Route-16

Route-16 is a video game in the action genre developed by Sun Electronics Corp. and published by Centuri, Inc. originally released in 1981. It is currently playable on Arcade.

Arcade games have come a long way since days, games like Pong and Space Invaders dominated the market, but as the technology evolved, so did the gameplay. One of the games that marked this evolution was Route-16, released in 1981 by the Japanese company Sun Electronics. It was a top-down, maze-based action game that quickly became a hit among arcade-goers.

The concept of Route-16 was simple but addictive. The player controlled a car in a maze-like cityscape and had to collect all the scattered yellow dots to advance to the next level. However, it wasn't as easy as it sounds. The player had to be careful of other cars that roamed the streets, trying to crash into the player's car. The car could also be damaged by hitting walls or other obstacles, making the gameplay fast-paced and challenging.

What made Route-16 stand out from other arcade games at the time was its unique maze design. The maze was not static, but it changed with each level, becoming more complex and intense. This meant that players had to constantly adapt and strategize to successfully navigate through the levels. The game also featured a radar system that showed the player's position in the maze, giving them a sense of direction and a way to plan their route.

In addition to the maze, the game's graphics were also a significant selling point. The bright and vibrant colors, coupled with the detailed cityscape, made for an immersive and visually appealing experience. Some arcade enthusiasts even argue that the graphics of Route-16 were ahead of its time, paving the way for future games with similar design elements.

Route-16 was also one of the first arcade games to feature a bonus round. After completing a set number of levels, players were given the chance to enter a bonus round, where they could collect additional points and power-ups. This added an extra layer of excitement to the game, keeping players engaged and wanting to come back for more.

The success of Route-16 led to multiple ports on different platforms, including the Atari 2600, MSX, and Commodore 64. The game was also rebranded as "Route 16 Turbo" in the United States, featuring improved graphics and gameplay, further solidifying its place in arcade history.

Even after 40 years, Route-16 remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its simple yet challenging gameplay, unique maze design, and vibrant graphics have stood the test of time. It may not be as well-known as some of its counterparts, but it undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the arcade gaming industry and paved the way for future maze-based games. So, the next time you come across an old-school arcade machine, don't hesitate to give Route-16 a try and experience the thrill of navigating through a changing maze while avoiding cars and obstacles. Who knows, you might just become addicted to this retro gem.

It is possible that we have multiple downloads available when different versions exist.