Chequered Flag
Chequered Flag: arcade Racing
Chequered Flag is a racing video game released in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum. It was the first driving game published for that platform and one of the earliest computer car simulators. The game was developed by Psion Software and published by Sinclair Research, marking an early attempt at realistic racing on home computers. While the title might suggest an arcade port, Chequered Flag was built specifically for the Spectrum's hardware, using simple graphics and sound to convey a sense of speed and competition.
The player takes control of a car viewed from a top-down perspective, navigating a twisting racetrack. The core gameplay involves steering with the keyboard, shifting gears, and managing your speed through corners and straightaways. A timer tracks your progress, and the objective is to complete laps as quickly as possible without crashing. The game simulates basic driving physics like acceleration and braking, making it more of a driving simulation than a pure arcade racer. There are no opponents to race against - it's a time trial format where you compete against the clock.
Today, Chequered Flag is worth trying as a historical curiosity and a piece of ZX Spectrum heritage. Its simplicity and focus on driving fundamentals show how far racing games have come, but it remains a fun challenge for retro enthusiasts. Compared to later Spectrum racers, it feels primitive, but its pioneering status makes it an interesting play for anyone curious about early computer games. If you enjoy revisiting the roots of simulation-style racing, this is a solid pick.
How to Play Chequered Flag Online
Section 2 - Getting Started
When you start Chequered Flag, you'll see a title screen and a simple prompt. Press Enter to begin a race. The game uses a top-down view of a circuit track, with your car shown as a small sprite. The main objective is to complete a set number of laps as fast as possible. There are no other cars to race against - just the clock.
Steering is done with the left and right arrow keys, while acceleration and braking are handled with the up and down arrows. You'll also need to shift gears: typically pressing the appropriate key (often a letter key like 'Q' for upshift and 'A' for downshift). Watch your speed on the digital display near the track. Going too fast into a corner can cause you to spin off the road, wasting precious time.
The core loop is straightforward: drive cleanly, maintain a good speed through turns, and try to beat your best lap time. There are no power-ups or opponents to worry about. Focus on mastering the track layout and learning when to brake. If you spin out, just accelerate back onto the circuit and keep going. The game ends when you complete the required laps, and your final time is shown.
Chequered Flag Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Z: Button 3
- A: Button 4
- Q: Button 5
- E: Button 6
- Enter: Start / 1P
- V: Coin / Insert
Comments (0)