Overdrive is a slick, arcade style fast-scrolling race game the likes of which has never really been seen before on the Amiga. It combines super smooth action with an excellent feel to provide a game that we think is unmatched in the playability stakes. Drive four different style vehicles over 5 terrains and twenty tracks, against 8 different characters - each with their own unique style.. ultimately finishing with the `race-off' of a lifetime against the menacing demon driver!
With a difficulty curve that adapts to your own skills meaning that the game gets as hard as you want, when you want, Overdrive caters for drivers of all ages and pedigree!
System Requirement: Overdrive will run on any 1meg Amiga. An extra disk drive is highly recommended to avoid disk-swaps during gameplay.
Turn your Amiga off at the power-supply and wait ten seconds before turning it back on. This makes sure that your computers memory is clean.
Insert OVERDRIVE DISK ONE into your internal drive (df0:) and after a short period, a presentation sequence will begin. After a while the program will have loaded and you will soon be ready for your first race.
If you have any problems during loading, repeat the process above and in case of continued problems, consult the trouble-shooting guide.
The main menu consists of 3 options;
START - Begin with the current game configuration.
OPTIONS - Select the style of game and other aspects.
DISK - Disk operations to save and load scores/lap-times.
The options menu consists of the following 3 options;
GAME MODE - Select from Arcade, Practice, Trails and 2 Player. These game modes will be detailed in the next section. Note that for a 2 player game you will require TWO machines linked with a null-modem cable, consult the section named
`Overdrive 2 Player Game' for further information.
The default selection is ARCADE.
SOUND - Select from Music, Music and Sound Effects or Sound Effects Only.
EXIT - Quit back to the Main Menu.
OVERDRIVE GAME MODES EXPLAINED
This is the main single player arcade style challenge that the game is based around. It offers you a selection of race scenarios to choose from as you progress through the games ranks. In order to have the final `race-off' against the demon driver, you must achieve the games top-rank - and that means some pretty serious driving! You are given an amount of cash to start the game and it costs money to enter each race, but the harder the race, the better the prize!
Prior to the race you will have the chance to qualify and aim for a better grid position 3 timed laps - which also acts as an aid to learning the circuit, or you can jump straight into the race starting at the back of the grid.
You can improve your vehicles by picking up various parts during the game... including wheels, spanners and fuel; these increase your car's handling and performance in subsequent races. The game will keep a track of any modified vehicles during play, as you can drive any of the four vehicles in any given race. Other pick-ups are in the form of extra cash, turbo pads etc are also littered on the tracks.
You continue racing until your cash runs out or you are last in 3 different races. Notice that in some races, you must WIN (i.e. be first) to continue and others, notably the easier tracks, you have to avoid finishing last to continue.
Races consist of a vehicle type, any one of five terrain's and is against 2 of the 8 drivers, consult the character info section for details about them.
From all of the above, a difficulty rating is obtained and this, in turn, affects both the entry cost and the prize money. The game will allow a skilled driver to quickly skip through to more difficult races and rapidly climb the ratings scale, whilst a novice can take more time on the lower levels gradually building up confidence on easier races.
When you finally enter the `Overdrive Race-Off' against the demon driver, it can be on any one of a number of specially configured `demon tracks'
So there are a number of different endings to the game.
You should find that the game offers you a slightly different menu of race options each time you play, making for a longer-lasting game.
Note that the best lap times are recorded for each race scenario and are saved with the DISK option on the Main Menu.
In this mode, you are able to custom design your car, track and what opponents to race against. It is a non-scoring game but it does allow vital practice.
This is a form of practice that sees you up against the clock only. You can select one of twenty configured trials with the aim of beating the best lap/race time. This option is for those wishing to practice their driving skills and compete at the same time. The lap/race times in this mode are kept and saved for future records, they can also be reset if desired.
To save the updated lap/race times, use the DISK option on the main menu and select save.
This configures the game into 2 player link mode where you race against human opposition on another Amiga! Follow the on-screen instructions when linking machines and consult the main `Overdrive 2 Player Game' section later in this text.
In 2 player mode, you can select the race set-up from the options and set the number of laps. The game will keep track of the scoring between players. On screen, the other players car is shown in blue and no computer cars will be on the track.
This menu is used for saving and reloading high-scores and the best laps/race times in the TRIALS game-mode. All saving is automatic, simply follow the on-screen instructions.
On screen you will notice the following; The main track display in the top 90% of the screen, with you car, the RED one in the middle. The track scanner in the bottom middle of the screen, which warns of up and coming road-patterns. The cross-hair is your current location. You may or may not wish to use the scanner depending on your control skill, but we recommend glancing down when you are on straights and not when driving around a bend! The bottom right will show you the following information; Current LAP time in mins, secs, 100th`s.sec. Record LAP time.
The bottom left has indicators for Revs, Speed, Turbo, Fuel and also the number of laps remaining. Fuel gradually runs out although you will have sufficient for most races - extra fuel can be picked up on some circuits. No fuel means no speed, which in turn means GAME OVER!
A lot of effort has gone into the control method behind Overdrive, we have tried to optimise the digital joystick input and real-car mechanics to produce a handling-feel that suits the game perfectly. It means that its not simply a case of flying around the track like a maniac, the game requires a lot of skill and crisp handling if you are to succeed.
As a result, the control instructions on joystick are as follows;
Fire Button - Accelerate (Let go to decelerate)
Joystick Back - Brake
Joystick Left - Steer Left
Joystick Right- Steer Right
The important thing to notice during play is that when turning a corner and accelerating (holding the fire button down), your car will slide and skid in a wide arc, making it difficult to control. If you let go of the button for a short period, this enables more overall car control and you will find that you are able to turn more easily if a little slower. You will find that it will take some practice to complete circuits at full speed - but in order to achieve impressive lap-times you will have to put the work in!
The handling may feel a little strange at first but you will find that in a few minutes it becomes second nature and then its just a matter of making sure you follow the best racing line for the current track.
There is also support for the LOGIC FREEWHEEL analogue steering wheel, plug this into gameport 1, where the mouse usually is. The left button is the accelerator, the right is the brake.
A Sega Megadrive Joypad (or compatible) is also supported, button B is accelerate, C is brake. All Sega trademarks are acknowledged.
On the tracks you will find oil, water spills, bumps, hills and all manner of obstacles that cause havoc in your quest for a perfect lap.
You'll also be able to pick up bonus cash and other items which will improve your chances in subsequent races. Look out for wheels, spanners and fuel cans especially.
There are four distinct types of vehicle in Overdrive;
This ground-hugging race machine loves the track and hates the rest of the ground! You'll find the speed amazing and the acceleration incredible. GP cars are terrible on dirt and sand, skidding and spinning uncontrollably, slowing to a stop. The GP cars are available on GP circuits, City circuits and the Icy circuits. The GP car is more at home on a GP circuit.
This hybrid super sports car is not unlike the GP car in performance but it does tend to slide on fast corners. It doesn't mind the dirt
quite as much, but try and stick to the road! This car is quite versatile on the GP, City and Icy circuits.
This powerful vehicle is able to bump `n bounce its way over most terrain's, having a slower top speed but more agile over rough ground. Its most at home on its own 4x4 arena although it handles well on the GP, city and icy tracks.
This nippy little buggy will surprise everyone with its turn of speed and versatility. At home on the desert tracks, you'll also find it in the 4x4 arena as well as the city circuits.
In Overdrive, you'll find yourself racing over five different terrain types which are as follows; each one has an effect which depends
upon the car driven on it.
These are fast, smooth tracks where speed is optimum. GP circuits are best raced via the optimum `racing-line'. You'll find few bumps and obstacles in your way, but expect a fast paced race from start to finish.
Another fast, twisty track with good surfaces and few obstacles. The racing-line isn't quite as important as with the GP circuits and therefore a little easier.
The road is fast but very icy, making turning very hazardous. Speed freaks beware on these circuits. Watch out for rocks in the road!
This bumpy, dusty road is ideal stomping ground for the buggies and 4x4`s. Expect all manner of obstacles in the way.
A soft dust 4x4 indoor arena full of bumps and twist, ideal for the pacey buggies and 4x4 monsters. Don't expect to find a GP or sportscar on here though!
Eight different drivers to face in the arcade game, seven of which will pit their wits against you and the last will only be revealed if you manage to attain top rank and qualify for the Overdrive `Race-Off'.
NAME CHARACTERISTICS
Burt - Very slow driver easy to beat
Lana - Slow but accurate, relatively easy
Dan - Composed, always has good lap-times
Mad H - Completely unpredictable!
Slick - The gentleman with high skills
The Prof- Very good though he relaxes if in front
Sheik - Excellent driver putting in superb lap-times
?????? - Only the best will win this duel....
The Overdrive 2 player game is played with two Amigas linked up via a NULL MODEM CABLE. The cable is available from all good suppliers but if you are unable to locate one, call our helpline number (Uk 0924 201846 during normal office hours) and they will be happy to inform you of a source.
The game will guide you through the link up stages and then go into the game proper. Both players will appear as the RED car on their machine, the other player appearing as blue, we recommend that the monitors are facing
opposite directions if at all possible.
The game keeps a score of races won and offers the option to re-race the previous track or select a new scenario. Exiting to the Main Menu will disconnect the link-up and return the Amiga to normal mode.
