A&B Computing


Overdrive

Publisher: Superior
Machine: BBC Model B

 
Published in A&B Computing 1.10

Overdrive is an interesting and fast-moving game based on motor car racing. The object is for the player to steer his racing car to the left and to the right, accelerating and decelerating by using the Z, X, * and ? keys respectively in an attempt to pass the opposing cars.

During the loading process a screen appears giving information as to which keys should be used. After this a daytime setting appears, this being the first stage of a series of five settings, the remaining four being night, snow, desert and riverside. Each of these screens, by clever use of perspective, takes on a three-dimensional effect and the straight road disappears into the distance.

All the layouts are similar and give score, time and speed at the top of the screen and directly below this a bonus chart indicating the number of cars passed. A score is awarded relevant to the speed that the player travels and a bonus score allowed for each car overtaken.

To qualify for the following stage the player must have pased a set number of cars in ninety-nine seconds so that he finishes in the top twelve places. His success is indicated on the right hand side of the bonus chart and his failure to reach this target brings the game to a close and at this point the five best scores are shown.

This game has well put together and the graphics are of a good quality with some excellent sound effects. However, it lacks inventiveness in that the continuous three-dimensional straight road is rather monotonous and a few bends would add some extra interest.