Racing games of the early 90s

The early 90s was when racing games really started to change as the better hardware allowed better graphics. F zero was a racing game that was created by Nintendo for the super Nintendo system and released in 1990. What made this game unique was that it took place in the future, so you raced in futuristic cars. It used a technique called mode 7 which is a graphics mode on the Super Nintendo that allows a background layer to be rotated and scaled to create different effects. This technique simulated 3D environments which was revolutionary since most consoles were restricted to 2D graphics and static backgrounds. The player had to beat the opponent to the finish line while avoiding obstacles on the track. The player would also receive a speed boost for each lap that they completed, the use of boost decreased the energy which could be replenished by going over recharge strips. In addition you could attack other players with your car.


Game play- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T5u9nD_I0I 


Top gear was a game developed by Gremlin graphics for the Super Nintendo and released in 1992. It featured a grid of 20 cars and had a split screen functionality.  The player has the option of 4 controller layouts, a choice between manual and automatic transmission and a choice between 4 cars. If the player choose manual they would have to shift the gears in addition to steering the car. In the race they player would have to stop in the pit to refuel to prevent the car from running out fuel and stopping which would disqualify you from the race.

Game play- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCuOSrBKlrU



Super Mario kart was another revolutionary game that brought the Mario character into a racing game. It was developed and published by Nintendo in 1992 for the super Nintendo system. It was different from other games as it involved go-carts. The player go to choose from a variety of characters from the Mario franchise. Another thing that distinguished this game from others is that it featured weapons such as koopa shells and banana peels. Which could be used to slow down the opponent allowing you to pass them. These weapons would show up while you were navigating the track. In addition to the weapons there are power-ups such as the mushroom which give you a speed boost. The weapons combined with the power-ups made the game very exciting since the positions changed quickly.

Game play- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZkxJhsP384