Race Drivin’

Race Drivin’ is a racing video game developed and published by Atari Games, a subsidiary of Atari, Inc. Released in 1990, it is the sequel to the popular arcade game Hard Drivin’. Race Drivin’ is known for its realistic driving simulation and was one of the first arcade games to utilize 3D polygon graphics.

Following the success of Hard Drivin’, Atari Games set out to create a sequel that would push the boundaries of arcade racing games. Development began in the late 1980s, with a focus on improving the graphics and physics engine to deliver a more immersive driving experience. The game’s development team faced numerous technical challenges due to the hardware limitations of the time, but ultimately succeeded in creating a game that pushed the limits of what was possible in arcade gaming.

Upon its release, Race Drivin’ received generally positive reviews from critics and players alike. Its realistic graphics and advanced physics engine were praised for providing an immersive driving experience. However, some criticized the game for its steep learning curve and unforgiving difficulty, which made it less accessible to casual players. Despite these criticisms, Race Drivin’ gained a dedicated fanbase and is still fondly remembered by many arcade enthusiasts.

Race Drivin’ was ported to various home gaming platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It also spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including the arcade games Race Drivin’ Panorama and Race Drivin’ Compact.

Due to its popularity and the passage of time, original arcade cabinets of Race Drivin’ have become increasingly rare. It is estimated that only a limited number of cabinets were produced, further contributing to its rarity. As a result, well-preserved cabinets can fetch high prices on the collector’s market, with values ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on their condition and location.

Race Drivin’ arcade cabinets are powered by custom hardware designed by Atari Games. The game runs on a Motorola 68000 CPU clocked at 8 MHz and features dedicated graphics processors for rendering 3D polygon graphics. Common repair parts for Race Drivin’ cabinets include replacement monitors, control panels, steering wheels, and circuit boards. Additionally, specialized tools and equipment may be required for repairing and maintaining the game’s unique hardware architecture. Here’s a list of some of the relevant parts for possible repairs:

Motorola 68000 CPU
Graphics processing unit (GPU)
Control panel with steering wheel and pedals
Monitor (CRT or LCD)
Power supply unit
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) for game logic and sound
Wiring harnesses and connectors
Replacement buttons and switches
Cabinet artwork and decals
Cooling fans and ventilation system