Zippy Race (Japan)

Zippy Race is a classic arcade motorcycle racing game developed by Irem and released for the NES in Japan. The game takes players on a high-speed journey across the United States, starting from Los Angeles and ending in New York.

The gameplay of Zippy Race is quite unique compared to other racing titles of its era. Initially, players control their motorcycle from a top-down perspective, driving on a straight road. The primary objective in this phase is to collect fuel cans to maintain the fuel supply, as fuel constantly depletes throughout the race. Running out of fuel means the game ends. Players must also avoid obstacles such as cars, oil slicks, trees on the side of the road, and even large puddles of water.

After covering a certain distance or reaching a checkpoint, the game's perspective abruptly shifts to a third-person view from behind the bike, providing a greater sense of speed. In this view, players still need to continue dodging traffic and other obstacles, while also trying to overtake other rivals on the road. The bike's speed can be adjusted by holding down the acceleration button.

Each stage of Zippy Race has a time limit or a fuel limit. Players must complete the segment before running out of time or fuel. The game also features special bonus stages, where players can challenge their skills by jumping over a long line of trucks to earn extra points and fuel. The environments in the game are also diverse, ranging from arid deserts to bustling cities and treacherous mountain regions, offering a rich visual experience.

The combination of two different perspectives, fuel management, and varied obstacles created a challenging and engaging racing experience for Zippy Race, requiring players to have quick reflexes and good foresight.