Summary
Indy 800: The First Full-Color Racing Arcade Game
Released in 1975, Indy 800 was a groundbreaking arcade racing game that introduced several innovations to the genre. It was the first racing game to use a full-color RGB display, and it also featured a unique cabinet design with two steering wheels and four pedals per side.
Indy 800 was developed by Atari, Inc., which was founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. Atari had already released several successful arcade games, including Pong (1972), Asteroids (1979), and Space Invaders (1978). However, Indy 800 was a major departure from these earlier games, as it was the first to use a full-color display.
The game’s cabinet was also unique. It was large and rectangular, with two steering wheels and four pedals on each side. The monitor was set into the top face of the cabinet, and players looked down upon it. This design allowed for two players to race against each other, and it also created a more immersive experience for the players.
Indy 800 was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of the 1970s, and it helped to establish Atari as a leader in the video game industry. The game’s full-color graphics and innovative cabinet design were praised by critics and players alike, and it is still considered to be one of the most important racing games of all time.
Gameplay
Indy 800 is a simple but addictive racing game. The player controls a race car that must navigate a winding race track. The goal is to complete the race in the fastest time possible.
The game’s controls are simple. The player uses the steering wheels to control the car’s direction, and the pedals to accelerate and brake. The player can also shift gears, which can help to improve the car’s performance.
Indy 800 features a variety of different race tracks, each with its own unique challenges. The player must learn to master each track in order to achieve the best possible times.
Graphics
Indy 800 was the first racing game to use a full-color RGB display. This allowed the game to display a wide range of colors, which created a more realistic and immersive experience for the player.
The game’s graphics are simple, but they are effective. The race cars and tracks are all rendered in bright, vibrant colors, and the game’s use of perspective creates a sense of depth and realism.
Sound
Indy 800’s sound effects are simple, but they are effective. The game’s engine noises and tire squeals help to create a sense of realism, and the game’s music is catchy and upbeat.
Legacy
Indy 800 was a major influence on the development of racing games. Its full-color graphics and innovative cabinet design set a new standard for the genre, and its simple but addictive gameplay has been imitated by countless other racing games.
Indy 800 is still considered to be one of the most important racing games of all time. It is a classic example of early arcade game design, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Additional Information
- Indy 800 was the first arcade game to use a microprocessor.
- The game’s cabinet was designed by George Faraco, who also designed the cabinets for Pong and Asteroids.
- Indy 800 was one of the first arcade games to be ported to home consoles. The Atari 2600 version of the game was released in 1977.
- Indy 800 is still available to play today on a variety of platforms, including the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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