Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Arcade, Racing, Simulator
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari Lynx, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Atari Corporation
- Publishers: Domark Ltd., Tec Toy, Tengen
Hard Drivin’ (1989)
Hard Drivin’ is a 3D arcade racing game released by Atari Games in 1989. It was one of the first arcade games to use 3D polygon graphics, and it was a critical and commercial success. Hard Drivin’ is still considered one of the best arcade racing games of all time.
Gameplay
The player controls a high-performance sports car and must race around a course as fast as possible, hitting checkpoints to extend their time. The course has two sections: a speed track and a stunt track. The speed track is longer and allows the player to achieve higher speeds, while the stunt track requires the player to perform stunts such as jumps, loops, and drifts.
The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player uses a steering wheel and pedals to control the car. The car’s handling is realistic, and the player must be careful not to crash. If the car crashes, the player loses time and must start the race over from the last checkpoint.
Graphics
Hard Drivin’ was one of the first arcade games to use 3D polygon graphics. The graphics were groundbreaking at the time, and they still hold up today. The cars and tracks are rendered in detail, and the sense of speed is exhilarating.
Force feedback
One of the most unique features of Hard Drivin’ is its force feedback steering wheel. The steering wheel provides resistance to the player’s input, simulating the feel of driving a real car. The force feedback makes the game more immersive and challenging.
Home conversions
Hard Drivin’ was ported to several home computers and consoles, including the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and Sega Genesis. The home conversions retain most of the graphics and gameplay of the arcade version, but they lack the force feedback steering wheel.
Legacy
Hard Drivin’ is considered one of the most influential arcade racing games of all time. It was one of the first games to use 3D polygon graphics, and it helped to popularize the force feedback steering wheel. Hard Drivin’ is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it remains a classic example of the arcade racing genre.
Review
Hard Drivin’ is a classic arcade racing game that still holds up today. The 3D graphics are impressive, and the gameplay is fast-paced and exciting. The force feedback steering wheel adds to the immersion and challenge. If you’re a fan of racing games, then you need to check out Hard Drivin’.
Score: 8/10
Pros
- Impressive 3D graphics
- Fast-paced and exciting gameplay
- Force feedback steering wheel
- Classic arcade experience
Cons
- Home conversions lack force feedback steering wheel
- Can be difficult for beginners
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
