Introduction
Released in 1987 by Atari Games, RoadBlasters is a hybrid arcade title that combines fast-paced vehicular combat with high-speed racing. Set in a dystopian future, players control an armed car racing through enemy-filled highways, collecting fuel and power-ups while destroying hostile vehicles. The game’s sleek design, immersive gameplay, and cinematic flair made it a standout title in the late 1980s arcade scene.
Development and History
- Developer: Atari Games
- Publisher: Atari Games
- Release Date: 1987
- Platform: Atari System 1 (Raster graphics)
RoadBlasters was created during a period of genre experimentation at Atari. The game was designed by Ed Rotberg, known for his earlier work on Battlezone. The development team aimed to merge the reflex-driven intensity of driving games with the shooting mechanics popularized by arcade action titles. Running on Atari’s System 1 hardware, the game featured vibrant raster graphics and an iconic cabinet with a steering wheel and trigger button.
Home ports were later released for platforms including the NES, Sega Genesis, and Amiga. The arcade version remains the definitive experience, remembered for its sharp controls and futuristic atmosphere.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Players drive an armed sports car through a series of 50 rally stages. The goal is to reach each checkpoint before running out of fuel, while also avoiding hazards and destroying enemies.
Core gameplay elements:
- Fuel depletes over time and is replenished by reaching checkpoints or collecting fuel globes.
- A support plane periodically flies in to drop weapon power-ups.
- The car is equipped with a standard forward-firing gun, with optional power-up weapons.
- Steering is handled via a wheel, acceleration via a pedal, and shooting via a trigger on the wheel.
Power-up weapons dropped by the support plane:
- Cannon – Enables rapid-fire shooting.
- Cruise Missile – Eliminates all on-screen enemies.
- U.Z. Cannon – Fires a spread shot covering a wider area.
Enemies and hazards include:
- Motorcycle enemies that weave through traffic.
- Armored turret vans that fire back.
- Static road hazards like mines and oil slicks.
- Sections with collapsing or narrow roads.
Progressing through rallies adds to the player’s score and grants bonus fuel. Completing all 50 stages results in a celebratory ending screen.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Although it didn't reach the blockbuster status of earlier Atari titles, RoadBlasters earned a loyal following for its genre-mixing gameplay and distinctive aesthetic.
- The game appeared in Captain N: The Game Master, showcasing its mainstream visibility.
- Included in Arcade’s Greatest Hits: Atari Collection 1 for PlayStation.
- Often cited as an early influence on vehicular combat games.
- Known for its glowing dashboard in the arcade cabinet, which enhanced its futuristic feel.
Fun Facts
- Ed Rotberg, the lead designer, also worked on Atari’s Battlezone.
- The support plane mimics the behavior of mid-air refueling jets.
- Checkpoint markers featured animated arms waving drivers through.
- The in-game music was continuous, a rarity for Atari System 1 titles.
Conclusion
RoadBlasters represents a bold experiment in arcade game design, fusing racing and combat into one smooth, addictive package. Its intuitive controls, satisfying upgrades, and stylistic flair helped it stand out during a competitive era and cemented its legacy as one of Atari’s most memorable late-’80s efforts.