Developed by Magnetic Fields (aka Software Design) Limited and released by well-known publisher, Gremlin Graphics Software Limited, Super Cars was a very early nineties, simplistic racing game. It was an unlicensed game that did not simulate play in one of the real life circuits, such as Formula 1 or NASCAR. Instead, it was a fun little top-view racing game that took more influence from Sprint cars.
Super Cars features a total of nine different tracks, and four different difficulty levels on each track, allowing the user to mix up the action a little bit, whether they are experienced gamers or novice racers.
The tracks can be raced in any order, but the game will cheat a little bit and make the last track you choose harder than the others, regardless of the order in which you race, adding to that final challenge.
In the races, the user will earn money based on where he manages to finish. The user had to finish in the top three in order for the game to continue. This money does not convert to points to create a high score, like in many simplistic racing games. Instead, there is a little bit of simulation and track manager in Super Cars. The user can put the money toward the purchase of some pretty cool upgrades. The game features the normal handling upgrades, better brakes,
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bigger engines for more speed, and so on…but the user can also purchase forward shooting missiles to help him take out the competition instead of simply beating them. There are shops where the driver can purchase these upgrades, and the shops feature an interesting haggle feature. All of the upgrades available to the user are shown, along with their prices. However, the user is given a list of things he can say to the salesman behind the counter, and if he says the right combination of things, the salesman may just give him a deal.
The opponents themselves get tougher as the game continues. In the user’s first race, he will only race against four little AI cars, but more cars will be added in later races, making it more difficult for the user to place in the top three and continue the game.
Overall, Super Cars is not a bad little racing game at all. It spawned several sequels, and due to their later releases, they feature better graphics and smoother game play, but they are also different in nature from this original, making it still worth a look.
