Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Arcade, Racing
- Platforms: Arcade, Family Computer, SG-1000
- Developers: Irem
- Publishers: Irem, Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Williams Entertainment
MotoRace USA: A Nostalgic Journey Through America on Two Wheels
Released in 1983, MotoRace USA is a classic arcade motorcycle racing game that takes players on a thrilling journey from Los Angeles to New York City. Developed by Atari, Inc., MotoRace USA was one of the first arcade games to feature a first-person perspective, giving players a realistic sense of speed and immersion.
Gameplay
The goal of MotoRace USA is simple: race your motorcycle from Los Angeles to New York City as quickly as possible. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of obstacles, including other traffic, road hazards, and the occasional police car. You’ll also need to manage your fuel and tire wear, as both can affect your performance.
MotoRace USA features two different perspectives: a bird’s-eye view and an over-the-shoulder view. The bird’s-eye view gives you a good overview of the track and your surroundings, while the over-the-shoulder view provides a more immersive experience. You can switch between the two views at any time by pressing the “V” key.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, MotoRace USA’s graphics were impressive. The game features detailed sprites and backgrounds, and the use of color is vibrant and eye-catching. The sound effects are also well done, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Controls
MotoRace USA is controlled using a joystick and two buttons. The joystick controls your motorcycle’s movement, while the buttons are used to accelerate and brake. The controls are simple and easy to learn, but they take some practice to master.
Challenge
MotoRace USA is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. The difficulty ramps up gradually, and there are plenty of checkpoints along the way so you don’t have to start over from the beginning if you crash.
Legacy
MotoRace USA was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the motorcycle racing genre. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.
Conclusion
MotoRace USA is a classic arcade game that offers a fun and challenging experience. The game’s simple gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy music make it a timeless classic that still holds up today. If you’re a fan of retro gaming or motorcycle racing games, then you owe it to yourself to check out MotoRace USA.
Tips for Playing MotoRace USA
- Use the bird’s-eye view to plan your route and avoid obstacles.
- Switch to the over-the-shoulder view when you’re approaching a turn or hazard.
- Don’t be afraid to use your brakes. It’s better to slow down and make it around a turn safely than to crash and lose time.
- Manage your fuel and tire wear carefully. If you run out of fuel or your tires wear out, you’ll have to stop and repair them, which will cost you valuable time.
- Practice makes perfect. The more you play MotoRace USA, the better you’ll become at it. So don’t give up if you crash a few times. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually master the game.
Review Score
7/10