Hard Drivin'
Turn the key, pop the clutch, and hit the loop. Real driving at the 1989 arcade.
Coming soon to UsuArcade
Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0
In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there
- Year
- 1989
- Manufacturer
- Atari Games
- Players
- 1 player
- Genres
- Racing
- Decade
- '80s arcade games
Hard Drivin' didn't look like anything else at the arcade. You slid into a car seat, turned the ignition key, stepped on the clutch, and shifted into first. The wheel shook and fought you through the turns, and in front of you was a world built from 3D polygons that seemed straight out of the future.
The best part, honestly, was crashing: the game would show you an instant replay of the wreck from outside the car, and the whole crowd would crack up at once. It was so eye-catching that people waited in line just to try the loop.
History
Atari Games released Hard Drivin' in 1989. It was one of the first arcade driving games with solid 3D polygon graphics and one of the first with a force-feedback wheel that pushed back based on the road.
The sit-down cabinet, with a seat, pedals, and a shifter, made it a totally different experience from other racers of the day. It was followed by Race Drivin', which expanded the tracks.
How to play
Pick automatic or a manual with clutch. There are two routes: a speed track and a stunt track with a loop, a drawbridge jump, and banked curves. Hitting checkpoints in time buys you extra seconds.
Watch the suggested speed signs: hit the loop or the jump too fast and you'll end up on your roof. Run a good enough lap and you can earn a Championship Lap against a ghost car that replays the best lap on record.
Fun facts
- It was one of the first arcade racers with solid 3D polygon graphics.
- The wheel had force feedback, and the sit-down cabinet included a clutch and stick shift.
- After every crash, the game shows you an instant replay.
In the arcade
Hard Drivin' isn't in the arcade yet. It's on the wish list, and you can hit “I Want to Play It” on this page to move it up. Coming soon to UsuArcade if the votes roll in.
Meanwhile, you can get behind the wheel in Out Run, hop on a bike in Hang-On, or go back to the roots with Rally-X, all in the arcade.
FAQ
When did Hard Drivin' come out?
1989, from Atari Games.
How many players is Hard Drivin'?
It's a single-player game where you race the clock and a ghost car running the best lap.
How do you play Hard Drivin'?
Drive with the wheel and pedals, automatic or stick, on either a speed track or a stunt track with a loop and a jump, beating the checkpoints in time.
Can I play Hard Drivin' on UsuArcade?
Not yet. Vote for it with “I Want to Play It”; meanwhile, you can play Out Run or Hang-On in the arcade.
