Summary
- Release Year: 1976
- Genres: Arcade, Racing
- Platforms: Arcade, Atari 2600, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Atari
- Publishers: Atari, Commodore Business Machines, Inc., Namco, Sears
Night Driver (1976): The Classic Arcade Driving Game
Night Driver is a classic arcade driving game released in 1976 by Atari, Inc. The game is notable for its simple yet addictive gameplay, which involves driving a car along a road at night without crashing into the sides of the road. Night Driver was one of the first arcade games to feature a steering wheel and gas pedal, and it was also one of the first games to use a four-speed gear shift.
Gameplay
The player controls a car which must be driven along a road at nighttime without crashing into the sides of the road as indicated by road side reflectors. The game is controlled with a single pedal for gas, a wheel for steering and a four-selection lever for gear shifting. The coin operated game had a choice of three difficulties, novice, pro, and expert, from which the player could choose at game start. The turns were sharper and more frequent on the more difficult tracks. As play progresses, the road gets narrower and more winding.
Development
Night Driver was developed by Atari engineer Steve Bristow. Bristow was inspired to create the game after seeing a demonstration of the Sega arcade game Fonz, which featured a steering wheel and gas pedal. Bristow believed that he could create a more realistic and challenging driving game, and he set out to develop Night Driver.
Night Driver was released in arcades in 1976. The game was an instant success, and it quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of the era. Night Driver was ported to home consoles in the early 1980s, and it has since been re-released on a number of platforms.
Legacy
Night Driver is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of all time. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay has been imitated by countless other driving games, and its use of a steering wheel and gas pedal has become the standard for arcade driving games. Night Driver is also notable for its use of a four-speed gear shift, which was a relatively new feature for arcade games at the time.
Night Driver has been praised by critics for its realistic graphics, challenging gameplay, and addictive nature. The game has been ranked among the best arcade games of all time by a number of publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Edge.
Cultural Impact
Night Driver has had a significant cultural impact. The game has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been referenced in popular culture. Night Driver has also been the inspiration for a number of other video games, including the popular racing game OutRun.
Conclusion
Night Driver is a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, realistic graphics, and challenging difficulty have made it a favorite of gamers for over 40 years. Night Driver is a must-play for any fan of arcade games, and it is a game that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for many years to come.
Additional Information
- Night Driver was one of the first arcade games to feature a steering wheel and gas pedal.
- Night Driver was also one of the first games to use a four-speed gear shift.
- Night Driver was ported to home consoles in the early 1980s, and it has since been re-released on a number of platforms.
- Night Driver has been ranked among the best arcade games of all time by a number of publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Edge.
- Night Driver has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been referenced in popular culture.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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