Genre: Compilation (Racing and Word Puzzle)
Developer: Philips
Publisher: Philips
Year: 1978
Platform: Philips Videopac / Magnavox Odyssey²
Description:
“01: Race/Spin-Out/Cryptogram” is the inaugural cartridge in the official Philips Videopac game lineup, also distributed in the United States under the name “Speedway / Spin-Out / Cryptologic” for the Magnavox Odyssey². This compilation includes three distinct games:
- Race: A single-player vertically scrolling racing game where the player controls an orange car on an infinite straight road. The player accelerates, decelerates, and moves laterally to avoid colliding with bouncing white cars. Points are accumulated based on driving speed, with a two-minute time limit per session. Collisions or stopping completely result in losing time and the car being run over.
- Spin-Out: A two-player top-down racing game where competitors race around a looped track. Players control their cars by moving in the desired direction and accelerate with the joystick button. The game features time penalties for crashing into walls or spinning out when hit by opponents. The winner is the first to complete either three or fifteen laps, depending on the selected mode. Four difficulty levels introduce varying complexities via additional obstacles.
- Cryptogram: A two-player word puzzle where the first player enters a message up to fourteen characters long, which the game then scrambles. The second player attempts to unscramble the word one letter at a time, with the game indicating incorrect guesses. The player’s score is affected by the number of mistakes, making it a playful yet educational challenge reminiscent of hangman.
The compilation was praised for showcasing the Videopac/Odyssey²’s capabilities with its diverse gameplay styles, friendly for arcade enthusiasts and educational purposes. The racing games offer addictive competitive play, particularly Spin-Out’s multiplayer mode, while Cryptogram serves as a simple yet engaging spelling and decoding game suitable for all ages.
