Auto Racing (video game)
| Auto Racing | |
|---|---|
Auto Racing cover art
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| Developer(s) | Mattel |
| Publisher(s) | Mattel |
| Designer(s) | Larry Zwick |
| Engine | Proprietary |
| Platforms | Intellivision |
| Release date(s) |
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| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, Multiplayer |
Auto Racing is a cartridge racing video game released by Mattel for its Intellivision video game console in 1979.[1] Auto Racing pits two players against each other (or a single player against the clock) using a top-down perspective on one of five different race courses.
Gameplay
In Auto Racing, players begin by selecting one of the five numbered courses, with the higher numbers representing increased difficulty. Players can also allow the computer to randomly choose from the first four courses. Next, players select from one of five Formula One racing vehicles, each with a different set of capabilities. Players cannot select the same cars, however two of the cars are identical in specifications, allowing for two-player matches for drivers of equal skills. The cars will accelerate to their top speeds automatically, with the player in control of steering and braking.
The courses are shown from a top-down perspective, and there are no computer-controlled cars on the track. Each course has a number of invisible checkpoints. During the race, if a player crashes into an obstacle along the course, or if one player's lead over their opponent pushes the opponent off the screen, the cars will be reset at the last checkpoint passed. In a single-player game, the player must complete five laps of the course as quickly as possible. In a two-player game, players score two points whenever their opponent crashes, or one point when they take a significant lead over their opponent; the game ends when one player scores 50 points.
Development
In its initial release, Auto Racing used a "realistic" steering mechanic, whereby players pushed the left and right sides of the controller in order to turn the car to the left or to the right. Due to the top-down nature of the game, there were points where this convention would confuse players. After receiving a number of complaints, Mattel revised the game after release to an "intuitive" mechanic, where players pushed the controller in the direction they wanted the car to go; for example, the player would push the controller to the right if they wanted the car to turn towards the right side of the screen when, from the car's perspective, it would be making a left turn. However, no reference was made on the game's packaging to indicate which steering mechanic that particular cartridge used.
Ports
Auto Racing was released under the same name by Sears for its private-label version of the Intellivision console, the "Super Video Arcade." The game was also released as part of the Intellivision Lives! collection for personal computers. In July 2010, Auto Racing was made available on Microsoft's Game Room service for its Xbox 360 console and for Games for Windows Live.
Reception
Auto Racing was favorably reviewed by Video magazine in its "Arcade Alley" column where it was described as employing a "boldly innovative approach" and as "undeniably the best video game any manufacturer has produced about this subject so far". Reviewers emphasized the game's graphics which were compared favorably to those of Armor Battle, and praise was given to the realistic gameplay feel afforded by the game's use of a zoomed-in scrolling section of racetrack rather than a birds-eye view of the entire track. While describing this "unusual presentation of the playfield" as one of Auto Race's best features, reviewers also noted that an unfortunate side effect is that if two players in a player-versus-player game become too distantly separated the game must compensate by cutting the race short and awarding a victory to the leading car.[2]:28 It would go on to be awarded "Best Sports Game" at the 3rd annual Arkie Awards where it was described as an example of "true blood-and-thunder racing", and as "the racing game even those who hate motor sports ought to love".[3]:76
See also
References
External links
- Auto Racing at GameFAQs
- The exploring auto racing project at Intellivision Revolution
