Pole Position

What then can be said? The game keeps score based on how far you go, so there's replay value in trying to beat your previous score. Even if the game didn't keep score, this game is good enough that it would be worth coming back to play occasionally on its merits alone. As an arcade port, this isn't the most creative game in the world, but a good game that's a port is easily better than a bad game that is overly creative. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. If you have an Atari 2600 and you don't have this game, shame on you. Get it immediately. You don't know what you're missing.

Realistic sound effects include passing car engines and squealing tires. I like how the game keeps a running score at the top of the screen. This version of Pole Position is tougher than it looks. Try to reach 50,000 points and you'll see what I'm talking about.

With the possible exception of Full Throttle, this has got to be the best racing game yet ... but it's far too expensive!

This ancient racer really shows its age, but it still has charm. The dual buttons on each side of the 5200 controller are put to good use, as you're skillfully required to alternate between braking and accelerating to squeeze between other cars, especially on turns. The control is terrific, but the graphics are less than exciting. The illusion of speed is only fair, and the cars are very blocky. What's up with the blank signs on the side of the road? You get four tracks to choose from, although they all play pretty much the same. In order to qualify for each race, you need to complete a one-lap trial run. This lap is what determines your "pole position". The manual suggests using the track-ball controller, so I gave it a try. Steering isn't too bad, but switching gears using the keypad is awkward.

Here's a racing game you might not expect to see on the Vectrex, but it plays surprisingly well. Your car looks very impressive, especially when it turns or explodes. Too bad the other cars look like total crap, looking like mere boxes in the road! The track itself conveys movement fairly well, although the only thing actually moving is the striped line in the center. The mountains in the background look fine, but the signs displaying odd symbols on the side of the road look silly. The game uses the first two buttons to shift, and the others to accelerate. The precise control makes it easy to weave through traffic. Pole Position has the same musical tunes as the arcade version, and the engine sound effects are pretty good also. This is a nice change of pace from all the shooters on this system.

Oh no! Not another racing car game! Despite Pole Position being a direct descendant of the famous arcade game it is still hard not to be cynical. The game begins with a qualifying lap to determine which one of the eight grid positions you take for the race. Score, time left, speed, gears and laps completed, are displayed throughout the trial and race.

Pole Position is a racing game. You are a F1 driver and You want to be a Champion. Sounds easy and that easy it is. There is no plot, no track selection just simple racing on pre-defined tracks in order from easy to hard.