Old DOS games hold a special place in my heart, this is one that got me into cars way, way, way back. A really fun game that, although cheesy by today’s standards, is actually better than most sim games today. Why? Let’s look.
First off, you are given 1200$. See that newspaper in the bottom left corner? That’s the classifieds. It’s where you get your hot rod, and your hop up parts. The game is set in the summer of 1969, so the classified prices reflect that.
Next to the classifieds is the creeper, when under the car you can change things such as the rear end (only real life ratios here!), the exhaust system, the headers, etc.
next to the creeper is the tire jack, then the paint gun, the fuel tank (which you click on to drive up to the gas station and pump YOUR OWN FUEL!
You can also click on the car and change out parts, tune the engine, check the health of things, chop the top, remove bumpers, etc. Of note, when changing parts, you actually have to click on the bolts and nuts and ground wires to connect them or cinch them down. Granted there are not every bolt represented, but c’mon! This game was 1989 DOS!
Very neat game.
The drag racing was good too. No staging or burnouts. Heads up, run what ya brung.
You could also challenge people for various amounts of money, and for different types of races.
Once flying down the strip, any number of things could happen. The opponent might try and side swipe you off the road, if you launch too hard, you could blow a motor or drop a trans.
Or worse yet, run off road and die.
Building the car is honestly the funnest part. The drag racing is fun, but once your fast, no one can touch you. The mulhollland drive and aqueduct races are really hard, and I’ve never gotten good at them. If you figure out the secret, let me know!
I think this game would be incredible if they recreated it with today’s tech. Overall, This is a grassroots game, built for the guy that knows a thing or two about cars, and probably has a built car in his garage, made from parts from the classifieds.
Of note- I use images from street rod 1 and street rod 2, but they all convey the same gameplay ideas.
