Description

"Dragster," released in 1980 for the Atari 2600 console, is an innovative racing game designed by David Crane, one of the co-founders of Activision. The game challenges players to operate a dragster over a quarter-mile stretch as quickly as possible, focusing on timing and quick reflexes to shift gears without blowing the engine. The gameplay involves precise control of the gas pedal and clutch, requiring players to keep an eye on the tachometer to ensure they are not over-revving the engine, which can lead to a catastrophic engine failure. With its side-view perspective, the game's simple yet effective graphics capture the essence of drag racing. Players strive to beat their own best times or compete against a friend in a test of speed and precision.

Significantly, "Dragster" is often remembered for its role in the early history of competitive video gaming, highlighted by its inclusion in the Twin Galaxies scoreboards and the Guinness Book of World Records. A notable aspect of its legacy is the controversy surrounding the world record scores, particularly a claim of a 5.57-second run by gamer Todd Rogers. This record was eventually disputed and led to a broad discussion about the verification of video game scores. "Dragster" remains a classic example of early video game design and is celebrated for its role in the evolution of the gaming community, emphasizing the blend of simple yet challenging mechanics that defined the early era of video games.

Title

Dragster - Title

Close

Gameplay

Dragster - Gameplay

Close