Sprint Master (1989)

by Christopher May 28, 2021

written by Christopher May 28, 2021 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1989
Genres: Adventure, Racing
Platforms: Atari 2600
Developers: Atari Corporation
Publishers: Atari Corporation

Sprint Master: A Classic Atari 2600 Racing Game

Released in 1989, Sprint Master is an action racing game for the Atari 2600. The game is played with an overhead view of the racetrack, and the first of two players to race around the track for the required number of laps wins.

Sprint Master features nine different tracks with varying levels of difficulty, and you can choose either blacktop, dirt, or ice for terrain. Each track is filled with obstacles such as oil slicks and bonuses, which can help or hinder your progress.

The game can be played with either one or two players. In single-player mode, you race against the computer. In two-player mode, you can race against a friend or family member.

Sprint Master is a challenging and exciting racing game that is still enjoyable today. It’s a great game for both solo and multiplayer play, and it’s a must-have for any Atari 2600 collection.

Gameplay

The goal of Sprint Master is to be the first player to race around the track for the required number of laps. The game is played with an overhead view of the racetrack, and you control your car with the joystick.

Your car can move forward, backward, left, and right. You can also use the joystick to accelerate and brake.

The tracks in Sprint Master are filled with obstacles such as oil slicks and bonuses. Oil slicks will cause your car to lose control and spin out, while bonuses can give you a temporary speed boost or increase the traction of your car.

There are a total of nine different tracks in Sprint Master, each with its own unique layout and difficulty level. You can choose to race on blacktop, dirt, or ice terrain.

Controls

The controls for Sprint Master are simple and easy to learn. The joystick controls the movement of your car, and the buttons accelerate and brake.

Joystick: Move your car forward, backward, left, and right.
Button 1: Accelerate.
Button 2: Brake.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you win races in Sprint Master:

Stay on the track. It may seem obvious, but it’s important to stay on the track as much as possible. If you go off the track, you’ll lose time and give your opponents a chance to catch up.
Avoid obstacles. Oil slicks and other obstacles can slow you down or cause you to lose control. Try to avoid them if possible.
Use bonuses. Bonuses can give you a temporary speed boost or increase the traction of your car. Use them to your advantage to gain an edge on your opponents.
Practice. The best way to get good at Sprint Master is to practice. The more you play, the better you’ll become at controlling your car and navigating the tracks.

Conclusion

Sprint Master is a classic Atari 2600 racing game that is still enjoyable today. It’s a great game for both solo and multiplayer play, and it’s a must-have for any Atari 2600 collection.

If you’re looking for a challenging and exciting racing game, Sprint Master is definitely worth checking out. It’s a game that will keep you coming back for more.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.