Speed Freak

Speed Freak challenges players to push their driving skills to the limit in this 1979 racing game from Vectorbeam. Players take on the role of a driver navigating a solitary road in an exceptionally fast vehicle. The objective is straightforward: maintain maximum speed and cover as much ground as possible without colliding with obstacles, such as oncoming cars or police roadblocks. Points are awarded based on distance traveled at high speeds, even if crashes occur. The unique first-person perspective places the player slightly above the hood of the car, providing a distinctive view of the road ahead. The scenery is sparse, featuring simple depictions of cows, hitchhikers, and occasional cacti lining the route. Two players can compete simultaneously to see who can achieve the fastest speeds and greatest distances before disaster strikes. Speed Freak utilizes an analog steering wheel and four-position shifter for control and features a monochrome vector monitor displaying the action in 224 x 256 resolution. Only a limited run of 700 dedicated upright cabinets were produced, making this a rare find within arcade history.