Grand National (computer game)

Infobox VG| title =Grand National


developer =
publisher = Elite
designer =
engine =
released = 1985
genre = Sports
modes = One player
ratings = N/A
platforms = ZX Spectrum,Commodore 64
media = Cassette
requirements = 48K
input = Keyboard, Joystick

"Grand National " is a British computer game that was published in 1985 for the ZX Spectrum. Similar in parts to games like Hyper Sports and Daley Thompsons Decathlon, the game had a novel twist of being able to bet on the outcome of a race also.

Plot

"The idea of the game is race your chosen horse around the course of Aintree winning the race and also having a little bet on the side."

Gameplay

Gameplay at times was tedious and tiring as players were also required to compete in the race by hammering keys alternatley and making the horse jump fences at regular intervals.

Movement

Movement consisted of furious keypresses and occasional jumps twice around the course.

Losing the game

The game can be lost
*Lose the race
*Stewards enquiry
*Fall at a fence.

Graphics

The games animation and graphics were excellent and featured a split screen. At the top of the screen was a side on view of the horse in any impending jumps. The bottom half of the screen showed an aerial view of the race and the course, how many horses retired, fell or still racing.A summary of the player's position and leading horse number was also on screen, lap number and where the player was on the course.

Betting

Bets could be placed on any number of horses at various odds, you could even back your own horse.

External links

*WoS game|id=0002112|name=Grand National