adjust the cannon’s angle, the powder charge magnitude, and the placement of the receiving water tower. Once your variables are locked in, press the trigger button to fire the daredevil into the air. Succeeding requires finding the exact mathematical combination of angle and velocity to arc over obstacles and land squarely in the water tower.
Browser Controls
| Action | Player 1 Keyboard | Player 2 Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Adjust Angle / Charge / Position | Arrow Keys (â â â â) | T / G / F / H |
| Fire Cannon | Spacebar | A |
| Select Mode | F11 | F11 |
| Reset Game | F12 | F12 |
Tips
- In variations with a moving water tower or wall obstacles, prioritize getting the arc height clear before adjusting the powder charge.
- Use mode select (F11) to switch between single-player target practice and competitive two-player trajectory matches.
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