The Great American Cross-Country Road Race is a classic racing title that captured the attention of gamers following its release in 1985 by the renowned publisher Activision. Originally known as American Road Race in the United Kingdom, this game holds a distinct place in gaming history as a bridge between console and computer gaming. Written by Alex DeMeo, the game represents a significant effort to bring the high-speed action of the arcade and console markets to home computers.
Genre and Gameplay Mechanics
The Great American Cross-Country Road Race is categorized as a racing video game. It is closely related to the earlier Activision title Enduro, which was created for the Atari 2600 console. While it serves as an adaptation of that earlier work, the gameplay is tailored to the home computer environment. The game mechanics are designed to take full advantage of the more powerful hardware available on personal computers, offering an enhanced racing experience that distinguishes it from its console origins.
Story and Setting Overview
The setting of the game is implied directly by its title. As a "Cross-Country Road Race," the game is set against the backdrop of a vast, open landscape. The premise involves a long-distance journey across the country, challenging the player's endurance and driving skills. The road race aspect emphasizes the competitive nature of the title, pitting the player against the demands of the open road in a bid for victory.
Platform Availability
The game was originally written by Alex DeMeo for the Atari 8-bit family of computers. It was subsequently ported to other major systems to reach a wider audience of home computer users. The specific platforms on which The Great American Cross-Country Road Race is available include:
- Atari 8-bit
- Apple II
- Commodore 64
This multi-platform availability allowed the game to reach a diverse group of users across the different computer ecosystems of the mid-1980s.
Notable Features
A defining characteristic of the computer versions of the game is the technical expansion over the original console release. The design, graphics, and sound have all been expanded to fit the capabilities of the more powerful home computers. This expansion allows for a richer visual and auditory experience compared to the Atari 2600 version. The game demonstrates the potential of home computers to deliver more detailed and immersive versions of popular software.
Who It Appeals To
The Great American Cross-Country Road Race appeals to racing game enthusiasts and those interested in the history of Activision software. It is particularly relevant for players who use the Atari 8-bit, Apple II, or Commodore 64 platforms. The game is also of interest to retro gaming fans who want to see how popular console titles were adapted and improved for the home computer market.
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