Summary
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
Blaze: A Futuristic Racing Classic
Released in 1998, Blaze is a futuristic racing game for the arcade and PlayStation. The game was developed by Atari Games and published by Midway Games. Blaze is set in a neon-lit, futuristic city where players race anti-gravity vehicles on high-speed tracks.
Gameplay
Blaze is a fast-paced racing game with a simple but addictive gameplay loop. Players control anti-gravity vehicles and race around neon-lit tracks, collecting power-ups and avoiding obstacles. The game features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique challenges and hazards.
One of the unique features of Blaze is its anti-gravity mechanic. Players can use the anti-gravity button to boost their speed and jump over obstacles. This mechanic adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay and allows for some creative racing strategies.
Tracks
Blaze features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique challenges and hazards. Some tracks are set in neon-lit city streets, while others are set in futuristic raceways. Each track is filled with obstacles, such as ramps, jumps, and narrow passages.
Vehicles
Blaze features a variety of anti-gravity vehicles to choose from. Each vehicle has its own unique stats, such as speed, acceleration, and handling. Players can also customize their vehicles with different paint jobs and decals.
Power-Ups
Blaze features a variety of power-ups that can be collected during races. These power-ups can give players a temporary advantage, such as increased speed, invincibility, or the ability to shoot missiles.
Multiplayer
Blaze features a multiplayer mode that allows up to four players to race against each other. The multiplayer mode can be played on any of the game’s tracks.
Graphics and Sound
Blaze features impressive graphics for its time. The game’s neon-lit cityscapes and futuristic raceways are rendered in detail. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of electronic and rock music.
Reception
Blaze was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative anti-gravity mechanic. Blaze was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Blaze is considered to be one of the best futuristic racing games of all time. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative anti-gravity mechanic have made it a classic among racing fans. Blaze has also been cited as an influence on later futuristic racing games, such as Wipeout and F-Zero.
Conclusion
Blaze is a futuristic racing classic that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative anti-gravity mechanic make it a must-play for racing fans. If you’re looking for a challenging and exciting racing game, then Blaze is definitely worth checking out.
Here are some additional details about Blaze:
- The game was originally developed for the arcade, but was later ported to the PlayStation.
- The PlayStation version of the game features additional tracks and vehicles.
- Blaze was developed by Atari Games, which was founded by Nolan Bushnell, the creator of Pong.
- Blaze was published by Midway Games, which was known for publishing other classic arcade games, such as Mortal Kombat and Pac-Man.
- Blaze was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
- The game has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative anti-gravity mechanic.
- Blaze is considered to be one of the best futuristic racing games of all time.
Review Score
7/10