Pitstop 2 is a classic game by Epyx for the C64. I have many fond memories of first playing it on my Uncle's ancient C64 on an old black and white television. The gameplay is on the surface a simple racing game, but there's more to it than just how fast you can go.
You start by selecting one or two racers, and then you select your track. There are six tracks total to choose from, each with their own unique challenges. These tracks are modeled on real world race courses.
The choices are Brands Hatch in Framingham, England, Hockenheim circuit in Germany, the Rouen les Essarts in France, Vallelunga in Rome Italy and two from the USA, Watkins Glen in New York State and Sebring in Florida. After choosing one of these courses (or all as part of the "Grand Circut), you're ready to race. You can also set the number of laps in increments up to nine, and your level of difficulty.
The display is a standard split screen with player one on the top half, player 2 on the bottom. Graphics aren't bad for 1984 and the car handling is rather realistic for a simple racing game. The controls are simple, with the fire button on the joystick providing some much needed extra acceleration.
As
you race throughout the course, there are computer controlled opponents in various colors that can and will impede your progress. Some will cut you off, others simply sit by the wayside and let you pass. Watch the sides of the track however, and watch the colors on your tires.
This is where Pitstop is different from other games of the period. Your tires change color depending on how much damage and use they've been put through. Hitting other cars or the edge of the track damages your tires, as does just racing in general. If your tire blows out on the race course, there are no second chances here! The other thing to watch is your fuel, which, as expected, is burned throughout the race and disappears the faster you go.
When your fuel is low or your tires are getting ready to pop, you then enter the Pitstop. This area is to the left of the track just after the start/finish line. The fun part about this Pitstop is you control your pit crew. There's a little steering wheel icon you control with the joystick to select either the fuel or tire man. The fuel guy can pump on his own while the tire guys dies his work, but if you leave the fuel guy too long, the tank overflows and he has to start from the beginning again, wasting precious minutes.
Overall, Pitstop 2 is a very enjoyable game, and one that has a lot of great memories for me. You won't be disappointed.
