Pole Position for Atari 8-bit computers | Review
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Undoubtedly a classic in Formula 1 racing, "Pole Position" truly marked a before and after in arcade games, thanks to its innovative graphical approach and remarkable gameplay.
Developed by Namco in 1982 and released by Atari in the United States a year later, Pole Position pioneered the introduction of a pseudo-3D third-person perspective from behind the wheel. This feature offered a more realistic driving experience compared to the overhead views of its contemporaries; an approach that has endured and evolved in driving games to this day.
Similarly, this game was innovative in incorporating a qualifying lap against the clock prior to the championship race, a mechanism that added a layer of depth and challenge for players.
It was also the first to feature a circuit based on a real location, the Fuji Speedway, allowing players to see the iconic Japanese mountain in the distance. It is also known for incorporating advertising into the game, with signs of well-known brands on the sides of the track.
The popularity and cultural impact of this title extend beyond its original arcade release, establishing itself as a timeless classic in video game history.
It also gained commercial success in Japan and around the world during the early 1980s, leading to the creation of a sequel and an animated series.
The Atari 8-bit computer adaptation aims to replicate the arcade experience within the technical capabilities of home machines of the time; no small challenge considering the graphical and technical ambition of the original, in contrast to the inherent limitations of home hardware.
This version of Pole Position allows players to choose from three race tracks (Malibu Grand Prix, Namco Speedway and Atari Grand Prix), including a practice mode, and options to adjust the length of each race, from one to eight laps.
The graphics in the Atari 8-bit version are much simpler and perhaps a little blurry, but the smoothness of the movement makes up for it. While the arcade signs are visible, they provide no feedback. Meanwhile, the sense of speed is pretty good, if a little uneven. At times, especially when turning corners, the graphics are sharp, but the vehicle looks like it was designed for the Atari 2600 console.
As for the control system adapted from the arcade steering wheel to the Atari joystick, it feels a bit peculiar: you have to pull the lever to shift into higher gears, and press the fire button to brake.
In practical terms, all three available circuits feel the same. In the sound department, the effects are notable, although the engine noise can be a little harsh on the ears. However, like Mount Fuji, the digitized voices present in the original are missed.
In the realm of mods and hacks, Konstantinos "Tix" Giamalidis (Greece) stands out on the AtariAge forum, putting effort into tweaking the look of the protagonist car to make it resemble the arcade Formula 1 design; even animating the vehicle's explosion upon crash, seeking to add more "reality" to these effects.
Although the graphics can't compare to the arcade version, this conversion was enthusiastically received by fans, as it manages to capture the essence of Pole Position and bring some of the arcade features into the home. The 8-bit version offers a fun and challenging gaming experience, while maintaining the spirit of the original within the technical limitations of the Atari home computers of the time.
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