Previous Next

Speed King is a motorcyle Grand Prix simulation. It is, in most respects, pretty similar to the four-wheeled counterparts like Formula One Simulator that have been around on the C16 for a while. It is, in fact, a C64 conversion. The major difference is, of course, that instead of a racing car, you are presented with an up the exhaust pipe view of a motorcycle.

The game also owes a debt of gratitude to the arcade game Hang-On - the precursor of all home computer motorcycle race games.

There are three things to look for in a race game, be it on two wheels or four; there are, in order of importance, the degree of realism, the quality of the background scenery and graphics in general, and the extent of user-definable options (different circuits, etc) - which ties in with the first criterion.

Taking those things in no particular order, on graphics Speed King doesn't rate brilliantly. Though the graphics are by no means poor, I would describe them as spartan. The course itself is marked out in the grass with tent pegs. Mountains and clouds on the horizon give the whole thing perspective, but there are no outstanding features.

There are four Grand Prix circuits to choose from: Monza, Paul Ricard, Hockenheim and Silverstone. The Grand Prix scoreboard gives lap records for each circuit, as well as the time taken to complete the race - five laps. This is all fairly functional and the only criticism I would make is that, in practice, the course didn't seem to be the same shape as the map.

Which brings us on to reality. The screen shows your bike from a rear position. Speed, gear, position and other statistical information is placed at the top of the screen. Controlling your speed is simply a matter of selecting the right gear, the only other thing to be taken care of is the steering.

The race itself is quite thrilling, cornering at 250mph is quite a laugh, especially with three other bikes on the road. The bikes lean realistically into the turns and make all the right noises as you shift through the gears. If you so much as tap another rider on one of the tent pegs an explosion ensues, but another bike appears miraculously and you continue without a scratch. [The work of the Mysterious maybe? - Ed]

The sound was reasonably impressive - a good distinct change in tone for changes in gears and graduated increase in noise for acceleration.

The biggest drawback of all is that after fifteen minutes play you are able to reach the front of the field of twenty, then it's just a question of staying there until the five laps are up. Even L drivers will find they can master the game in no time at all. If you're looking for a racing simulator with a difference it might be worth considering otherwise I'd go for something with a bit more of a challenge.

One of the few gaps still gaping in the C16 games stakes is for a really good racing game - something along the lines of Pitstop for the C64. Don't throw your hands up in horror software houses reading this - if Anco can put together something like Winter Events on the C16 I don't see why we can't have a decent formula one racing game.