Dakar 2006

Dakar 2006 is a racing game based around the annual Dakar desert rally that was held between 31st December 2005 and 15th January 2016 from Lisbon to Dakar. Using a 2D top-down and vertically scrolling perspective players get to experience the rally either in the Dakar Raid mode that links all stages together and time and progression are saved, or individually in the Stage Trial mode. Some versions of the game on smaller screens do not have the second game mode.

The player controls the car's acceleration, braking and steering. The car needs to avoid obstacles to prevent damage. The condition of the car is shown through a wrench bar and damage affects the car's performance. There is also a fuel meter. Every type of surface has a different traction that affects speed, so the player needs to choose the optimal route for the most efficient fuel consumption. Every now and then red icons appear as locations where fuel can be refilled, but time keeps running. The game keeps track of the overall standing compared to the (invisible) opponents.