| |
System:
Arcade
Genre:
Racing
Publisher:
SEGA
Developer:
-
Players:
1
Release date/year:
1985
Other systems:
MasterSystem
|
|
- Hang On
-
1985 - SEGA - Arcade
- When it comes to motorcycle games, I’ve found that one of the best in the line has got to be Hang On. Released to the Arcades in the mid-eighties, there are two versions of the game, both of which are fun as hell to play. The stand-up version of the game is actually easier to play than the sit-down bike version. With high speeds, sharp curves and a computer-controlled field of riders that are looking to keep you from the finish line, you’ll find that the game has plenty to offer if you’re into the racing games.
-
-The Game Play-
The game play that you find here is relatively simple. You get on the machine and plug your quarters in, and start racing right off the bat. There isn’t a bike selection that you can choose from, and there isn’t a roster of riders. Rather, all you have to do is start racing and make it through the courses without wiping out and without losing your top place. The challenge of the game comes in with the two different machines. With the sit-down machine, you have the ability to lean your body into the turns in conjunction with the brake and the throttle.
However, the turns are actually easier to take with the stand up version because your leaning ability doesn’t come into effect on the curves. With the difference in the game play being that minimal, but that important, you’ll find that the challenge of the game is actually increased depending on what machine you happen to be playing on. Getting through the field of riders is difficult as well, and you’ll find that no matter how hard you try, you’ll only end up in the top five unless your performance is flawless!
The control is also easy to work with, in which you have the throttle on your right hand and the brake on your left. Much like an actual motorcycle, you have to learn to use the control the way that you would actually ride a bike; so a little practice is needed. You don’t have to worry about performing massive tricks or anything else here, and this isn’t like Road Rash where you have to boot your opponents out of your way. Most of what you’ll find here is concentration and timing on the turns in order to get the effect you want.
-
-The Visuals-
You’ll find that the visuals here are pretty simple for the eye to capture and the scrolling effects are much like what you would find with Out Run. However, the difference that you’ll find between this game and that one is that there really isn’t all that much background animation going on and the tracks are relatively flat to look at. This isn’t to say that the game isn’t nice to look at, because you’ll still find that the scaling of the riders as you come up and pass them is smooth as is the way that the track twists and turns. However, if you’re looking for something more in the background, you might want to check out Harley Davidson and the L.A. Riders!
-
-The Audio-
The audio that you find here is extremely simple and you’ll find that the game doesn’t offer any real background music for you to listen to. The sound effects is what you’ll find in your ears throughout the race, with the roaring of the engine and the sound of speed as you come up to and pass by your opponents one by one. The cool engine effects are pumped just as far as the speakers on the machine will go and you won’t find too much else to listen to throughout your race.
-
-The Verdict-
If you’re able to find a sit-down machine, which is the special edition, then you’ll find that the game takes on a whole new meaning of physics in the way that you have to play. The stand-up machine is more common however, and you’ll find that the game is easier when you play that one. The visuals, while clean and crisp are missing a bit of background interaction that most of the racing games we have now present. The audio, while interesting to listen to for the first few minutes, seems to be lacking any true depth. Regardless of the small problems, Hang On is one of the original motorcycle games that I played in the arcade years ago and it’s still a game that I would pump quarters into today, and worth a look for any classic gamer!
7/10
//KasketDarkfyre
|
|
