Hi there!

So when the NES had RC Pro Am, the C64 had Super Cars instead:

Well, at least it had a port of the first Super Cars, the sequel was on 16-Bit machines only. The Super Cars games were written by Shaun Southern, who wrote tons of C64 games before, like both Trailblazers, but as far as I know did he not do the C64 port himself. At the time he was also responsible for "Lotus" series of racing games, so he probably was way too busy with 16-Bit coding at the time.

At first glance the C64 version looks quite substandard, even for a top-down racing game, but while playing you notice that the graphics are very functional and the clean look actually adds to the playability rather than distracting from it. Technically the scrolling is smoothly supporting the action. The sound effects are sparse - basically you get some engine noise, screeching tires and the occasional *bump* effect.

What the game lacks in sound & vision, it has in playability and controls. The races are always winnable with proper car tuning and enough practice, the controls are very precise and the car behaviour just always feels "right". The AI of the other cars in one word is phenomenal. They really fight for their positions and always give you a run for the money

The game is divided into three classes, which make you race a set of 9 different tracks with increasing difficulties. The difficulty is ramped up by adding more rounds, drivers and obstacles (oil/mud) to the courses. In between races you can either visit a car shop to buy a whole new car, or a garage in order to repair/refuel/tune your current vehicle. The whole experience is very polished overall, unfortunately the ending is just another lame message:

Some future day the "Playing..." series may see its sequel "Super Cars II", but first it'll continue with something else.

Greetings,

Manuel