Grand Prix Circuit (video game)
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Distinctive Software |
| Products | Grand Prix Circuit (video game) |
| Parent | Accolade (publisher) |
Grand Prix Circuit is a racing video game created by Distinctive Software and released by Accolade for the MS-DOS platform in 1988. Subsequently, it was adapted for several other systems including the Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple IIGS, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
Gameplay
Players have the option to choose from three distinct vehicles:
- McLaren MP4/4 (equipped with a Honda 1.5L V6 turbocharged engine)
- Williams FW12C (powered by a Renault 3.5L V10 engine)
- Ferrari F1/87/88C (featuring a Ferrari 3.5L V12 engine)
The McLaren-Honda turbo represents the most potent yet challenging car to maneuver, mirroring the dominant duo of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. The Williams-Renault strikes a balance between power and handling, corresponding to the vehicle driven by Thierry Boutsen and Riccardo Patrese. Meanwhile, the Ferrari, though the slowest, offers the easiest control; it is based on the 1988 chassis with a V12 engine and was utilized primarily as a development platform for Ferrari’s innovations in 1989, without participating in actual races.
The game provides five levels of difficulty and three gameplay modes: practice, single event, and championship circuit. Its audio includes compositions by Kris Hatlelid for the Commodore 64 version, with endgame music drawing inspiration from the 1969 song "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye."
Reception
A review in Computer Gaming World highlighted the intricate control scheme involving steering, acceleration, and gear shifting, noting that it demanded considerable effort to master but ultimately delivered enjoyable gameplay.
By 1991, Grand Prix Circuit had achieved sales totaling 100,000 copies.