Checkered Flag (Lynx) Playthrough
3Playthrough of Checkered Flag, Atari's 1991 racing game for the Atari Lynx.
🎯 One full Tournament run run with 9 computer opponents
Checkered Flag for the Atari Lynx is a technically impressive and feature-rich Grand Prix racing title that blends arcade-style accessibility with a degree of simulation challenge. Developed as one of the system’s early showcase games, it offers a wide range of customization options, including the ability to set starting positions, number of CPU opponents, laps, and even driver gender. With a total of 18 tracks, the variety is notable—some circuits are straightforward and fast, while others, such as Mountain View, demand precision and memorization due to sharp, constant turns. The game supports multiple modes, including Practice, Single Heat, and Tournament, the latter spanning eight consecutive courses. While you cannot choose the exact set of Tournament tracks, the design ensures a steady escalation in difficulty.
Visually, Checkered Flag is among the Lynx’s most polished offerings. The scaling effects are smooth, roadside scenery is detailed and varied, and the backdrops change with each location, ranging from snowy mountain vistas to lush greenery. Cars are large and well-rendered, and the game includes flourishes such as full 360-degree spin animations when you lose control. The frame rate remains stable even with multiple vehicles on screen, and the top-screen course map, along with functional rear-view mirrors, adds practical utility to the presentation. While the scrolling is not flawless, the sensation of speed is strong, and the overall visual quality is high for the hardware.
Audio is solid, if not exceptional. The title theme is catchy, and the digitized “Gentlemen, start your engines” announcement is impressively clear. In-game effects are serviceable but basic, with certain crash sounds feeling dated, reminiscent of earlier Atari systems. Still, the engine hum and ambient race sounds contribute adequately to the atmosphere without distracting from gameplay.
Control responsiveness is generally good, and the car handles predictably, rewarding players who learn the nuances of acceleration, braking, and cornering. The game demands precision, particularly in avoiding collisions. Contact with another car often triggers a spin-out, which, while visually impressive, can severely damage race performance. Similarly, roadside objects like bushes can halt your progress abruptly. These collision mechanics contribute to a high but fair challenge level, pushing players to master both the controls and track layouts.
In terms of gameplay feel, Checkered Flag is stripped of gimmicks—there are no boosts, weapons, or shortcuts. Success comes from racing skill alone, making it a pure test of driving ability. This no-frills approach has aged well, with the game offering a balanced difficulty curve that starts accessible but becomes demanding on later tracks. The combination of strong technical execution, varied course design, and thoughtful gameplay options ensures it remains a standout in the Lynx library. While its punishing collision system and lack of true smooth scrolling keep it from absolute perfection, Checkered Flag remains one of the most respected and enduring handheld racing games of its era.