Pitstop Longplay (Commodore 64 Version) - Difficulty: Pro

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Game:
Pitstop (1983)
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Pitstop Longplay (Commodore 64 Version) - Difficulty: Pro -

Pitstop, released for the Commodore 64 in 1983 by Epyx, is a Formula 1 racing game that stands out from contemporaries like Pole Position thanks to its innovative pit stop mechanic. Players can race on six different tracks including Monaco, Kyalami, Le Mans, Albi, Jarama, and Saint-Jovite, with three game modes to choose from: Single Race, Mini-Circuit with three tracks, or Grand Circuit featuring all six. Supporting 1 to 4 players, the game offers options for 3, 6, or 9 laps and three difficulty levels—Rookie, Semi-Pro, and Pro—which affect how quickly your fuel and tires wear down.

The semi-first-person view puts you behind the wheel, using the joystick to steer and the fire button to accelerate, while constantly monitoring your fuel and tire conditions. Tires change from dark blue to red after too many crashes, eventually blowing out if ignored. Running low on fuel means making a crucial pit stop, where you switch roles to play as a mechanic, refueling and changing tires in a tense sequence that can make or break your race.

For a 1983 release, the graphics are serviceable with smooth scrolling tracks, though the endless green landscapes and repetitive trackside elements make every course feel similar. The engine sounds, while impressive initially, quickly become grating during longer sessions.

The game primarily functions as a time trial against CPU opponents that are basically just obstacles with no real AI. While the pit stop feature adds strategic depth—since races are often won or lost in the pits—the sad truth is none of us back then ever bothered with the 9-lap option. It was just too tedious. Everyone I knew, myself included, stuck to quick 3-lap sprints where decent driving let you skip pit stops entirely, ironically missing out on what made the game unique in the first place.

Despite its limitations, Pitstop holds up as a decent early C64 title with an innovative core concept. However, it was its sequel, Pitstop II, that truly refined the formula, polishing the rough edges of the original and demonstrating what the pit stop racing idea could actually achieve with a bit more development.

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