This week's Arcade Archives release is... Pole Position (Namco, 1982)
Only the Japanese version is included (probably because the US version was distributed by Atari and included a bunch of Atari references). Additionally, the game's roadside signs have all been changed from real company sponsors to Namco references, but unlike previous versions the game's track layout is still the Fuji Speedway (thanks, LanceBoyle94!). Finally, there's an option to display what gear you're in as text on-screen.
A crucial piece of arcade racing history, Pole Position was one of the first racing games to really emphasise the 'racing' part, with you having to run a qualifying lap before you're allowed to burn rubber with a full pack of opponents. Not fast enough on your qualifying race? Then get outta here! Use the gear shift and brakes to adjust your speed to dodge the other drivers, handle those turns and not come up a cropper on a roadside sign. With very impressive scaling for 1982 and a great sense of speed, this would start Namco's pioneering efforts in the arcade racing game space, arguably culminating in Ridge Racer just over a decade later.
The controls are always a bit of an issue with home ports of Pole Position, with some versions like the Namco Museum rereleases never sitting well with me. That may not have been the game's fault- there's an art to handling corners in this game quite unlike other racing games and I always struggle with it. Your positioning and angle as you enter the corner is really important. far more so than shunting the wheel to the extreme left or right, so it takes a gentler touch. This rerelease has a few analogue sensitivity options so if you've bounced off previous versions like I have, give this one a try.
... Alright, I know this is for the Atari home version but we can't post about Pole Position and not share this. Roll the ad!
Atari and Namco are not responsible for any skidmarks left on your soul after playing Pole Position.
