The Activision Decathlon is a series of Olympic games similar to other sports games. Up to four players can compete in the ten different events of a real-life decathlon, either in sequence or individually. Included are the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter race, 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500-meter race.
The gameplay involves simple joystick movements and button presses to compete in each event. The flat running events require balancing waggling with accurate timing to clear hurdles without losing momentum. For jumping and throwing events, you need to build momentum by waggling and then press the button at the right moment.
Each event awards points based on performance, such as running time or distance thrown, and the player with the most points at the end of the decathlon wins the gold medal.