Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge: The Ultimate Arcade Racing Experience

Released in 1990, Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge is a classic arcade racing game that still holds up today. Developed by Gremlin Graphics and published by Atari Games, the game was ported to a variety of home computers and consoles, including the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and Sega Genesis.

Gameplay

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge is a Formula One-style racing game in which players take control of a Lotus Esprit Turbo S1 and compete in a series of races on tracks around the world. The game features a total of 32 tracks, which are split into three difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, and Hard.

Each race consists of three laps, and players must finish in the top 10 (or top 8 on the 8-bit versions) in order to progress to the next race. The higher you finish in one race, the lower down the grid you start for the next race.

The opposition drivers have pun names based on the F1 drivers of the day, such as Ricardo Pastry, Crashhard Banger, and Nigel Mansell. They are all very aggressive and will not hesitate to bump you off the track if they get the chance.

Graphics and Sound

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge features some of the best graphics and sound of any arcade racing game of its era. The tracks are all very detailed and varied, and the cars are well-animated. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that helps to create a sense of excitement and speed.

Controls

The controls in Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge are very responsive and easy to learn. The game can be played with either a joystick or a steering wheel.

Multiplayer

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge features a simultaneous two-player mode, which allows two players to race against each other on the same screen. This is a great way to add some extra excitement to the game.

Reception

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, sound, gameplay, and multiplayer mode. The game was also a hit in arcades, where it was one of the most popular racing games of its time.

Legacy

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge is still considered to be one of the best arcade racing games ever made. It has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game also spawned two sequels, Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge 2 (1991) and Lotus Esprit World Series (1993).

Tips for Playing Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge

Here are a few tips for playing Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge:

  • Learn the tracks. The tracks in Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge are all very different, so it is important to learn the layout of each track before you start racing.
  • Be aggressive. The opposition drivers are very aggressive, so you need to be prepared to bump them off the track if necessary.
  • Don’t be afraid to use the brakes. The brakes in Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge are very effective, so don’t be afraid to use them to slow down for corners.
  • Make pit stops. In most races, you will need to make a pit stop for fuel in order to reach the finish.
  • Have fun! Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge is a great game, so relax and have some fun while you’re playing it.

Conclusion

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge is a classic arcade racing game that still holds up today. It is a must-play for fans of racing games and retro gaming.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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