Vette!

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Vette!
Developer(s) Sphere
Publisher(s) Spectrum Holobyte
Release date(s) 1989
Genre(s) Racing game
Mode(s) Single player
Platform(s) DOS
Apple Macintosh
Input Mouse
Keyboard

Vette! is a 1989 racing game where the object is racing a Chevrolet Corvette through the streets of San Francisco. The game was notable for its (at the time) detailed un-shaded polygon rendering of San Francisco streets. It was released on 3 floppy disks with a Black & White or Color version available. It was also released with a large instruction manual that gave detailed specs about the cars and details about various areas in the city. At the beginning of the game, you were prompted to answer a question from the manual to prove you own the game. If you falsley answered, then you were able to play for limited time before a window poped up claiming, "You are Driving a Stolen Vette" and the game crashed.

[edit] Ahead of it's time

The game featured a completely 3D rendered San Franscisco, with most famous landmarks visible in the game; including the Golden Gate and San Franscisco bridges. The game gave players freedom that was not seen in games before, and for many years after, "Vette!"'s release. There were also many features that were unheard of in 1989, inclduing:

  • Running over pedestrians
  • Car damage that affected the car's engine and handling
  • Full control over the game's camera views, including interior cam with full working dashboard
  • The presence and interaction of law enforcement, in which you get pulled over and must give an excuse as to your erractic driving
  • The ability to drive anywhere within the accuratly modeled city, including highways, tunnels, and bridges
  • Pulling over at the various gas stations was the only way to repair your car