280 ZZZAP is a racing arcade video game designed by Jamie Fenton for Dave Nutting Associates. Based on Nissan’s Datsun 280Z, it is one of the earliest games with authorized branding.
Gameplay
Players can drive up to 200 miles per hour (320 km/h) while navigating a tricky road course at night. Players must watch out for treacherous turns, nasty competitors, and the ever-present time limit.
Release
Midway demonstrated the game under the name Midnight Racer at the AMOA show in November 1976. It drew comparisons to Night Driver, demonstrated at the same show by Atari, Inc. Both games are derived from the earlier German night driving video game Nürburgring 1 demonstrated at the German IMA show in Spring 1976. Before release in February 1977, the game was re-branded 280 ZZZAP after the US advertising campaign for Nissan’s Datsun 280Z.
Reception
On the US Play Meter arcade chart, 280 ZZZAP was the year’s ninth highest-grossing arcade game of 1977. On the US RePlay arcade chart, it was the tenth highest-grossing arcade video game of 1977. On Japan’s Game Machine arcade chart, it was among the top 20 highest-grossing arcade video games of 1977.
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Put under the Gamer24h team's microscope, Datsun 280 ZZZAP raises the bar considerably with both its storytelling and technical polish. Thanks to Dave Nutting Associates's meticulous craftsmanship and Midway Games's strong presentation, the high production quality is evident in every moment of the game. Masterfully blending Retro mechanics with modern standards, the game's fluid gameplay makes hours fly by unnoticed. All in all, the Gamer24h team stands firmly behind our rating. This is a unique journey you won't want to miss.