DESCRIPTION

The first driving game with 3D polygon graphics, Hard Drivin' was the most authentic racer of its time, featuring such racing amenities as continuous force feedback steering, automatic or manual transmission (four speeds and reverse), an animated instrument panel, and overhead view replays of crashes. Players even had to turn a key to get the game started. Two types of gameplay were available: speed track and stunt track. The speedway offered somewhat standard racing action with straight-aways, hairpin turns, dips, small ramps and two-way traffic, while the stunt circuit had high-banked curves, an open drawbridge, a 360-degree vertical loop, large ramps and more. One of the more innovative features of the game was the ability to race a phantom racer if you beat a specified time limit in a lap. What made this feature unique was that the phantom racer was actually a recorded replay of the last gamer to set the record on that machine. Cutting edge gameplay, fun special features and dazzlingly realistic graphics made Hard Drivin' an influential arcade hit and an inspiration for such games as Race Drivin' and S.T.U.N. Runner. ~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide