Circus Jump is a free arcade game in the style of the old circus classics. You ride a lion, jump over fire pots and leap through rings of fire to reach the podium. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline once loaded.
Inspired by: Circus Charlie (Konami, 1984).
How to play Circus Jump
- Your lion runs on its own. Press jump at the right moment.
- Jump over the fire pots. Touching the flames costs a life.
- Jump through the rings of fire. Running into the bottom of a ring costs a life.
- Use the right arrow to run faster and the left arrow to slow down.
- Reach the podium at the end of the 100 metres to clear the stage. You have three lives.
Controls
- Keyboard: Space, Up arrow or Z to jump. Right arrow runs faster, Left arrow runs slower. P to pause.
- Mouse: Click the game screen to jump.
- Touch screen: Tap the screen or the Jump button to jump. Use the arrow buttons to change speed.
Tips to score higher
- Time your jump so the top of the arc is over the pot or ring.
- You must be in the air when you meet a ring, so jump a little before it reaches you.
- If a pot sits under a ring, one good jump clears both.
- Slow down with the left arrow when obstacles are close together. It gives you more time to land.
- Rings and pots in a row build a streak that gives extra points.
The story behind Circus Jump
Konami released Circus Charlie in arcades in 1984, and it later appeared on home consoles. A clown rode a lion, jumped fire rings, balanced on a ball and swung on a trapeze, and the player counted metres down to the finish. The game used the cheerful circus tune that many people can still hum. In India, plenty of kids first met games like this on console clones with multi game cartridges. Circus Jump has its own performer, its own lion and its own stage, but it keeps the nerve-racking fun of leaping through flames.
Questions players ask
Is Circus Jump free to play?
Yes. It is free to play, with no sign up, download or in-game purchases.
Is this Circus Charlie?
No. Circus Jump is our own game with original art, inspired by the classic circus lion ride.
How many lives do I get?
You start with three lives. You earn an extra life after every third stage you clear.
Do the stages get harder?
Yes. The lion runs faster each stage, and new obstacle patterns, like twin pots and double rings, appear.
How do I jump on a phone?
Tap anywhere on the game screen or press the Jump button.