3D Deathchase

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3D Deathchase

Developer(s)	Mervyn Estcourt
Publisher(s)	Micromega (UK), Ventamatic (Spain)
Platform(s)	ZX Spectrum
Release date	1983
Genre(s)	Racing, shoot-em-up
Mode(s)	Single player
Media	Cassette tape
System requirements	16K
Input methods	Joystick, keyboard

3D Deathchase is a 1983 computer game written for the ZX Spectrum by Mervyn Estcourt and published by Micromega in the UK and Ventamatic in Spain. Rendered from the perspective of the player, it is one of the earliest examples of a first-person shooter.

1 Gameplay
2 Critical response
3 Remakes
4 External links
5 References

[edit] Gameplay

In-game screen. One of the bikes being pursued can be seen on the right of the screen.

The player controls a motorcycle-riding mercenary as they pursue two other motorcycles through a forest. Each enemy motorcycle destroyed is worth $1000 (ie points) to the player^[1].The player's motorcycle is equipped with forward-firing guns with which to shoot its quarry. The projectiles can be controlled mid-flight simply by steering the bike. If both enemy motorcycles are destroyed, the player moves to a nighttime version of the same level. If both enemy motorcycles on that level are destroyed, the player moves up to a daytime level of the next stage (with more trees to avoid). There are also tanks and helicopters which appear on the horizon and can be shot for bonus points.

The game takes place over eight stages. When stage eight is completed, the game returns to the start^[1].

[edit] Critical response

It received a positive reaction from the gaming press, garnering praise for what was then an advanced form of 3D gameplay. A contemporary review in the ZX Spectrum gaming magazine CRASH described 3D Deathchase as "an extremely simple idea for a game, and utterly compelling to play" and awarded the game 92%^[2]. In 1992, it was nominated as the best Spectrum game ever in the Your Sinclair official top 100^[3].

[edit] Remakes

Andrew Leyden's remake, Death Chase 2002 was highlighted in Edge magazine's Retro special^[4]. It was described as 'pleasant enough' but lacking the feel of the original.