Super Sprint

Infobox VG
title = Super Sprint


developer = Atari Games
publisher = Atari Games
designer = Robert Weatherby and Kelly Turner
release = 1986
genre = Racing
modes = Up to 3 players simultaneously
platforms = Arcade
cabinet = Upright
arcade system =
display= Horizontal, Raster, standard resolution (Used: 512 × 384)
input = Wheel; 1 pedal
platforms= Arcade, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, NES, ZX Spectrum

"Super Sprint" is a 1986 arcade game by Atari Games. The player drives a Formula 1-like car on a circuit that is viewed from above.

Gameplay

"Super Sprint" is a simple racing game. Up to three players drive simultaneously on a circuit against opponents controlled by the computer. The circuits are viewed from above and always fit on the screen, so the game never scrolls. After three laps the winner advances to the next circuit. There are 8 circuits in total, but the game only ends if gamers can get to race 85 where the bonus SUPER SPEEDWAY unlocks. As the player goes to higher levels, more and more obstacles appear on the track, like oil puddles and tiny moving tornadoes. If the car touches them, the player loses control over the car for a short time while it is sliding and spinning. Driving into a wall with high speed or falling from one of the bridges destroys the car, but a helicopter will appear to replace it.

The car can be customized by collecting wrenches that lie on the track. The player can exchange three of them for improved traction, better acceleration or higher top speed.

Legacy

The game is a successor to Gran Trak 10 and the "Sprint" series, which were black-and-white games with very primitive graphics from the 1970s. Later in 1986 "Championship Sprint" was released which is almost identical, but with different tracks.

Because "Super Sprint" was so simple and this type of game is relatively easy to create, it inspired many similar games, mostly from hobbyists. However some published games contain a tribute with similar mini games including Jet Force Gemini and The Simpsons Hit & Run. The "Skidmarks" series of games for the Amiga and Mega Drive also shows a strong "Super Sprint" influence in terms of gameplay and graphics, as does the "Super Off Road" arcade game.

Ports

"Super Sprint" has been ported to the following home computers and video game consoles:
* Amstrad CPC
* Atari ST
* Commodore 64
* ZX Spectrum
* Nintendo Entertainment System
* PlayStation (part of the Arcade Party Pak)
* Game Boy Advance (released along with Spy Hunter in a dual-game pack in 2005 by Destination Software, Inc.)"Super Sprint" was also released on the arcade collection game, "Midway Arcade Treasures", for the Nintendo GameCube, the PlayStation 2, and the Microsoft Xbox systems plus for the PC. Its sequel game, "Championship Sprint", was also released for the same systems on "Midway Arcade Treasures 2".

External links

*KLOV game|id=9952
* [http://www.retro-experience.co.uk/atarist/super.html The Atari ST Port]
* [http://www.thelegacy.de/Museum/3139/ Ports to 8 bit home computers]
*WoS game|id=0005045