Random Game O' the Day: RoadBlasters

[digitalpress]

The DP Random Game Generator of Unmentionable Carnage (tm) has chosen this futuristic road combat game, RoadBlasters.

Originally an Atari Games arcade title, the goal is to blast cars and stay on the road. Yes, the title really does say it all. There are power-ups and fuel along the way, and the enemies get tougher and fuel becomes a premium as the stages progress. It's good fun.

So what did you think of the home versions? They're all relatively easy to find, but have you played them? If so, which did you like the best? How do they compare to the arcade original? Any strategies you can share? Write your mini-review here.

DP Guide sez:

RoadBlasters (Genesis, by Tengen) $8/R3
Based on the 1986 Atari coin-op. Released 1991.

RoadBlasters (Lynx, by Atari) $12/R2
Based on the 1986 Atari coin-op. #PA2036.

RoadBlasters (Nintendo NES, by Mindscape) $5/R3
Based on the 1986 Atari coin-op. Developed by Beam Software. Released 1/90. c1986 1989 Tengen. #NES-VE-USA.

[IntvGene]

The Lynx version was a good one, in fact it's the only one I've played on the list. The graphics were sharp and the voice was nice too. I remember this was one of the easiest games to beat (with a code). Alll you had to do was hold the B button and drive into the first tree on the left side of the first level, and warp to any level you want.

But a great game. This wasn't an Atari classic, but a cool re-hash of Spy Hunter. I liked the level designs, and the graphics were neat too. I don't love driving games, but this one is fun.

[maxlords]

I have a pirate of the Genesis one. It's good, but I found it fairly easy....got to level 30something last time I played. As for hte arcade one....Roadblasters is my all time favorite arcade driving game. In fact, I actually learned to drive playing it, which probably scares some of you...but don't worry, my prolific speeding tickets and and accidents are COMPLETELY unrelated! I LOVE Roadblasters. It WILL be one of the arcade games I own whenI have space (sit down version of course!)

[fcw3]

I had a shot at a sitdown version a couple of years ago. If I only had the room...

I've found Roadblasters to be an unusual title from the aspect that it appears to appeal to both men and women. When the family gathers at my house over the holidays, the Roadblasters machine is rarely idle.

As for the home versions, only the Lynx seems to have captured the arcade machine's feel. I did try one of the PS's classic collections version of it and, for some reason that escapes me now, was disappointed.

FRED

[Raedon]

Great Arcade game must have put 50 quarters into one of the sit down machines. I have never played it on a console.

Best weapon in the game was the nuker.. it was too cool driving by the vapor remains of your foes.

[Gunstarhero]

What a classic this game is. I had it on Lynx, but I've played the Arcade many many times. If I see a Roadblasters arcade machine somewhere (bar, restaurant etc.) I always pop a few quarters in it. I liked the controller, and it seemed Atari really liked it too, that controller was used for many years on alot of games.

My favorite thing about Roadblasters in retrospect is the sound f/x, I really dig the engine sound of the car, especially when you get Nitro Booster power up. Overall this is a superb game, I always wished for at least one more power up though, the 3 available powerups were great, but the game could have been improved with a few more.

Worst enemy in the game for me were the mines. Low on fuel, hit a mine, forget about finishing.

[Daniel Thomas]

Roadblasters is one of my personal favorites. Maybe that's one reason why I loved the 4-player battle mode in SF Rush 2049 on Dreamcast -- it felt like a Roadblasters deathmatch, with guns on the cars and all.

All the home versions are good, even the NES version. The Atari Lynx port was amazing, and still is.

Great game, old-skool thrills, good time for your quarter. I'd still pump money into arcade games if they made 'em like this.

[tynstar]

Never played any of the home version but the arcade game kicked ass.

[icbrkr]

Ooo.. great game! The Lynx version is dead on to the arcade (unlike the NES version.. icky) - it is almost permeantly stuck in my Lynx.

Brian