Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge Lotus (series)

the first game in series released in 1990 popular contemporary 8-bit , 16-bit computer systems, amiga version being technically advanced. game allowed player race lotus esprit turbo se car through several (32 in amiga version) circuit race tracks of varying scenery. 2 player simultaneous play (with split screen) provided, , choice of audio tracks accompany races.

each track lap-based , consists of turns of varying degrees, hills , hollows slow down or speed car passing through them. each turn indicated chain of road-side signs, , difficulty of turn reflected number , density of these signs - feature common titles in lotus series.

while racing, players must manage fuel supply, visiting pit stop refuelling. apart overtaking other cars, racers must avoid various hazards , obstacles. these dependent on scenery track located in, , include slippery road on winter courses, road blocks, slippery puddles , wooden logs.

the tracks split 3 race series, different difficulty levels. in each race player or players compete against 20 opponents. goal finish each race on highest possible position; if player finishes race within first 10 places qualify next race , receive points towards final position on high-score table. names of computer-controlled drivers puns on names of real-life racers of time ( ayrton sendup , nijel mainsail , alain phosphate example).

unusually, player s starting position in each race exact opposite of position reached @ end of previous one. gives weaker players chance improve starting in higher position.

when racing in one-player mode, bottom half of screen unused , features static image of esprit turbo. in two-player mode 1 half used each player. two-player feature operates one-player mode, except 1 player needs reach 10th place qualify both players next race.

in amiga version entering monster , seventeen names of players 1 , 2 respectively, reveals hidden mini-game - simple space-themed shooter, objective survive long possible while shooting rocks fly around.

reception

lotus esprit turbo challenge received gaming press, praised feeling of speed, technical quality , two-player gameplay. game in versions rated around 80-90%. title in series released 8-bit platform - later ones 16-bit only.

the zx spectrum version voted number 17 in sinclair readers top 100 games of time.