Later in the 8-bit era, side-scrolling platformers would become the dominant game type with the introduction of Super Mario Bros. However, before Super Mario Bros. came along, it was more common for platform games to be played a single screen at a time, like Donkey Kong. Some of these game were more arcade like and featured only a relative few unique levels/screens with the object being to push your score ever higher. Others had many screens and there would actually be an end to the game much like most side-scrollers. Popeye was definitely in the former category.
Popeye was released originally as an arcade game by Nintendo in 1982 and was quite popular. It would soon be ported to a large number of home platforms including the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 8-bit computers, ColecoVision, Commodore 64, Intellivision, Odyssey^2, NES and TI-99/4A. I am only really familiar with the Commodore 64 version though I think I may have played the arcade version once or twice. The Commodore 64 port is quite good and is probably among the better ports.
While Popeye is a pretty good game, its one downfall is the number of levels. Popeye must traverse up and down ladders and stairs in all of the levels but there are really only three main screens. In each one, the objective is basically the same. Olive is at the top of the screen dropping items that Popeye must catch and he must catch a certain number to progress to the next level. In the first level, hearts float down the screen and Popeye must catch 24 of them. As on all levels, Brutus is your main opponent in this level but there is a can of spinach to help you out. On the second screen, it is musical notes you must catch. You only have to catch sixteen this time but in addition to Brutus you also have the hags to contend with. On the third screen, it is the letters H E L P that you must catch. Fewer things to catch but things are still harder as in addition to Brutus and the Hags, there is now also the vulture to contend with.
Personally, I like this game better than Donkey Kong. Many contemporary reviews agree with me. Donkey Kong is hard of course but it was hard for frustrating reasons. The timing always felt wrong to me. Popeye is still hard but not as frustrating. If you like platform arcade games of old then this is one you should definitely try. I'm not aware of any contemporary re-releases and being a licensed property it's probably unlikely for there to be one. You can always pick up an original copy for your favorite platform or you can give it a try via emulation.
Screen shots above are from the Commodore 64 version of the game.
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