Great American Cross Country Road Race

Name: The Great American Cross-Country Road Race
Programmer(s): Ivan Manley
Publisher: Activision
Year: 1985

Description:

The Great American Cross Country Road Race, released by Activision in 1985 for the Apple II, brought high-speed racing action to 8-bit home computers. Players race against time across the United States, managing fuel consumption and avoiding police while delivering cargo to various cities.

The game features a unique split-screen display showing both the first-person road view and an overhead map of the United States. Players must carefully plan their routes between major cities while watching their fuel gauge and monitoring radar for police cars. Weather conditions and time of day affect driving conditions, adding extra challenge to each delivery run.

Players choose between automatic or manual transmission vehicles, each offering different performance characteristics. The game tracks statistics including average speed, fuel efficiency, and delivery times. Success requires mastering the balance between speed and careful resource management.

Graphics utilize the Apple II's high-resolution mode to create a sense of movement and depth. The road scrolls smoothly as players drive, with detailed sprites representing other vehicles and roadside objects. Sound effects include engine noises and police sirens, though limited by the Apple II's basic audio capabilities.

Five difficulty levels accommodate both novice and expert players. Higher levels introduce more aggressive police, worse weather conditions, and stricter delivery deadlines. The game includes 16 major cities as delivery destinations, with realistic distances scaled to create gameplay sessions lasting 15-30 minutes.

The game stood out from other racing titles of its era by combining action with strategy elements. Players must consider optimal routes, fuel stops, and speed limits while maintaining a schedule. This blend of quick reflexes and planning made it popular among Apple II gamers seeking more depth than typical arcade-style racers offered.

While not as well-known as Activision's console games, Great American Cross Country Road Race showcased how the Apple II could deliver engaging racing action despite its technical limitations. The game influenced later titles that combined driving with resource management and route planning.