Summary
Safari Race: A Pioneering Racing Game with Licensed Cars
Released in 1984 for the SG-1000, Safari Race is a groundbreaking racing game that stands out for its use of licensed cars, a feature that was relatively uncommon at the time. Developed and published by Sega, Safari Race puts players behind the wheel of a Lancia Stratos HF, a legendary rally car, and challenges them to navigate through various “sections” while avoiding wildlife and other cars.
Gameplay: A Thrilling Race Through the Wild
Safari Race presents players with a series of side-scrolling levels, each with its own unique layout and obstacles. The player’s objective is to drive their Lancia Stratos HF from the starting line to the finish line within a time limit, while avoiding collisions with other cars and wildlife.
The game’s controls are simple and intuitive. The player uses the directional pad to steer the car, and the A button to accelerate. The B button is used to brake, and holding down both the A and B buttons together allows the player to perform a handbrake turn.
Safari Race features a variety of different obstacles that the player must navigate through. These obstacles include trees, rocks, animals, and other cars. The player must be careful to avoid these obstacles, as colliding with them will cause the car to lose speed and potentially spin out.
In addition to avoiding obstacles, the player must also manage their fuel consumption. The Lancia Stratos HF has a limited fuel supply, and the player must collect fuel cans that are scattered throughout the levels in order to keep their car running. If the player runs out of fuel, their car will come to a stop and the game will be over.
Licensed Cars: A First for Racing Games
One of the most notable features of Safari Race is its use of licensed cars. The player controls a Lancia Stratos HF, and according to the box art, some of the rival cars are Audi Quattros. This was a significant development for racing games at the time, as most games featured generic cars or made-up brands.
The use of licensed cars in Safari Race helped to create a more immersive and realistic experience for players. It also showed that Sega was willing to invest in its games and to partner with real-world companies.
Legacy: A Classic Racing Game
Safari Race was a critical and commercial success for Sega. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its use of licensed cars, and its impressive graphics. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Safari Race is an important game in the history of racing games. It was one of the first games to use licensed cars, and it helped to establish Sega as a major player in the video game industry. The game remains a classic today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Additional Information
- Developer: Sega
- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: 1984
- Platform: SG-1000
- Genre: Racing
- Number of Players: 1
- ESRB Rating: N/A
Tips for Playing Safari Race
- Be careful to avoid obstacles, as colliding with them will slow you down or cause you to spin out.
- Collect fuel cans to keep your car running.
- Use the handbrake to make tight turns.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different driving lines to find the fastest way around the track.
- Practice makes perfect! The more you play Safari Race, the better you will become at it.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
