Overview

Released in 1987 by Square, this game offers players an exhilarating racing experience with its high-speed action and 3D effects. Known for its arcade-style gameplay, it places players behind the wheel, racing against time through various tracks and environments.

Gameplay

• 3D Perspective: A pioneering feature for its time, offering a sense of depth and immersion, enhancing the overall racing experience.
• Challenging Tracks: Players navigate through diverse courses, each presenting unique obstacles and increasing difficulty levels.
• Time Limit: Races are driven by a ticking clock, pushing players to maintain speed and make quick decisions to avoid running out of time.

Development and Legacy

This game holds a notable place in the history of racing games, being one of the early adopters of stereoscopic 3D visuals in gaming. Developed by Square, it showcases the company’s innovative spirit prior to their monumental success with role-playing games. Though not as celebrated as some of Square’s other titles, it remains a fond memory for many gaming enthusiasts for its unique features and contribution to the evolution of racing games on consoles.

Trivia

• The NES cartridge came packaged with 3D glasses, enhancing the 3D effect on supported televisions, a novel idea at the time.
• It was known as “Highway Star” in Japan, featuring different cover art and promotional material compared to its Western release.

Impact

While not groundbreaking as some of its contemporaries, it left a lasting impression on the racing genre and demonstrated Square’s versatility and capability in crafting engaging non-RPG experiences. The game’s legacy endures among retro gaming circles and it is remembered as a charming albeit challenging ride through the landscape of 1980s gaming.