Atari's Checkered Flag -Atari Lynx
Retro Gaming Review

Rating:

A surprising number of lynx games make use of the ComLynx Cable that networks multiple handhelds together. While most games are for 2 to 4 players, Checkered Flag supports up to six players!

This original game for the Lynx has very impressive sound and graphics - particularly the scaling as objects approach. An announcer begins each race with s very crisp and clear, "Gentlemen, start your engines."

In addition to an impressive instrument pannel, you also have side-mirrors. If this is beginning to sound complicated, wait until you see how narrow the track is. One detriment to Checkered Flag is it's difficulty. The track is narrow and leaves little room for errors. If you want to be in first place, you'll need near perfect laps.

Checkered Flag Story Arc

This is big time racing. Strapped into your lightning-fast machine, you await the green light. The announcer calls out the traditional four words and the engines rev up. The sound of Indy-style race cars-half roar, half whine-is deafening. The grandstand crowd is on its feet. You focus your attention on the starting light. It's red. Now yellow. Green! The race is on!

Checkered Flag Game Play

You have to admire a game from the early 90s that supports 6 players. Unlike more recent Nintendo games with multi-player connections, all Checkered Flag players had to have their own game cart.

You'l find a lot of great options for both customizing your race car and the race track. From practice runs and single heats to a full blown tournament, you can race against your buddies with a lot of variation including a qualifying lap to vie for starting positions. Don't forget this is a really hard game.

Keep your eye on the map to anticipate upcoming turns is one of the best ways to minimize an accident that can easily rob you of first place. The same holds for cars approaching that can be seen in your side-mirrors. Either cut them off or move out of the way. Too many rear collisions can damage the mirrors rendering them useless.

If you finish a race before your friends, your car is moved to the side of the road. The OPTION 1 button puts you in camera mode. This lets you view the race from any of the remaining racer's cars - as though you were driving with them. Keep pressing OPTION 1 to switch to other cars - you will eventually return to your own.

Checkered Flag is laden with slick options. The more you play and get accustomed to the features, the easier it all becomes and you can take advantage of a lot of cool options.

At the end of the race, the winner is rewarded with a trophy and a hug. This is why you have the option to define your gender in the options area ;)

Read about our Spaceship video game review rating system

« Return to Retro Video Game Reviews

Printed: