Kick Rider

Kick Rider puts players in control of motorcycles racing against the clock and each other in this driving game from Universal, released in 1984. Viewed from a top-down perspective, two players maneuver their bikes along roadways while competing for points by overtaking opponents. A unique twist on the racing genre comes from the ability of rival motorcyclists to jostle you off course with kicks, adding an element of unpredictable physical interaction to the competition. The game challenges players to maintain speed and avoid collisions with both motorcycles and cars as they strive for the highest score. Using an 8-way joystick for control, racers navigate the track, aiming to outpace their opponent and earn points based on successful passes. The vibrant graphics utilize a palette of 258 colors across a resolution of 240 x 192 pixels in a horizontal screen orientation. Kick Rider’s gameplay offers a fast-paced experience with its Zilog Z80 processor and Texas Instruments SN76496 sound chip driving the action, initially appearing in Japan in September of 1984.