Summary

• Release Year: 1976
• Genres: Arcade, Racing
• Platforms: Arcade
• Developers: Dave Nutting Associates
• Publishers: Midway Manufacturing, Taito

280 Zzzap: A Simple But Addictive Driving Classic

Released in 1976, 280 Zzzap is a simple but addictive driving game that was one of the first to feature a night time setting. The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player controls a car through a series of winding roads. The goal of the game is to drive as far as possible without crashing.

The game is notable for its simple but effective graphics. The road is represented by a series of simple posts at the edges, and the car is represented by a small square. The top of the screen displays information about upcoming curves, while the bottom of the screen has a speedometer, timer, scoreboard, and may also display a few tips as well.

The gameplay is simple but challenging. The player must control their speed carefully to avoid crashing into the sides of the road or into other cars. The game also features a variety of different road conditions, such as rain, fog, and snow, which can make driving more difficult.

Despite its simple graphics and gameplay, 280 Zzzap is a surprisingly addictive game. The game’s simple controls make it easy to pick up and play, but the challenging gameplay will keep players coming back for more.

Gameplay

The player controls a car through a series of winding roads. The goal of the game is to drive as far as possible without crashing. The player must control their speed carefully to avoid crashing into the sides of the road or into other cars. The game also features a variety of different road conditions, such as rain, fog, and snow, which can make driving more difficult.

The player’s car is represented by a small square on the screen. The road is represented by a series of simple posts at the edges. The top of the screen displays information about upcoming curves, such as the maximum safe speed to take them at. The bottom of the screen has a speedometer, timer, scoreboard, and may also display a few tips as well.

The player controls the car using the arrow keys. The up and down arrow keys control the car’s speed, while the left and right arrow keys control the car’s direction. The player can also use the spacebar to brake.

The game is played in real time, and the player’s car will continue to move forward even if the player does not press any buttons. The player must therefore be careful to control their speed and direction at all times.

Development

280 Zzzap was developed by Atari, Inc. and released in 1976. The game was designed by Steve Cartwright and Ed Logg. Cartwright was inspired to create the game after seeing a photo of a car driving at night. He wanted to create a game that would capture the feeling of driving at night, and he believed that the black and white graphics of the Atari 2600 would be perfect for this.

Logg was responsible for the game’s programming. He used a variety of techniques to create the game’s smooth scrolling and realistic physics. He also created the game’s iconic sound effects, which are still used in many driving games today.

Reception

280 Zzzap was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its realistic graphics, and its innovative use of sound effects. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

280 Zzzap has been cited as one of the most influential driving games of all time. The game’s simple but effective gameplay has been imitated by many other driving games, and its iconic sound effects are still used in many driving games today.

Legacy

280 Zzzap is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game is available on a variety of platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Atari Flashback, and the Xbox Live Arcade. The game has also been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the ZX Spectrum, and the MSX.

280 Zzzap has been featured in a number of video game magazines and websites. The game has also been featured in a number of books about video game history.

280 Zzzap is a classic driving game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, its realistic graphics, and its innovative use of sound effects make it a must-play for any fan of driving games.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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