Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Adventure, Racing
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Publishers: Acornsoft Limited, Firebird Software
Revs (1984): A Pioneering Formula Three Simulation
Revs is a 1984 Formula Three simulation written by Geoff Crammond for the BBC Micro. It was notable for its realistic simulation of the sport and as a precursor to Crammond’s later work on the Formula One Grand Prix series.
Gameplay
Revs is a Formula Three racing simulation. The player takes control of a Formula Three car and races against AI opponents on a variety of tracks. The game features realistic car physics and handling, and the player must carefully manage their speed, braking, and cornering in order to succeed.
The game features a variety of race modes, including single races, championships, and time trials. The player can also choose from a variety of difficulty levels, making the game accessible to both novice and experienced racing fans.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Revs featured impressive graphics and sound. The game’s cars and tracks were rendered in detailed sprite graphics, and the game ran smoothly even on the limited hardware of the BBC Micro. The game’s sound effects were also well-done, and the player could hear the roar of their engine and the screech of their tires as they raced around the track.
Reception
Revs was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realistic simulation of Formula Three racing, and its challenging and addictive gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Revs is considered to be one of the best racing games of its era, and it is still enjoyed by many classic gaming fans today. The game is also notable for its historical significance, as it was a precursor to Geoff Crammond’s later work on the Formula One Grand Prix series.
Legacy
Revs had a significant impact on the development of racing games. Its realistic simulation of Formula Three racing set a new standard for the genre, and its challenging and addictive gameplay inspired many later racing games.
Revs also helped to launch the career of Geoff Crammond, who went on to develop the Formula One Grand Prix series. The Formula One Grand Prix series was one of the most successful racing game franchises of all time, and it helped to popularize the sport of Formula One racing around the world.
Conclusion
Revs is a classic racing game that is still enjoyed by many fans today. Its realistic simulation of Formula Three racing, its challenging and addictive gameplay, and its historical significance make it a must-play for any fan of racing games.
Additional Information
- Developer: Geoff Crammond
- Publisher: Superior Software
- Platform: BBC Micro
- Release Date: 1984
- Genre: Racing simulation
- Number of Players: 1
- ESRB Rating: N/A
Tips for Playing Revs
- Practice: The best way to improve your skills in Revs is to practice. Take some time to learn the tracks and the handling of your car.
- Be patient: Revs is a challenging game, and it takes time to master. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win every race. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get better.
- Manage your speed: It’s important to manage your speed carefully in Revs. If you go too fast, you’ll lose control of your car and crash. But if you go too slow, you’ll be overtaken by your opponents.
- Brake early: It’s important to brake early in Revs, especially before corners. This will give you more time to slow down and avoid crashing.
- Use the racing line: The racing line is the ideal path to take around a track. It’s the shortest and fastest way to get around the track, and it will help you to avoid crashing.
Revs (1984) Trivia
- Revs was the first racing game to feature a fully 3D track.
- Revs was one of the first games to use a physics engine to simulate the handling of the cars.
- Geoff Crammond developed Revs while he was still a student at the University of Cambridge.
- Revs was originally going to be called “Formula Three Grand Prix”, but the name was changed to avoid confusion with the Formula One Grand Prix series.
- Revs was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Review Score
8.5/10