Fonz (video game)
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 3, 1960 in Japan |
Key people | David M. Rosen (co-founder) |
| Products | Arcade video games |
| Website | www |
Man T.T. |NA|1977}} Moto-Cross Fonz Twin Course T.T.
| genre = Racing | modes = Single-player, up to 2 players () | platforms = Arcade | arcade system = Sega Discrete Logic }}
is a 1976 Racing game created and launched by Sega in February 1976. Within the same year, Sega released two motorcycle racing adaptations: (August) and Moto-Cross, which was later renamed Fonz, in November 1976. This game utilized the well-known character Fonzie from the television series Happy Days, promoted with the tagline "TV's hottest name, Your hottest game". Sega secured licensing for Fonz since the rights belonged to Gulf+Western Company and were managed by Paramount Television.
A multiplayer edition of Man T.T. called became available in January 1977.
Overview
Moto-Cross / Fonz stands out as an early black-and-white motorbike racing title that introduced one of the first instances of a three-dimensional third-person viewpoint. Both iterations present a forward-scrolling track with the player's motorcycle displayed from behind, where objects closer to the player appear larger in scale. Players must navigate across the road, racing against time while dodging opposing motorcycles or veering off the track.[1] The game was also groundbreaking for implementing haptic feedback, causing vibrations in the motorcycle handlebars upon impact.[2]
Gameplay
Players take control of Fonzie riding a motorcycle, using handlebars mounted on the cabinet. The objective is to speed up without sliding off or crashing into other bikes. Steering involves turning the handlebars to corner and lean the bike; twisting the throttle increases speed. Collisions result in vibrating handlebars and a flashing screen effect. Operators can modify bike dimensions to raise difficulty levels.
The duration of gameplay ranges between 45 and 100 seconds.
Reception
In Japan, Road Race ranked within the top twenty highest-grossing arcade games of 1976. In North America, it achieved strong commercial success shortly after its release.[3][4] Man T.T. was also listed among Japan’s top ten highest-grossing arcade games in 1977.[5]
The debut of Fonz occurred at Chicago's Music Operators Association (MOA) exhibition in November 1976, marking it as the first video game licensed from a television personality. Sega co-founder David M. Rosen anticipated a new collaboration between show business and the amusement arcade sector. Sega advertised Fonz highlighting its "true perspective" visuals and authentic handlebar controls that simulate high-speed racing accompanied by genuine motorbike sounds. The MOA attendees responded with unanimous enthusiasm, and trial locations yielded positive feedback. By December 1976, Sega of America had produced several hundred units of Fonz cabinets.[6]
See also
External links
- ↑ Template:KLOV game
- ↑ Mark J. P. Wolf (2008), The video game explosion: a history from PONG to PlayStation and beyond, p. 39, ABC-CLIO, ISBN 0-313-33868-X
- ↑ "California Clippings". Cash Box. July 31, 1976. p. 48.
- ↑ "Eastern Flashes". Cash Box. August 7, 1976. p. 47.
- ↑ "結果ベスト3" [Best 3 Results]. Game Machine. No. 90. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 February 1978. p. 2.
- ↑ "Sega Races With 'Fonz' Game". Cash Box. December 4, 1976. p. 41.