Game:

Scalextric (1987)

Category:

Review

Duration: 51:41

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27

Huge playlist archive with Racing games: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxOanVBhqd3vkkE35mCw6x63QFBnU9Xsi
INTRODUCTION:
The SCALEXTRIC® program is an exciting two-part game for 1 or 2 players combining both circuit design and race simulation features. The program provides the players with the thrill and challenge of racing on 17 pre-set simulated Formula 1 tracks - both against each other or against the lap timer.

Circuits are easily designed using an icon-driven design utility and original circuits may be preserved for future games by saving to cassette. Each player has a "heads-up" 3D view of the approaching race track and a plan view showing the car's position relative to the whole circuit.

An appendix at the back of the booklet shows the relative sizes and shapes of different types of track sections, together with a list of the Formula 1 tracks included in the program.

REVIEW:
This game has very nice graphics, split screen so you can race against a friend or the computer, editor for designing own circuits, 17 formula 1 tracks, and a very well working radar that shows you where you are on the track.

A lot of positive stuff, but the game isn’t really very good. If you go too far of the track you will crash, which is okay, but you or the CPU / 2-player friend will also crash if the cars bump into each other, and the race will then be over immediately. This is really annoying, especially when choosing the hardest skill for the CPU. The CPU car will almost for sure drive into you at the beginning of the race, and the race will be over with you as the looser. Another thing is that if you race against a friend, and you both are equal in skills, the winner will always be the one in the car that has the shortest way around the very first turn – the one in the other car has to slow down for not crashing into the other car, and it will then not be possible to overtake the other car if the player drives a descent race.

The graphics is very nice, but if you have seen one track you have seen them all, the graphics are the same on all tracks. Another problem is the selection of the tracks, there is 17 tracks and you are asked if you want to race on the tracks in a specific order at the start of the game, which means that if you want to race on track 17 you have to press “No” 16 times until you get to track 17 and can press “Yes” for racing on this one.

The re is no competition or career mode, you have to select all 17 tracks as single races.

The game played in this video is a special version with AY music added by MKHG in 1995.

The game was published by Leisure Genius in 1986.

Rating = 70%

128k AY Beta disk version: https://vtrd.in/gamez/s/SCALE128.ZIP
Original 48k version: https://www.worldofspectrum.org/infoseekid.cgi?id=0004357