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Hard Drivin' technical data
Name | Hard Drivin' |
System | Genesis - Mega Drive |
Year | 1990 |
Developer | Sterling Silver Software |
Genre | Racing |
Hard Drivin' is a classic arcade-style racing game that was released by Atari Games in 1989.
It was later ported to the Sega Genesis (also known as the Mega Drive) in 1990.
The game is widely regarded as one of the best driving games of its time, featuring groundbreaking 3D graphics and realistic physics for the era.
The game features two main modes: Test Drive and Speed Track.
In Test Drive mode, players are able to drive around a virtual world and explore the environment without any time constraints.
This mode allows players to become familiar with the game's controls and physics, as well as to practice their driving skills.
Speed Track mode, on the other hand, is a timed race that takes place on a specific track.
Players must navigate their way through a series of checkpoints as quickly as possible, while avoiding obstacles and trying to beat the clock.
One of the most notable features of Hard Drivin' is its use of 3D graphics.
At the time of its release, most driving games were 2D and featured flat, top-down or side-scrolling views.
Hard Drivin', on the other hand, used a first-person perspective that gave players the feeling of actually being behind the wheel of a car.
The game's graphics were also very detailed, with realistic textures and shading that helped to create a more immersive experience.
The game's physics engine was also groundbreaking for its time.
Hard Drivin' used a sophisticated model of car physics that took into account factors such as weight, speed, and momentum.
This meant that the cars in the game behaved realistically, with accurate handling and acceleration that made it feel like players were really driving a car.
In terms of gameplay, Hard Drivin' was a challenging game that required skill and precision to master.
The tracks were designed to be difficult, with sharp turns and steep hills that could easily cause players to lose control of their vehicle.
Players needed to learn the nuances of the game's physics in order to make it through each track in the fastest time possible.
Hard Drivin' also featured a number of different cars to choose from, each with its own unique handling characteristics.
Players could choose from a sports car, a muscle car, or a high-speed race car, each of which had its own strengths and weaknesses.
One of the game's biggest selling points was its realistic sound effects.
The game featured accurate engine sounds and tire squeals, as well as other environmental effects like wind and rain.
The sound effects helped to further immerse players in the game's world, making it feel like they were really driving a car.
In addition to its arcade-style gameplay, Hard Drivin' also featured a number of mini-games and easter eggs that added to the game's replayability.
For example, players could attempt to jump a ramp and fly through a set of hoops, or they could try to knock down a set of bowling pins with their car.
These mini-games were fun distractions from the main game, and added an extra level of challenge for players who wanted to test their skills.
Overall, Hard Drivin' was an innovative and groundbreaking game for its time.
Its use of 3D graphics and realistic physics helped to set it apart from other driving games of the era, and its challenging gameplay and attention to detail made it a favorite among gamers.
While the game has since been surpassed by more advanced driving games, it remains an important piece of gaming history and a classic title for fans of arcade-style racing games.