Checkered Flag (1991-)

• Developer: Atari

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Racing

Checkered Flag is a racing video game developed and published by Atari Corporation, released in 1991 for the Atari Lynx handheld console. It was designed to showcase the Lynx's capabilities, offering a pseudo-3D racing experience reminiscent of arcade titles like Virtua Racing. The game was notable for its multiplayer functionality, supporting up to six players via the Lynx's ComLynx link cable, a feature that set it apart from many other handheld racing games of the era.

In Checkered Flag, players can choose from various game modes, including single races and an eight-race tournament. The game features 18 tracks set in American countryside and city environments. Players can customize their racing experience by selecting the number of laps, the number of opponents, and the type of transmission for their vehicle. The game employs a simulated 3D effect, with converging lines representing the road and scaling sprites for trackside objects and cars, creating the illusion of depth and movement.

The inspiration for Checkered Flag came from the success of arcade racing games and the desire to bring a similar experience to the handheld market. The game's development aimed to deliver an engaging racing simulation that could be enjoyed both solo and with friends. The soundtrack, composed by Bob Vieira, complements the game's atmosphere with dynamic music that intensifies during race sequences, enhancing the player's immersion in the high-speed action.

Upon its release, Checkered Flag received positive reviews for its innovative approach to racing on a handheld console and its engaging multiplayer modes. Critics praised the game's graphics and sound, noting that it pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the Lynx. The game's success contributed to the popularity of the Atari Lynx and solidified Checkered Flag as one of the standout titles in the system's library. Its legacy continues, with the game being remembered fondly by fans and often cited as a classic example of early handheld racing games.

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