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Added the Master System port release dates and other things.
 
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{{short description|1986 video game}}
{{For|the Atari 2600 game|Enduro (video game)}}
{{For|the Atari 2600 game|Enduro (video game)}}
{{Expand language|langcode=fr|date=January 2021}}{{Infobox video game
{{Expand French|topic=cult|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Enduro Racer
| title = Enduro Racer
| image = [[Image:Enduro Racer Cover.png|frameless|Enduro Racer flyer]]
| image = [[Image:Enduro Racer Cover.png|frameless|Enduro Racer flyer]]
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| designer = [[Yu Suzuki]]
| designer = [[Yu Suzuki]]
| composer = [[Hiroshi Kawaguchi (composer)|Hiroshi Kawaguchi]]<br>[[David Whittaker (video game composer)|David Whittaker]] (C64)
| composer = [[Hiroshi Kawaguchi (composer)|Hiroshi Kawaguchi]]<br>[[David Whittaker (video game composer)|David Whittaker]] (C64)
| release = '''Arcade''' {{vgrelease|JP|[[1986 in video games|16 July 1986]]<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sega Arcade History: 1986 |magazine=[[:ja:メガドライブFAN|Mega Drive Fan]] |date=8 January 1992 |issue=25 (February 1992) |pages=82-84 (83) |language=ja |url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMdfan_JP_1992-02.pdf&page=81}}</ref>|NA|September 1986<ref>{{cite book |last1=Akagi |first1=Masumi |title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005) |trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005) |date=13 October 2006 |publisher=Amusement News Agency |language=ja |location=Japan |isbn=978-4990251215 |page=131 |url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n132}}</ref>|EU|1986<ref>{{cite web |title=Video Game Flyers: Enduro Racer, Sega (EU) |url=https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=1485 |website=The Arcade Flyer Archive |access-date=8 April 2021}}</ref>}} '''Master System'''<br>1987
| release = '''Arcade''' {{vgrelease|JP|16 July 1986<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sega Arcade History: 1986 |magazine=[[:ja:メガドライブFAN|Mega Drive Fan]] |date=8 January 1992 |issue=25 (February 1992) |pages=82–84 (83) |language=ja |url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMdfan_JP_1992-02.pdf&page=81}}</ref>|NA|September 1986<ref>{{cite book |last1=Akagi |first1=Masumi |title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005) |trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005) |date=13 October 2006 |publisher=Amusement News Agency |language=ja |location=Japan |isbn=978-4990251215 |page=131 |url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n132}}</ref>|EU|1986<ref>{{cite web |title=Video Game Flyers: Enduro Racer, Sega (EU) |url=https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=1485 |website=The Arcade Flyer Archive |access-date=8 April 2021}}</ref>}} '''Master System'''{{vgrelease|JP|May 18, 1987<ref name="Sega titles - Sega JP">{{cite web |title=Software List (Released by Sega)|url=https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html |website=セガ 製品情報サイト |publisher=Sega |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621034428/https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-date=2019-06-21 |language=ja}}</ref>|NA|August 1987<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sega Master System |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer|Computer Entertainer: The Video Game Update]] |volume=6 |issue=5 |date=August 1987 |page=13 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/5/5b/ComputerEntertainer_US_Vol.6_05.pdf#page=13}}</ref>|EU|November 1987<ref name="SMSGameCatalog1EU">{{cite web|title=Two Mega Cartridges |url=https://segaretro.org/images/1/19/SMSGameCatalog1EU.pdf|work=The Sega Master System Game Catalog (1987)|publisher=[[Mastertronic]]|accessdate=24 September 2024}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Racing video game|Racing]]
| genre = [[Racing video game|Racing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
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| platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]], [[Master System]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Atari ST]], [[Thomson computers|Thomson]]
| platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]], [[Master System]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Atari ST]], [[Thomson computers|Thomson]]
}}
}}
{{nihongo|'''''Enduro Racer'''''|エンデューロレーサー}} is an [[arcade racing]] game from [[Sega]]. It was released [[1986 in video gaming|in 1986]] with two [[arcade cabinet]] versions, a stand-up cabinet with handlebars and a full-sized [[dirt bike]] cabinet. It is often seen as a dirt racing version of ''[[Hang-On]]'', as it uses a similar engine and PCB. The game was later released for the [[Master System]] in 1987, the [[ZX Spectrum]] and [[Commodore 64]] in 1988, and the [[Amstrad CPC]] and [[Atari ST]] in 1989.
{{nihongo|'''''Enduro Racer'''''|エンデューロレーサー}} is an [[arcade racing]] game from [[Sega]]. It was released in 1986 with two [[arcade cabinet]] versions, a stand-up cabinet with handlebars and a full-sized [[dirt bike]] cabinet. It is often seen as a dirt racing version of ''[[Hang-On]]'', as it uses a similar engine and PCB. The game was later released for the [[Master System]] in 1987, the [[ZX Spectrum]] and [[Commodore 64]] in 1988, and the [[Amstrad CPC]] and [[Atari ST]] in 1989.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[Image:Enduro Racer Arcade.png|thumb|200px|left|Screenshot]]
[[Image:Enduro Racer Arcade.png|thumb|200px|left|Arcade screenshot]]
''Enduro Racer'' is a motorcycle racing game based on the sport of [[Enduro]]. The player rides a [[dirt bike]] through seven stages, which have elevation changes and turns, and must avoid other riders as well as logs and boulders. Controls for the game are based on a motorcycle's handlebars, with a throttle and brake control. Players can pull up the handlebars on the cabinet to perform a [[wheelie]]. Jumping over logs is also possible, but players have to land with the wheelie technique or risk crashing. During the race, players are competing against a timer. Though the timer stops when the player has crashed, restarting is slow and consumes time.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Edgeley|first=Clare|date=February 1987|title=Arcade Action|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=64|page=116}}</ref>
''Enduro Racer'' is a motorcycle racing game based on the sport of [[Enduro]]. The player rides a [[dirt bike]] through seven stages, which have elevation changes and turns, and must avoid other riders as well as logs and boulders. Controls for the game are based on a motorcycle's handlebars, with a throttle and brake control. Players can pull up the handlebars on the cabinet to perform a [[wheelie]]. Jumping over logs is also possible, but players have to land with the wheelie technique or risk crashing. During the race, players are competing against a timer. Though the timer stops when the player has crashed, restarting is slow and consumes time.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Edgeley|first=Clare|date=February 1987|title=Arcade Action|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=64|page=116}}</ref>


== Development ==
== Development ==
Prior to the development of ''Enduro Racer'', Sega game developer [[Yu Suzuki]] created ''[[Hang-On]]'', his second game with the company. After deciding to make a motorcycle racing game, he had to decide on a style of racing for the game. Suzuki himself was a fan of dirt bikes, along with [[motocross]] and [[Enduro]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Horowitz|first=Ken|title=The Sega Arcade Revolution: A History in 62 Games|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]|year=2018|isbn=9781476631967|pages=92–97}}</ref> However, Sega's market research concluded that road-based [[MotoGP|GP 500 racing]] was more popular worldwide, so it was selected for use for ''Hang-On''.<ref name="Robinson2">{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=March 22, 2015|title=Out Ran: Meeting Yu Suzuki, Sega's original outsider|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-22-out-ran-meeting-yu-suzuki|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220185846/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-22-out-ran-meeting-yu-suzuki|archive-date=December 20, 2015|access-date=December 24, 2015|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Enduro Racer'' became Suzuki's opportunity to develop a dirt bike game.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Enduro Racer|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/enduroracer/enduroracer.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617035449/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/enduroracer/enduroracer.htm|archive-date=June 17, 2015|access-date=June 3, 2015|website=Hardcore Gaming 101}}</ref>
Prior to the development of ''Enduro Racer'', Sega game developer [[Yu Suzuki]] created ''[[Hang-On]]'', his second game with the company. After deciding to make a motorcycle racing game, he had to decide on a style of racing for the game. Suzuki himself was a fan of dirt bikes, along with [[motocross]] and [[Enduro]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Horowitz|first=Ken|title=The Sega Arcade Revolution: A History in 62 Games|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]|year=2018|isbn=9781476631967|pages=92–97}}</ref> but Sega's market research concluded that road-based [[MotoGP|GP 500 racing]] was more popular worldwide, so it was selected for use for ''Hang-On''.<ref name="Robinson2">{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=March 22, 2015|title=Out Ran: Meeting Yu Suzuki, Sega's original outsider|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-22-out-ran-meeting-yu-suzuki|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220185846/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-22-out-ran-meeting-yu-suzuki|archive-date=December 20, 2015|access-date=December 24, 2015|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Enduro Racer'' became Suzuki's opportunity to develop a dirt bike game.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Enduro Racer|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/enduroracer/enduroracer.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617035449/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/enduroracer/enduroracer.htm|archive-date=June 17, 2015|access-date=June 3, 2015|website=Hardcore Gaming 101}}</ref>


''Enduro Racer'' was [[Porting|ported]] to numerous systems, including the [[Master System]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Enduro Racer|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/enduroracer/enduroracer.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617035449/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/enduroracer/enduroracer.htm|archive-date=17 June 2015|access-date=3 June 2015|website=Hardcore Gaming 101}}</ref> [[Commodore 64]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]], and [[Atari ST]]. [[Activision]] handled the computer ports.<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine|last=Hamilton|first=Ferdy|date=June 1987|title=Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Commodore User]]|issue=45|page=17}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|date=May 1987|title=C+VG Reviews: Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=67|pages=14–15}}</ref> The Commodore 64 port possesses four levels, with the third and fourth being more difficult versions of the first and second,<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine|date=July 1987|title=Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Zzap!64]]|issue=27|page=86}}</ref> while the ZX Spectrum version has five tracks and two-player multiplayer.<ref name=":3" />
''Enduro Racer'' was [[Porting|ported]] to numerous systems, including the [[Master System]],<ref name=hardcore>{{cite web|title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Enduro Racer|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/enduroracer/enduroracer.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617035449/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/enduroracer/enduroracer.htm|archive-date=17 June 2015|access-date=3 June 2015|website=Hardcore Gaming 101}}</ref> [[Commodore 64]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]], and [[Atari ST]]; [[Activision]] handled the computer ports.<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine|last=Hamilton|first=Ferdy|date=June 1987|title=Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Commodore User]]|issue=45|page=17}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|date=May 1987|title=C+VG Reviews: Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=67|pages=14–15}}</ref> The Commodore 64 port possesses four levels, with the third and fourth being more difficult versions of the first and second,<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine|date=July 1987|title=Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Zzap!64]]|issue=27|page=86}}</ref> while the ZX Spectrum version has five tracks and two-player multiplayer.<ref name=":3" /> The Japanese version of the Master System release has ten unique levels, however other territories have half the unique levels as the cartridge size was only 128 KB instead of 256 KB.<ref name=hardcore />


==Reception==
==Reception==
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| rev1 = ''[[Commodore User]]''
| rev1 = ''[[Commodore User]]''
| rev1_C64 = 6/10
| rev1_C64 = 6/10
| award1Pub = ''Crash''
| award1 = Smash<ref>Game review, Crash magazine, [[Newsfield Publications]], issue 40, May 1987</ref>
}}
}}


In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Enduro Racer'' on their August 15, 1986 issue as being the most-successful upright/cockpit arcade unit of the month,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=290|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=15 August 1986|page=21|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19860815p.pdf#page=11|lang=ja}}</ref> and it remained at the top of the charts through September<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best Hit Games 25|magazine=Game Machine|issue=290|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=1 September 1986|page=23|lang=ja|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19860901p.pdf#page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=15 September 1986|title=Best Hit Games 25|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19860915p.pdf#page=11|magazine=Game Machine|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|issue=291|page=21|lang=ja}}</ref> and October 1986.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best Hit Games 25|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=292|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=1 October 1986|page=21|lang=ja|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19861001p.pdf#page=11}}</ref> It was Japan's second highest-grossing upright/cockpit arcade game during the latter half of 1986, just below Sega's ''[[Space Harrier]]''.<ref name="GM300">{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '86 下半期 |trans-title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: Second Half '86 |magazine=Game Machine |issue=300 |publisher=Amusement Press, Inc. |date=15 January 1987 |page=16 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19870115p.pdf#page=9}}</ref> It was Japan's sixth highest-grossing upright/cockpit [[1986 in video games|arcade game of 1986]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '86 上半期 |trans-title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: First Half '86 |magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]] |issue=288 |publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]] |date=15 July 1986 |page=28 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19860715p.pdf#page=15}}</ref><ref name="GM300"/>
In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Enduro Racer'' on their August 15, 1986 issue as being the most-successful upright/cockpit arcade unit of the month,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=290|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=15 August 1986|page=21|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19860815p.pdf#page=11|lang=ja}}</ref> and it remained at the top of the charts through September<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best Hit Games 25|magazine=Game Machine|issue=290|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=1 September 1986|page=23|lang=ja|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19860901p.pdf#page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=15 September 1986|title=Best Hit Games 25|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19860915p.pdf#page=11|magazine=Game Machine|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|issue=291|page=21|lang=ja}}</ref> and October 1986.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best Hit Games 25|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=292|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=1 October 1986|page=21|lang=ja|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19861001p.pdf#page=11}}</ref> It was Japan's second highest-grossing upright/cockpit arcade game during the latter half of 1986, just below Sega's ''[[Space Harrier]]''.<ref name="GM300">{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '86 下半期 |trans-title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: Second Half '86 |magazine=Game Machine |issue=300 |publisher=Amusement Press, Inc. |date=15 January 1987 |page=16 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19870115p.pdf#page=9}}</ref> It was Japan's sixth highest-grossing upright/cockpit arcade game of 1986.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '86 上半期 |trans-title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: First Half '86 |magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]] |issue=288 |publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]] |date=15 July 1986 |page=28 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19860715p.pdf#page=15}}</ref><ref name="GM300"/>


In the United Kingdom, it was the eighth highest-grossing [[1986 in video games|arcade game of 1986]] in [[London]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=1986 Top Ten Coin-Ops |magazine=[[Sinclair User]] |date=18 January 1987 |issue=59 (February 1987) |page=96 |url=https://archive.org/details/sinclair-user-magazine-059/page/n94/mode/1up}}</ref> The ZX Spectrum version of the game went to number 2 on the UK sales charts in August 1987, below ''[[BMX Simulator]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top Ten Games|url=http://ysrnry.co.uk/ys20.htm|magazine=[[Your Sinclair]]|issue=20|date=August 1987|access-date=2014-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617170529/http://ysrnry.co.uk/ys20.htm|archive-date=2014-06-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Enduro Racer'' later topped the UK budget sales chart in June 1988.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top Ten Budget Games |magazine=[[New Computer Express]] |date=22 June 1989 |issue=33 (24 June 1989) |page=5 |url=https://archive.org/details/NewComputerExpress033/page/n4/mode/1up}}</ref>
In the United Kingdom, it was the eighth highest-grossing arcade game of 1986 in London.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=1986 Top Ten Coin-Ops |magazine=[[Sinclair User]] |date=18 January 1987 |issue=59 (February 1987) |page=96 |url=https://archive.org/details/sinclair-user-magazine-059/page/n94/mode/1up}}</ref> The ZX Spectrum version of the game went to number 2 on the UK sales charts in August 1987, below ''[[BMX Simulator]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top Ten Games|url=http://ysrnry.co.uk/ys20.htm|magazine=[[Your Sinclair]]|issue=20|date=August 1987|access-date=2014-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617170529/http://ysrnry.co.uk/ys20.htm|archive-date=2014-06-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Enduro Racer'' later topped the UK budget sales chart in June 1988.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top Ten Budget Games |magazine=[[New Computer Express]] |date=22 June 1989 |issue=33 (24 June 1989) |page=5 |url=https://archive.org/details/NewComputerExpress033/page/n4/mode/1up}}</ref>


In January 1987, Clare Edgeley reviewed the arcade game in ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'', praising it as "brilliant" and calling it a different game from ''Hang-On''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Edgeley|first=Clare|date=January 1987|title=Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=64 (February 1987)|page=113|url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/5/119}}</ref> In 1993, the Spectrum port and was voted number 50 in the ''[[Your Sinclair]] Official Top 100 Games of All Time''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Top 100 Games of All Time|journal=Your Sinclair|date=September 1993}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' praised the Spectrum port for being as close to an accurate arcade version as the Spectrum hardware can handle, with smooth graphics.<ref name=":3" /> John Gilbert of ''[[Sinclair User]]'' also gave high praise to the Spectrum version, stating that the conversion "puts other top software houses to shame".<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Gilbert|first=John|date=March 1987|title=Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Sinclair User]]|issue=60|pages=24–25}}</ref>
In January 1987, Clare Edgeley reviewed the arcade game in ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'', praising it as "brilliant" and calling it a different game from ''Hang-On''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Edgeley|first=Clare|date=January 1987|title=Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=64 (February 1987)|page=113|url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/5/119}}</ref> In 1993, the Spectrum port and was voted number 50 in the ''[[Your Sinclair]] Official Top 100 Games of All Time''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Top 100 Games of All Time|journal=Your Sinclair|date=September 1993}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' praised the Spectrum port for being as close to an accurate arcade version as the Spectrum hardware can handle, with smooth graphics.<ref name=":3" /> John Gilbert of ''[[Sinclair User]]'' also gave high praise to the Spectrum version, stating that the conversion "puts other top software houses to shame".<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Gilbert|first=John|date=March 1987|title=Enduro Racer|magazine=[[Sinclair User]]|issue=60|pages=24–25}}</ref>
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* {{WoS game|id=0001628}}
* {{WoS game|id=0001628}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071010012745/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/enduroracer-48.htm ''Enduro Racer''] review by ''[[Your Sinclair]]''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071010012745/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/enduroracer-48.htm ''Enduro Racer''] review by ''[[Your Sinclair]]''
* [https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/AWc_mbooRPNlYrY1BxuwzjiKC4-ZfIpZ ''Enduro Racer''] for the Wii Virtual Console
* [https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/AWc_mbooRPNlYrY1BxuwzjiKC4-ZfIpZ ''Enduro Racer''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029225547/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/AWc_mbooRPNlYrY1BxuwzjiKC4-ZfIpZ |date=2016-10-29}} for the Wii Virtual Console


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:ZX Spectrum games]]
[[Category:ZX Spectrum games]]
⚫
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by David Whittaker]]
[[Category:Video games scored by David Whittaker]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Hiroshi Kawaguchi]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Hiroshi Kawaguchi]]
[[Category:Video games designed by Yu Suzuki]]
[[Category:Video games designed by Yu Suzuki]]
⚫
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]

Latest revision as of 09:24, 2 October 2024

For the Atari 2600 game, see Enduro (video game).
Enduro Racer
Enduro Racer flyer
Developer(s)Sega
Publisher(s)Sega
Designer(s)Yu Suzuki
Composer(s)Hiroshi Kawaguchi
David Whittaker (C64)
Platform(s)Arcade, Master System, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, Thomson
ReleaseArcade
Master System
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player
Arcade systemSega Space Harrier

Enduro Racer (エンデューロレーサー) is an arcade racing game from Sega. It was released in 1986 with two arcade cabinet versions, a stand-up cabinet with handlebars and a full-sized dirt bike cabinet. It is often seen as a dirt racing version of Hang-On, as it uses a similar engine and PCB. The game was later released for the Master System in 1987, the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 in 1988, and the Amstrad CPC and Atari ST in 1989.

Gameplay

[edit]
Arcade screenshot

Enduro Racer is a motorcycle racing game based on the sport of Enduro. The player rides a dirt bike through seven stages, which have elevation changes and turns, and must avoid other riders as well as logs and boulders. Controls for the game are based on a motorcycle's handlebars, with a throttle and brake control. Players can pull up the handlebars on the cabinet to perform a wheelie. Jumping over logs is also possible, but players have to land with the wheelie technique or risk crashing. During the race, players are competing against a timer. Though the timer stops when the player has crashed, restarting is slow and consumes time.[7]

Development

[edit]

Prior to the development of Enduro Racer, Sega game developer Yu Suzuki created Hang-On, his second game with the company. After deciding to make a motorcycle racing game, he had to decide on a style of racing for the game. Suzuki himself was a fan of dirt bikes, along with motocross and Enduro,[8] but Sega's market research concluded that road-based GP 500 racing was more popular worldwide, so it was selected for use for Hang-On.[9] Enduro Racer became Suzuki's opportunity to develop a dirt bike game.[10]

Enduro Racer was ported to numerous systems, including the Master System,[11] Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and Atari ST; Activision handled the computer ports.[12][13] The Commodore 64 port possesses four levels, with the third and fourth being more difficult versions of the first and second,[14] while the ZX Spectrum version has five tracks and two-player multiplayer.[13] The Japanese version of the Master System release has ten unique levels, however other territories have half the unique levels as the cartridge size was only 128 KB instead of 256 KB.[11]

Reception

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In Japan, Game Machine listed Enduro Racer on their August 15, 1986 issue as being the most-successful upright/cockpit arcade unit of the month,[16] and it remained at the top of the charts through September[17][18] and October 1986.[19] It was Japan's second highest-grossing upright/cockpit arcade game during the latter half of 1986, just below Sega's Space Harrier.[20] It was Japan's sixth highest-grossing upright/cockpit arcade game of 1986.[21][20]

In the United Kingdom, it was the eighth highest-grossing arcade game of 1986 in London.[22] The ZX Spectrum version of the game went to number 2 on the UK sales charts in August 1987, below BMX Simulator.[23] Enduro Racer later topped the UK budget sales chart in June 1988.[24]

In January 1987, Clare Edgeley reviewed the arcade game in Computer and Video Games, praising it as "brilliant" and calling it a different game from Hang-On.[25] In 1993, the Spectrum port and was voted number 50 in the Your Sinclair Official Top 100 Games of All Time.[26] A reviewer for Computer and Video Games praised the Spectrum port for being as close to an accurate arcade version as the Spectrum hardware can handle, with smooth graphics.[13] John Gilbert of Sinclair User also gave high praise to the Spectrum version, stating that the conversion "puts other top software houses to shame".[27]

Writing for Commodore User, reviewer Ferdy Hamilton was disappointed in the Commodore 64's release, citing the "blob-like sprites", jerking controls, and that the conversion could have been better than that for the ZX Spectrum, which he called "unfaultable".[12] Three reviewers for Zzap!64 were highly critical of the Commodore 64 port, slamming the game's poor features with one reviewer stating: "It doesn't look, sound, or play anything like the original - in fact, it doesn't play at all well full stop".[14] A reviewer for ACE wrote that the Atari ST version is a good conversion of the original but that the replacement of the bike noises with music might disappoint some.[28]

It was re-released for the Wii's Virtual Console in North America on December 15, 2008[29] and in Europe on January 9, 2009.

References

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  1. ^ Akagi, Masumi (13 October 2006). アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005) [Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005)] (in Japanese). Japan: Amusement News Agency. p. 131. ISBN 978-4990251215.
  2. ^ "Sega Arcade History: 1986". Mega Drive Fan (in Japanese). No. 25 (February 1992). 8 January 1992. pp. 82–84 (83).
  3. ^ "Video Game Flyers: Enduro Racer, Sega (EU)". The Arcade Flyer Archive. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  4. ^ "Sega Master System" (PDF). Computer Entertainer: The Video Game Update. Vol. 6, no. 5. August 1987. p. 13.
  5. ^ "Software List (Released by Sega)". セガ 製品情報サイト (in Japanese). Sega. Archived from the original on 2019-06-21. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  6. ^ "Two Mega Cartridges" (PDF). The Sega Master System Game Catalog (1987). Mastertronic. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  7. ^ Edgeley, Clare (February 1987). "Arcade Action". Computer and Video Games. No. 64. p. 116.
  8. ^ Horowitz, Ken (2018). The Sega Arcade Revolution: A History in 62 Games. McFarland & Company. pp. 92–97. ISBN 9781476631967.
  9. ^ Robinson, Martin (March 22, 2015). "Out Ran: Meeting Yu Suzuki, Sega's original outsider". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on December 20, 2015. Retrieved December 24, 2015.
  10. ^ Kalata, Kurt. "Hardcore Gaming 101: Enduro Racer". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  11. ^ a b "Hardcore Gaming 101: Enduro Racer". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  12. ^ a b Hamilton, Ferdy (June 1987). "Enduro Racer". Commodore User. No. 45. p. 17.
  13. ^ a b c "C+VG Reviews: Enduro Racer". Computer and Video Games. No. 67. May 1987. pp. 14–15.
  14. ^ a b "Enduro Racer". Zzap!64. No. 27. July 1987. p. 86.
  15. ^ Game review, Crash magazine, Newsfield Publications, issue 40, May 1987
  16. ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 290. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 August 1986. p. 21.
  17. ^ "Best Hit Games 25" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 290. Amusement Press, Inc. 1 September 1986. p. 23.
  18. ^ "Best Hit Games 25" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 291. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 September 1986. p. 21.
  19. ^ "Best Hit Games 25" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 292. Amusement Press, Inc. 1 October 1986. p. 21.
  20. ^ a b "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '86 下半期" [Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: Second Half '86] (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 300. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 January 1987. p. 16.
  21. ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '86 上半期" [Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: First Half '86] (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 288. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 July 1986. p. 28.
  22. ^ "1986 Top Ten Coin-Ops". Sinclair User. No. 59 (February 1987). 18 January 1987. p. 96.
  23. ^ "Top Ten Games". Your Sinclair. No. 20. August 1987. Archived from the original on 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2014-06-15.
  24. ^ "Top Ten Budget Games". New Computer Express. No. 33 (24 June 1989). 22 June 1989. p. 5.
  25. ^ Edgeley, Clare (January 1987). "Enduro Racer". Computer and Video Games. No. 64 (February 1987). p. 113.
  26. ^ "Top 100 Games of All Time". Your Sinclair. September 1993.
  27. ^ Gilbert, John (March 1987). "Enduro Racer". Sinclair User. No. 60. pp. 24–25.
  28. ^ "Screen Test Updates". ACE. No. 6. March 1988. p. 60.
  29. ^ "Two WiiWare Games and One Virtual Console Game Added to Wii Shop Channel". Nintendo of America. 2008-12-15. Archived from the original on 2008-12-17. Retrieved 2008-12-15.
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