Badlands (1990 video game)

Atari Games

Industry	Video games
Headquarters	United States
Products	Badlands (arcade game)

Badlands is an arcade racing game released in 1990 by Atari Games, with ports handled by Domark under the Tengen label for systems such as the Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. This title reimagines Atari's prior racing games Super Sprint and Championship Sprint by incorporating elements of vehicular combat. The game is set in a desolate, post-nuclear environment where players pilot armed vehicles around perilous circuits aiming to secure rewards.

Gameplay

In Badlands, three cars race simultaneously on single-screen tracks, each completing three laps. Throughout the race, players gather wrenches that serve as currency to upgrade their vehicles with enhancements like better speed, acceleration, or tire performance.

Differing from the original Sprint games, Badlands introduces combat mechanics, equipping cars with cannons that can repeatedly fire to hinder opponents’ progress. Between races, players have the option to buy missiles to eliminate competitors' cars, causing temporary delays as new vehicles enter the competition.

The courses incorporate additional hazards such as mines and retractable barriers, adding layers of tactical depth within the game's post-apocalyptic backdrop.

Reception

Critical reaction to the Spectrum edition was varied. Both Your Sinclair and CRASH assigned moderate ratings, often noting that the then-current title Super Off-Road offered a superior experience. Meanwhile, Sinclair User expressed a more positive view but still regarded it as less favorable compared to Super Off-Road.

Reviews

• Computer and Video Games
• ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment)
• Commodore Format
• ST Format
• Sinclair User
• All Game Guide
• Retro Archives
• CPC Attack!
• Your Sinclair
• Amiga Games
• Power Play
• Commodore User
• The Good Old Days (Staff Reviews only)
• Zzap!
• Amiga Power

Legacy

In 2005, Badlands was reissued as part of the compilation Midway Arcade Treasures 3, available on PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox. The following year saw its inclusion in the Windows collection titled Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition.

External links

• Detailed information on Badlands at Arcade History