Up'n Down (315-5030)

Up'n Down is a frantic, two-player racing game released by Sega in 1983 that presents a unique perspective – players view their vehicles from a forced third-person angle as they navigate abstract courses. The objective is to collect colored flags appearing on the track while dodging enemy cars and various obstacles like potholes, broken bridges, and steep hills. Players control speed and can jump over hazards or even opponents by strategically using a single button; however, mistimed jumps lead to crashes and lost lives. Each round introduces progressively more challenging courses filled with increased numbers of enemies and obstacles, demanding precise timing and vehicle control. Successfully collecting all the flags within a certain time window awards bonus points, though failure results in zero points for that round. Mastering techniques like accelerating, decelerating, and utilizing jumps effectively is crucial for survival and high scores. A secret reward awaits skilled players: completing the first four rounds under one minute triggers a cameo appearance from Sega’s own Pengo character, riding a surfboard across the water during the fifth round – a playful nod to another popular arcade title.