Burnin' Rubber

Burnin' Rubber is a two-player driving game released by Data East in 1982. Players navigate overhead views of roadways, aiming to score points by skillfully maneuvering their vehicles and bumping into opponent cars. A simple jump button allows players to evade obstacles or strategically collide with rivals for additional rewards. Successfully completing stages awards bonus points based on the number of vehicles destroyed, but a special bonus is also granted for those who manage to finish a level without damaging any cars. The game features looping tracks where clever driving can allow players to quickly traverse the map by jumping off edges and reappearing on the other side. Players must be wary of collisions; bumping an enemy into a wall can unexpectedly rebound, leaving them vulnerable. The challenge lies in balancing aggressive tactics for scoring with careful navigation to avoid penalties and maximize potential bonus points. Burnin' Rubber was initially released in Japan and later distributed under different names by Bally Midway outside of the region. While simple in design, the game offers fast-paced competition and a surprising amount of strategic depth as players strive to achieve high scores.