Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Arcade, Racing
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Elite Systems, Tatsumi
- Publishers: Elite Systems
Buggy Boy: A Classic Off-Road Racing Game
Released in 1985, Buggy Boy is a race game with a twist: it’s all about off-road racing. You take control of a dune buggy and race through five different courses, each with its own unique challenges. From the sandy dunes of the Offroad course to the long, winding roads of the North, East, West, and South courses, there’s plenty of variety to keep you entertained.
Gameplay
The goal of Buggy Boy is to complete each course before the time runs out. Along the way, you can pick up bonuses to add to your score and help you progress. Colored flags are worth 30 points each, and collecting all of the colors in the order indicated at the top of the screen will earn you a 1000-point bonus. There are also gates that give you 100, 250, or 500 points, and time gates that add two seconds to your remaining time.
Obstacles are scattered throughout the courses, so you’ll need to be careful not to crash. Hitting a boulder, log, or fence will cost you valuable time, and falling off the bridge into the water will result in an instant game over. However, if you hit a log or small stone just right, your buggy will ride on two wheels for a short time, giving you a speed boost.
Controls
Buggy Boy is controlled with a joystick or the arrow keys. The left and right buttons steer the buggy, the up button accelerates, and the down button brakes. You can also press the spacebar to use your turbo boost, but be careful not to use it too much, or you’ll overheat your engine.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 1985, Buggy Boy has surprisingly good graphics and sound. The colors are bright and vibrant, and the sprites are well-drawn. The sound effects are also very good, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Overall
Buggy Boy is a classic off-road racing game that is still fun to play today. It’s challenging, but fair, and the variety of courses and bonuses keeps the gameplay fresh. If you’re a fan of racing games, or if you’re just looking for a fun and challenging game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Buggy Boy.
Tips for Playing Buggy Boy
- Learn the tracks. Each course has its own unique layout and obstacles, so it’s important to learn where the best lines are and where to avoid the hazards.
- Use your turbo boost wisely. Your turbo boost can give you a nice speed boost, but it can also overheat your engine if you use it too much. Try to use it sparingly, and only when you really need it.
- Collect the bonuses. The bonuses scattered throughout the courses can give you a nice boost to your score and help you progress. Be sure to collect as many as you can, but don’t go out of your way to get them if it means crashing.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Buggy Boy is a game that rewards experimentation. Try different routes, different driving styles, and different strategies to find what works best for you.
History
Buggy Boy was developed by Tatsumi and released in arcades in 1985. It was later ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. The NES version was released in North America by Electro Brain and in Europe by Nintendo.
Buggy Boy was a commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best off-road racing games ever made. It has been praised for its challenging gameplay, variety of courses, and excellent graphics and sound.
Legacy
Buggy Boy has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It helped to popularize the off-road racing genre, and it inspired many other games, including the popular Excitebike series. Buggy Boy is still enjoyed by retro gamers today, and it is considered to be a classic of the 8-bit era.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
