LYNX: Checkered Flag










From: Robert Jung (ap803@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)

Date: 10/05/91-12:57:13 PM Z









From: ap803@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Robert Jung)
Subject: LYNX: Checkered Flag
Date: Sat Oct  5 12:57:13 1991


  At this pace, we'll get 50 games for the Lynx without even trying...

===========================================================================
CHECKERED FLAG
1-6 players, horizontal game
Atari Corp., for the Atari Lynx
$39.95
Stereo? Yes


OVERVIEW:
    It's time to strap on the helmets and head for the tracks; as the name
implies, CHECKERED FLAG presents auto racing on the Atari Lynx. The class is
Indy racing, with the ground-hugging racers that symbolize breakneck speed.
The usual elements are all here: cars to pass, curves to negotiate, and
roadside obstacles to avoid, all while trying to be the first across the
finish line. Option settings allow you to configure the game as desired, and
up to six Lynxes can be connected for a real challenge.

GAMEPLAY:
    CHECKERED FLAG is an absolute joy to play! While the game offers nothing
that hasn't been done before, it implements and integrates all of its elements
effectively. There are no bonus items, pit stops, weapons, or auto design to
complicate matters; rather, the emphasis is on pure driving skills at high
speeds. Even though the promised track editor has been left out, the end
result is an extremely fun card that captures the thrills of the sport.

    The action is viewed from directly behind your car. A course map, race
information, speedometer, tachometer, and rear-view mirrors are always
visible. Controls include acceleration, brakes, gearshift, and steering, all
of which feel properly responsive. The computer opponents are fairly
straightforward, though they manage to stay on the road better, and will try
to pass you whenever possible. Hitting another car or an obstacle may result
in a crash or a spinout, which costs speed and time. Take too many hits and
you might even lose your mirrors.

    To make things even more interesting, the game offers numerous options.
There are 18 tracks to race on, from the slightly curvy to the very difficult.
You can drive for practice, run a single race, or go for an eight-race
tournament, and your car can be equipped with one of three different
transmissions. Up to ten human and computer racers can compete, and starting
positions can be set randomly or by a qualifying lap. For an extra touch, you
can also choose the color of your car and the gender of your driver.

GRAPHICS/SOUND:
    CHECKERED FLAG's images are among the best on the Lynx. From cars to
obstacles, all of the graphics are elegant and highly detailed. The sense of
speed is very convincing, with the Lynx's hardware scaling used to make
everything fly by smoothly. Race information is clearly visible without being
obstructive, and other game screens are equally attractive.

    There are not a lot of different sounds in the game, but they are used
well. Engine whines alert you to change gears, tires squeal on tight turns,
and the stereo roar of other cars remind you of pass attempts. Then there are
the little extras, like the flagman's digitized voice announcing the start of
the race and the musical scores between races.

SUMMARY:
    This is a high-performance title that does nothing but pure video racing,
and does it extremely well. Crammed with exciting gameplay, fast action,
options galore, hot sound and graphics, and true multiplayer challenge,
CHECKERED FLAG is absolutely terrific!


                GAMEPLAY:        10
                GRAPHICS:        10
                SOUND:           8.5
                OVERALL:         10

  Rating values  10 - 8   Great! This game can't get much better.
                  7 - 5   Good. Average game, could be improved.
                  4 - 2   Poor. For devotees only.
                      1   Ick. Shoot it.

===========================================================================

  Now if you'll excuse me, I have a few rallys to run...

                                                --R.J.
                                                B-)

P.S. If TOURNAMENT CYBERBALL is this good, I'll be in hog heaven.

//////////////////////////////////////|\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
   Send whatevers to rjung@usc.edu    |    If it has pixels, I'm for it.
--------------------------------------+------------------------------Lynx up!
       "If it moves, shoot it. If it doesn't move, shoot it anyway."









-----------------------------------------
Return to message index