Cartridge number 1 in the official Philips line of games for the Philips Videopac contains three games: Race, Spin-out, and Cryptogram. In the United States, it was distributed for the Magnavox Odyssey² as Speedway / Spin-out / Cryptologic.
Gameplay
Race
Race is a fairly simple game where the player controls a car travelling on an infinite straight stretch of road. The player starts from a standstill, and can move the stick up to accelerate, down to decelerate, or right and left move the car sideways. Players attempt to drive as far as they can within two minutes, receiving a time penalty every time they crash into another car. If you ever slow to a stop then your car gets run over.
Spin-out
Spin-out is a two-player game, in which each player controls a car around a loop of racetrack. The winner is the one who completes three or fifteen laps the fastest, there are time penalties for crashing into a wall or spinning when hit by the other car.
Cryptogram
Cryptogram is also for two players, one types in a message of up to fourteen characters, then hits enter to scramble it. The other player types in what they think it is, and loses points for each incorrect letter, in a similar fashion to hangman.
Reception
The cartridge was reviewed by Video magazine in its “Arcade Alley” column where it was praised as “a good showcase for the [Odyssey²]’s capabilities” whose varied gameplay is “well calculated to whet the arcade addict’s appetite for more”. The three constituent games were reviewed individually as well with Speedway receiving faint criticism for its overly easy slow speed setting, Spin-Out being described as “best with two players”, and Crypto-logic praised as “an easy way for parents to help their school-age children with spelling.”
References
External links
- Race – Spin-out – Cryptogram at GameFAQs
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Having closely reviewed Race – Spin-out – Cryptogram, the Gamer24h editorial team considers it one of the most noteworthy titles of recent times. The visionary approach of developer Magnavox, combined with the expertise of publisher Philips, Magnavox, has resulted in an exceptionally refined product. Its innovative take on the Various genre offers a breath of fresh air for fans of the category. All in all, the Gamer24h team stands firmly behind our rating. This is a unique journey you won't want to miss.