Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Racing, Sport
- Platforms: Amiga, DOS, FM Towns, PC-9800 Series
- Developers: Distinctive Software
- Publishers: Brøderbund Software, Electronic Arts Victor, Mindscape
Stunts (1990): The Ultimate Racing Simulator
Released in 1990, Stunts is a groundbreaking racing game that set new standards for realism, track design, and customization. Developed by Distinctive Software, Inc., Stunts was one of the first games to feature a true 3D engine, allowing for tracks with loops, jumps, and other gravity-defying stunts. The game also included a powerful track editor, giving players the ability to create their own custom tracks.
Gameplay
Stunts is a racing game at its core, but it’s also much more than that. The game features a variety of different race modes, including single races, time trials, and championships. Players can also choose to race against the clock or against a field of AI opponents.
One of the things that sets Stunts apart from other racing games is its emphasis on stunt driving. The game’s tracks are filled with loops, jumps, and other obstacles that require players to master the art of stunt driving in order to succeed. Players can earn points for performing stunts, and these points can be used to purchase upgrades for their cars.
Track Design
Stunts’ track editor is one of the most powerful and versatile track editors ever created. Players can use the editor to create tracks of any shape or size, and they can add a variety of different objects to their tracks, including jumps, loops, corkscrews, and even buildings. The editor also allows players to customize the track’s surface, including the type of road and the amount of grip.
The track editor has been used to create a wide variety of tracks, from realistic race tracks to fantasy tracks with impossible stunts. There are even tracks that have been designed to resemble real-world locations, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Nürburgring.
Cars
Stunts features a variety of different cars to choose from, each with its own unique handling characteristics. Players can choose from a variety of different car types, including sports cars, muscle cars, and even trucks. Each car can be customized with a variety of different upgrades, including engine upgrades, suspension upgrades, and brake upgrades.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Stunts’ graphics were cutting-edge. The game used a true 3D engine to create tracks with loops, jumps, and other gravity-defying stunts. The cars were also rendered in 3D, and they featured a variety of different animations.
The game’s sound is also top-notch. The engine sounds are realistic, and the sound of the tires squealing as you drift around corners is simply exhilarating.
Legacy
Stunts was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the greatest racing games of all time. The game’s innovative track editor and realistic physics engine set new standards for racing games, and its influence can still be seen in racing games today.
Stunts has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, including the PC, the Amiga, and the Super Nintendo. The game has also been re-released on digital platforms, such as Steam and GOG.com.
Conclusion
Stunts is a classic racing game that is still a blast to play today. With its challenging tracks, customizable cars, and built-in track editor, it’s a must-play for any fan of racing games.
Review Score
9.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
