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Top Fuel Challenge |
Copyright/Publisher: Cosmi, Release Year: 1987,
Genre: Racing Sports, Number Of Players: 1
The player of Top Fuel Challenge is responsible for all aspects of a drag racing
season.
First the number, name, location, class and field size of the event are revealed.
Then comes the pre-qualifying selection screen where the track condition, maintenance
unit, event details or race qualification options are chosen.
Racing involves burn-outs, a qualifying run and the competition itself. A 3D
viewpoint shows the track, with oil, rev and horsepower gauges plus side and overhead
views of the race. When the qualifying run is successfully completed, the speed
and time achieved are displayed, followed by performance details.
Racing involves five rounds against increasingly difficult opponents. The drag
racer is customised or repaired at any time during the season, and the player's
drag-racing career ends when the money runs out.
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Gordon Houghton |
The technical detail incorporated into Top Fuel Challenge is extensive; unfortunately,
any shred of enjoyment is missing. So many involved, confusing and tedious stages
are endured before the race sequence itself.
Only when you reach the racing stage do you realise that the effort wasn't worth it.
The 3D effect is appalling and the dismal backdrops are remarkable only for their
uselessness, and the sound is limited to very feeble engine effects.
Even the instructions are poor: most of the game's unspectacular secrets are
discovered by trial and error - and the constant tape access in intrusive. If you
want to sample racing without any of the thrills, take a look at this.
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P.G. |
Attempting to combine strategy and driving skills is a laudable idea, but in
Top Fuel Challenge both are incredibly badly implemented. The driving section
consists of three badly drawn views of the dragster as it chugs down the track for
a few seconds before the inevitable over-revving causes the engine to blow up.
Then it's back to the ropey selection system to fix the engine and onto the driving
section again. The same thing happens, and it's back to the ropey selection system...
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