Summary

• Release Year: 1985
• Genres: Racing, Sport
• Platforms: Arcade, MSX, PC-8800 Series
• Developers: Pax Softnica, Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
• Publishers: Pax Softnica, Sega Enterprises, Ltd.

Hang-On (1985): The Arcade Classic That Revolutionized Racing Games

Hang-On is an arcade racing game released by Sega in 1985. It was one of the first arcade games to use 16-bit graphics and Sega’s “Super Scaler” technology, which allowed for pseudo-3D sprite-scaling at high frame rates. Hang-On also introduced a motion-controlled arcade cabinet, where the player’s body movement on a large motorbike-shaped cabinet corresponds with the player character’s movements on screen.

Hang-On was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of all time. It helped to popularize the racing genre and inspired many future arcade and video games.

Gameplay

Hang-On is a time-attack racing game in which the player controls a motorcycle and races against the clock and other computer-controlled bikes. The game is played from a third-person perspective, and the player can control the motorcycle’s speed, acceleration, and braking. The player must also lean the motorcycle into turns to avoid crashing.

Hang-On’s courses are set in various locations around the world, including the United States, Japan, and Europe. The courses are varied and challenging, and they feature a variety of obstacles, such as jumps, hills, and curves.

Graphics and Sound

Hang-On was one of the first arcade games to use 16-bit graphics. The game’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and they create a realistic and immersive racing experience. Hang-On also features a memorable soundtrack that helps to create the game’s atmosphere.

Motion Controls

Hang-On’s motion-controlled arcade cabinet was one of the game’s most innovative features. The cabinet allowed players to control the motorcycle by moving their bodies. This made the game more immersive and challenging, and it helped to create a sense of realism.

Legacy

Hang-On was a major critical and commercial success. The game helped to popularize the racing genre and inspired many future arcade and video games. Hang-On’s graphics, sound, and gameplay were all praised by critics, and the game’s motion-controlled cabinet was a groundbreaking innovation.

Hang-On is still considered to be one of the best arcade racing games of all time. The game’s influence can be seen in many modern racing games, and it remains a popular choice for arcade enthusiasts.

Additional Information

• Hang-On was developed by Sega AM2, a development team led by Yu Suzuki.
• The game’s soundtrack was composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi.
• Hang-On was ported to several home computers and consoles, including the Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, and Commodore 64.
• A sequel to Hang-On, titled Super Hang-On, was released in 1987.
• Hang-On is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of all time. The game’s graphics, sound, gameplay, and motion controls were all groundbreaking innovations, and it helped to popularize the racing genre.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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