Splashed over this game's inlay is the proud boast 'ZZAP! Gold Medal Winner' and fortunately
time has done little to diminsh the appeal of this fun road racer. What helps make it
so enjoyable are more flags than even the UN could dream of.
Practically a forest of the things cover the road, which is more than welcome since driving
over them wins points. Collect the ones shown on the top right of the screen and you get
a big bonus, as you do if you run into a football!
But there's also plenty of obstacles, including boulders, trees, narrow bridges,
steep banks, and tunnels. Some obstacles leave gaps so narrow you'll need to go onto
two wheels to get through!
For the long straights press fire to go into high gear; use low gear when you're dropped
back onto the track after a nast crash. As in the original Tatsumi coin-op the five courses
can be attempted in any order and should you finish one them all you get is a high score
for that track - you score isn't carried over to the next course.
Background graphics range from desert to arctic, and while there isn't any difference
in handling, there's no multiload either. Course layout varies considerably, with an
onscreen map showing your progress along suitably twisted roads.
All the tracks - except Offroad, where you must do laps - are divided into sections,
with a time limit for each. Extra time gates give a little help in beating the clock,
but the only way to finish a course is by sheer driving ability.
While game variety is a little lacking by comparison with modern software, this is still
a first class game. The temptation to go after all the point bonuses adds a great deal
to the standard racing action, while the overall presentation of the game is great.
The road graphics move quickly and smoothly, the buggy is beautifully drawn and animated,
while plenty of coin-op jingles create a great arcade feel. If you didn't get this the
first time around, or on one of the compilations it's appeared on, you've got to get it
now. An all-time classic C64 coin-op conversion which shouldn't be missed.
