Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge was not only the Amiga game with, with frankly, the longest title it was also one of the most endearing and genuinely playable driving simulations ever created. It certainly looks its age when viewed by today’s standards, a good demonstration of this game’s age is perhaps the fact that I remember quite clearly buying my original copy in Boots the Chemist – back in those days they stocked contemporary computer games from Amiga and those from the Dark Side (Atari). The split screen layout, which remains even in one player mode, demonstrates the limitations of the software but for sheer playability this will never be beaten in my view.
Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge was not only the Amiga game with, with frankly, the longest title it was also one of the most endearing and genuinely playable driving simulations ever created. It certainly looks its age when viewed by today’s standards, a good demonstration of this game’s age is perhaps the fact that I remember quite clearly buying my original copy in Boots the Chemist – back in those days they stocked contemporary computer games from Amiga and those from the Dark Side (Atari). The split screen layout, which remains even in one player mode, demonstrates the limitations of the software but for sheer playability this will never be beaten in my view.
Those new to the Lotus franchise may be surprised
to read some of the names in the hall of fame. Due, I believe, to a copyright dispute no real racing driver’s names could be used so they were substituted for the likes of Alain Phosphate and the like.
New comers will also be struck by the lack of damage done to the proponents’ cars regardless of how many accidents, or deliberate head on collisions occur. This may not add to the realism of the experience but it does mean that some incredible races can be had without having to worry about how many road signs you hit on the way around.
In fact the only factor that will stop a driver mid-race is fuel consumption. Again this will not lend to great strategic thinking regarding optimum speed versus fuel economy as I do not recall it having any bearing on consumption. But it is great fun trying to come to a complete stop before the pit lane runs out of tarmac and your trusty Lotus is catapulted back on to the circuit running solely on gasoline vapours.
If game play is not enough to keep players interested Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge, later abbreviated to Lotus 1 following 2 further sequels, the game contains a great pseudo-electronica soundtrack with selectable tracks. It is almost as much fun to scroll through the different music available for the race using the onscreen car stereo as it is to scream around the track with it playing.
Once again this simulation will not win any prizes for realism. Nor will it challenge the modern day Grand Turismos and such like available for modern high tech consoles. However for simple addictive game play there are very few superior ways to spend an afternoon – whether the player is 10 or 25.
